Decadent Double Chocolate Caramel Brownies: Your Ultimate Guide to Fudgy Perfection
Prepare yourself for an irresistible treat: these Double Chocolate Caramel Brownies are a symphony of rich chocolate and gooey caramel. Crafted with a convenient devil’s food chocolate cake mix, they boast a luscious center filled with semi-sweet chocolate chips and molten caramel. This recipe is an absolute must-make for anyone who adores the classic pairing of chocolate and caramel, promising a dessert that’s both easy to achieve and utterly unforgettable.
There’s something incredibly special about holding a beloved recipe that has been passed down through generations or shared by dear friends. This particular caramel brownie recipe is one I’ve cherished in my old recipe card box for what feels like an eternity. For those who might wonder, “Are recipe card boxes still a thing?” – I say, absolutely! And if you don’t have one, I truly believe you should consider starting. My collection is filled with treasures: handwritten cards from my mom, my grandmas, and friends from years past, each carrying not just ingredients but a piece of history and love. These aren’t just instructions; they’re tangible memories, often smudged with flour or stained with a splash of vanilla, telling stories of countless happy baking sessions.
Beyond the family heirlooms, my box holds eclectic finds – recipes meticulously snipped from old newspapers, and even some scribbled in my own ever-evolving handwriting. It’s a culinary diary, reflecting different phases and discoveries. I even have a truly unique gem: a recipe for snow ice cream, penned by my first-grade teacher on carbon copy paper. For those scratching their heads at the mention of carbon copy, let’s just say it’s a nostalgic nod to a time before digital prints, a clear sign you might be a tad younger than me!
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When it comes to homemade treats, few things disappear from the kitchen counter as quickly as brownies. While I love to bake a variety of sweets, my family sometimes gets so accustomed to a constant supply that new creations don’t always generate the same excitement. Friends often joke, “I’d weigh a million pounds if I lived in your house!” because they’re amazed at how much I bake seems to just… sit there. But brownies? Ah, brownies are a different story. They possess a universal appeal that ensures they are always devoured. There’s something inherently comforting and satisfying about a rich, fudgy brownie that makes it an instant hit, every single time. It’s a good thing I always have the option to send platters of baked goods to my husband’s office or share a sweet moment with a busy friend or family member. However, the one dessert I never have to worry about vanishing? You guessed it – brownies. They are simply too good to last. In fact, I have several different tried-and-true brownie recipes proudly featured on my blog, each offering a unique twist on this beloved classic.
The appeal of a brownie lies in its versatility and pure indulgence. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a square of happiness that can be dense and fudgy, light and cakey, or loaded with various mix-ins and toppings. From a simple classic to an elaborate creation, brownies consistently deliver satisfaction. This particular recipe takes that satisfaction to a whole new level with its double chocolate intensity and gooey caramel center, guaranteeing it will be a crowd-pleaser and a fast favorite in your home too. Its simplicity, starting with a cake mix, makes it approachable for bakers of all skill levels, ensuring that even on a busy day, you can whip up a batch of these extraordinary treats.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply craving something sweet, brownies are always the answer. They travel well, are easy to share, and their rich flavor profile means a small piece often feels incredibly decadent. This recipe for Double Chocolate Caramel Brownies perfectly encapsulates why this dessert holds such a special place in our hearts – it’s familiar, comforting, and yet excitingly indulgent with every single bite. It’s a guaranteed way to bring smiles to faces and ensure an empty baking pan!
More Than Just Chocolate: Other Not-Your-Average Brownie Recipes to Explore
While these Double Chocolate Caramel Brownies are undeniably amazing, my kitchen is a hub of brownie innovation! If you’re looking to expand your brownie repertoire beyond the classic, or if you simply love exploring new flavor combinations, here are some other fantastic brownie recipes that offer unique twists and exciting tastes:
- Chocolate Cherry Brownies: A delightful blend of sweet and tart, these brownies are packed with juicy cherries.
- Lemon Brownies: Bright, zesty, and surprisingly refreshing, these citrusy brownies are a wonderful departure from traditional chocolate.
- Lunchlady Brownies: A nostalgic taste of childhood, these classic school cafeteria-style brownies are simple, delicious, and deeply comforting.
- Mexican Chocolate Frosted Brownies: Infused with warm spices and a hint of chili, these brownies offer a unique kick that’s both intriguing and satisfying.
- Bacon Salt Brownies: For the adventurous palate, these brownies combine sweet, salty, and smoky flavors for an unforgettable experience.
- Derby Pie Brownies: Inspired by the famous pie, these brownies are rich with chocolate, nuts, and a hint of bourbon (optional, of course!).
I mentioned earlier that this particular Double Chocolate Caramel Brownie recipe has been in my collection for a significant time. However, there was a period where, every time I considered making them, I’d ultimately talk myself out of it. The reason? Pure, unadulterated laziness. Specifically, the dreaded task of unwrapping individual caramels. I don’t know what it is about peeling off those tiny wrappers for a recipe that can transform me into a grumbling two-year-old, but it consistently does! It felt like such a time-consuming and sticky chore that it often deterred me from enjoying these fantastic brownies. Then came the revelation: Kraft Caramel Bits! This discovery was an absolute game-changer, completely eliminating the unwrapping hassle and making caramel-infused baking so much simpler. The only problem? They weren’t always readily available at my local grocery store, which could be frustrating when a caramel craving hit.
But fear not, fellow caramel lovers! I’ve since discovered that Amazon reliably carries Kraft Caramel Bits! This means you can easily stock up on this convenient ingredient and bypass the sticky struggle entirely. Trust me, if you want to make your baking life infinitely easier and ensure these gooey caramel brownies come together effortlessly, grab yourself a bag (or several!) of these fantastic caramel bits online. It saves so much time and effort, making this decadent dessert a joy to prepare, not a chore.
Essential Ingredients for Your Double Chocolate Caramel Brownies
Creating these sensational Double Chocolate Caramel Brownies is surprisingly simple, especially with a few key ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to gather to bake your very own batch of fudgy, gooey perfection:
- Devil’s Food Cake Mix: This is the foundation of our brownies, providing that deep, rich chocolate flavor and contributing to an incredibly fudgy texture.
- Evaporated Milk: Essential for both the brownie batter and achieving that smooth, luscious caramel consistency.
- Eggs: To bind our brownie batter and ensure the perfect structure and moisture.
- Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps create that desirable fudgy density in the brownie base.
- Caramel Bits: The star of our gooey center! These pre-portioned caramels melt down beautifully, eliminating the need for unwrapping.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Enhancing the “double chocolate” aspect, these chips melt into pockets of extra chocolatey goodness within the caramel layer.
The beauty of this recipe starts with a simple box of Devil’s Food Cake mix. While you could opt for a different chocolate cake mix, like German Chocolate, if you prefer a slightly less intense fudginess, I personally gravitate towards Devil’s Food. For me, it’s all about maximizing that rich, decadent chocolate flavor that truly makes these brownies sing. The dark cocoa and moist texture of the Devil’s Food mix are absolutely paramount to achieving the deep, satisfying chocolate base that perfectly complements the sweet, gooey caramel center. It’s the secret to their unparalleled fudgy texture and intense chocolate taste that chocolate lovers crave.
The baking process is thoughtfully layered to achieve the perfect balance of textures and flavors. We begin by mixing the Devil’s Food cake mix with evaporated milk and melted butter, creating a wonderfully rich and fudgy batter. Half of this glorious chocolate batter is then spread into your prepared baking dish and given a quick bake. This initial layer forms the sturdy and intensely chocolatey foundation for our brownies. While that bakes to a partial set, the magical caramel layer comes together on the stovetop. The caramel bits melt slowly with evaporated milk, transforming into a smooth, golden, and incredibly gooey sauce. Once the first brownie layer emerges from the oven, this warm, luscious caramel is poured evenly over the top, creating that irresistible, molten center.
After the caramel layer is perfectly spread, it’s time to add another dimension of chocolate! Semi-sweet chocolate chips are generously sprinkled over the caramel. These chips will soften and melt slightly during the final bake, creating delightful pockets of chocolate that complement the gooey caramel beautifully. Finally, the remaining half of the brownie batter is carefully spread over the chocolate chips and caramel, sealing in the decadent filling. A gentle touch ensures an even top layer before the brownies are returned to the oven to finish baking. This layering technique guarantees that every bite delivers a harmonious blend of rich chocolate fudginess, molten caramel, and tender chocolate chips, making these brownies truly extraordinary. Once baked to perfection, allow them to cool slightly before cutting into squares, letting the caramel set just enough to be wonderfully gooey without being messy.
Don’t those brownies look absolutely divine? The rich chocolate exterior, the visible pockets of melted chocolate chips, and that promise of a gooey caramel core are simply irresistible! These Double Chocolate Caramel Brownies are the perfect grand finale to a week of indulgent treats. This post marks the third and final delicious entry I’ve shared this week as part of Choctoberfest, a celebration dedicated to all things chocolate. Earlier, you might have enjoyed learning how to make my luscious Chocolate Pudding Frosting and the satisfyingly sweet Homemade Twix Bars. I think these Double Chocolate Caramel Brownies round out the week perfectly, offering another fantastic way to satisfy your chocolate cravings, don’t you agree? As a bonus, did you know there were hundreds of dollars in fantastic prizes up for grabs this week too as part of Choctoberfest? Have you entered yet for your chance to win some amazing goodies? Make sure you don’t miss out on those exciting opportunities!
Love Brownies? Discover More Epic Brownie Recipes!
If you’ve fallen in love with these decadent caramel brownies and want to continue your baking adventure, I invite you to explore my curated collection of truly Epic Brownie Recipes. You’ll find a wide array of flavors and styles, ensuring there’s a perfect brownie for every occasion and every craving. From classic fudgy delights to inventive combinations, prepare to be inspired!
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So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, and let’s make some glorious double chocolate caramel brownies that are sure to impress and delight everyone who takes a bite. Happy baking!
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Print Recipe
Double Chocolate Caramel Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 box Devil’s Food Cake mix
- 1/3 cup evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup melted unsalted butter (1 1/2 sticks)
- 1 (12 ounce) package caramel bits
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup evaporated milk (for caramel)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring all surfaces are covered. Set the prepared dish aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the Devil’s Food cake mix, 1/3 cup evaporated milk, and 3/4 cup melted butter. Mix until the batter is smooth and well-combined, with no dry spots remaining. Spread exactly half of this rich batter evenly into the bottom of your prepared 9×13 inch pan.
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Place the pan with the first brownie layer into the preheated oven and bake for 8 minutes. This will create a slightly set base for our caramel layer.
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While the first brownie layer is baking, prepare your gooey caramel filling. In a medium saucepan, combine the 1/3 cup evaporated milk (for caramel) with the entire package of caramel bits. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the caramel bits are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and luscious.
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As soon as the brownies come out of the oven after their initial bake, immediately and carefully pour the hot, melted caramel mixture evenly over the top of the partially baked brownie layer. Next, generously sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips over the warm caramel. Finally, take the remaining brownie batter and carefully dollop it over the chocolate chips and caramel. Gently spread the top layer of batter to cover the caramel and chips, taking care not to disturb the layers too much.
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Return the pan to the oven and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, or until the top layer is set and a toothpick inserted into the brownie (avoiding the caramel layer) comes out with moist crumbs.
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Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is crucial for the caramel to set properly and prevent a messy cut. Once fully cooled, cut into squares and enjoy your decadent Double Chocolate Caramel Brownies!
Nutrition
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