Salted Caramel Brownie Bites
Who can resist the allure of rich, fudgy brownies topped with gooey salted caramel? These Salted Caramel Brownie Bites are the perfect blend of flavors and textures, making them an irresistible treat for any chocolate lover. Each bite-sized morsel is a celebration of indulgence, with a deliciously soft brownie base and a luscious caramel center that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these brownie bites are sure to impress!
Why Cooks Rave About It
Cooks rave about Salted Caramel Brownie Bites for several reasons. First, they are incredibly easy to make and require minimal ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Second, the combination of chocolate and caramel is a classic that never goes out of style. The rich, fudgy brownie texture perfectly complements the sweet and salty caramel, creating a delightful balance that keeps everyone coming back for more. Lastly, these bites are perfectly portioned, making them ideal for sharing or for satisfying a late-night sweet tooth without overindulging.
What to Buy
Before you dive into making these decadent brownie bites, here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter – Cut into tablespoon-sized pieces for easy melting.
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips – Provides that rich chocolate flavor.
- 1/2 cup natural cocoa powder – Enhances the chocolatey goodness.
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee grounds – Intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar – Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar – Balances the flavors.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 large egg yolk – Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Forms the base of the brownies.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Helps to achieve the right texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Adds a little lift to the brownies.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
- 35 unwrapped caramels – The star of the show, creating that gooey center.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – Ensures the caramel is smooth and pourable.
- Fine sea salt – For sprinkling on top to accentuate the flavors.
Gear Checklist
Before you start baking, gather the following gear to make the process smooth:
- Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients.
- Whisk – For mixing the batter and ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Spatula – Perfect for folding in ingredients and scraping down the sides of the bowl.
- 9×9 inch baking pan – The ideal size for these brownie bites.
- Parchment paper – To line the baking pan for easy removal.
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl – For melting chocolate and butter together.
Salted Caramel Brownie Bites Made Stepwise
Making Salted Caramel Brownie Bites is a fun and rewarding process. Follow these steps for a successful bake:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and semisweet chocolate chips. Melt them together until smooth, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the natural cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Step 4: Mix the Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the sugars, and mix until well combined.
Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the large eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture. Whisk until everything is well incorporated.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
Step 7: Prepare the Caramel
In a saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Heat over low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.
Step 8: Assemble the Brownie Bites
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Drizzle the caramel mixture over the batter, then top with the remaining brownie batter. Use a knife to swirl the caramel into the brownie batter for a marbled effect.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with fine sea salt before serving.
Season-by-Season Upgrades
To keep your Salted Caramel Brownie Bites fresh and exciting, consider these seasonal upgrades:
- Spring: Add a swirl of raspberry puree to the caramel for a fruity twist.
- Summer: Top with fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
- Fall: Incorporate pumpkin spice into the batter for a seasonal flavor boost.
- Winter: Add a hint of peppermint extract to the batter for a festive touch.
Watch Outs & How to Fix
While making Salted Caramel Brownie Bites, keep these tips in mind to avoid common pitfalls:
- Overmixing: Be gentle when combining the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Undercooked Center: If the brownies seem undercooked when you check with a toothpick, bake them for an additional 2-3 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Caramel Hardening: If your caramel cools and hardens too much, simply reheat it gently to make it pourable again.
- Sticky Brownies: If they stick to the pan, ensure you properly line it with parchment paper and let them cool completely before slicing.
Save It for Later
These Salted Caramel Brownie Bites can easily be stored for later enjoyment. Here’s how:
Once cooled, store the brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before enjoying, or warm them slightly in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that gooey caramel goodness!
Top Questions & Answers
Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet chocolate chips?
Yes, dark chocolate will work well and provide a richer flavor profile. Just keep in mind that it may alter the sweetness of the brownies slightly.
What can I use instead of heavy cream for the caramel?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or evaporated milk for a different flavor profile, but the texture may vary slightly.
Can I make these brownie bites gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll still achieve delicious results.
How do I ensure my caramel stays soft?
Make sure to use a good ratio of caramel to cream when heating. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little more cream to achieve the desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
These Salted Caramel Brownie Bites are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful experience packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re indulging on your own or sharing with friends and family, these bites will surely be a hit. The rich chocolate combined with the gooey caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt creates a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more. So grab your ingredients, gather your gear, and get ready to whip up a batch of these heavenly treats!
Salted Caramel Brownie Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
- In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and semisweet chocolate chips. Melt them together until smooth, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the natural cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar and granulated sugar. Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the sugars, and mix until well combined.
- Add the large eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture. Whisk until everything is well incorporated.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
- In a saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream. Heat over low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Drizzle the caramel mixture over the batter, then top with the remaining brownie batter. Use a knife to swirl the caramel into the brownie batter for a marbled effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully lift them out using the parchment paper and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut them into bite-sized pieces and sprinkle with fine sea salt before serving.
Notes
- Store brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Let frozen brownie bites come to room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave before enjoying.
