Save These Salted Caramel Brownie Bites are my go-to treat whenever I want something irresistibly chocolatey with a gooey caramel surprise. They blend deep cocoa flavor with buttery caramel in bite-sized portions—impossible to eat just one. These have impressed both kids at birthday parties and adults at fancy gatherings.
I remember the first time I made these brownie bites for a family movie night. By the end of the film the entire tray had vanished and everyone wanted the recipe.
Ingredients
- unsalted butter: provides rich flavor and helps create that dense fudgy brownie texture use high-quality butter for best results
- bittersweet chocolate: balances the sweetness and adds deep cocoa notes choose a bar and chop it instead of using chips for smoother melting
- granulated sugar: sweetens and gives a shiny crackly brownie top
- large eggs: keep the brownies tender and bind everything together
- vanilla extract: brings out the chocolate flavor select pure vanilla for a richer aroma
- all-purpose flour: just enough for structure without making the brownies cakey measure with a spoon and level method
- cocoa powder: adds even more chocolate intensity use Dutch process for the deepest taste
- baking powder: gives just a subtle lift for that ideal bite
- fine sea salt: boosts flavors throughout
- soft caramel candies: melt into gooey pools inside each brownie use fresh caramels for best texture
- flaky sea salt: for topping delivers the signature salted caramel punch do not skip this final touch
Instructions
- Melt the Butter and Chocolate:
- Gently melt chopped bittersweet chocolate with unsalted butter in a heatproof bowl set over a simmering saucepan of water. Stir until everything looks smooth and glossy. This base is crucial for glossy, fudgy brownies.
- Whisk the Sugar and Eggs:
- While your butter chocolate mixture cools slightly vigorously whisk together granulated sugar and eggs until the mix looks thick and pale. This step gives you those signature brownie crackles on top.
- Combine and Add Dry Ingredients:
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture into your egg and sugar mixture. Stir in vanilla extract. Sift all-purpose flour cocoa powder baking powder and fine sea salt directly over the bowl. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix which keeps your brownie bites soft.
- Fill and Add Caramel:
- Spoon brownie batter into a lined mini muffin tin filling each well about halfway. Gently press a whole caramel candy into the center of each cup and then cover with a bit more batter. If you want big caramel pools make sure the caramel is fully covered.
- Bake and Finish:
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about twelve to fifteen minutes. Once the tops are set and edges pull away slightly from the sides remove the brownies. Quickly sprinkle each with flaky sea salt while still warm so it sticks well to the tops.
- Cool and Remove:
- Allow the brownie bites to cool in the tin for at least ten minutes before easing them out. The caramel will be molten at first but sets up as the bites cool. Resist the urge to remove them immediately for the best shape and texture.
Save Salted caramel is my absolute favorite part. The way flaky salt teases out the flavor of buttery caramel feels magical every time. These bites have become our family's signature for every celebration—my daughter even requests them as her birthday cake.
Storage Tips
Store cooled brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage pop them in the refrigerator but bring to room temp before serving for the best texture. They also freeze well—simply layer them between parchment and store for up to two months.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use semi-sweet chocolate in place of bittersweet for a sweeter result. Swap out the caramel candies with spoonfuls of store-bought or homemade dulce de leche for a swirl effect. If you need a gluten-free version try a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend but check the batter consistency as some blends absorb more liquid.
Serving Suggestions
Pile these on a rustic wood board for parties or box them up as edible gifts with a sprinkle of extra sea salt. They make an incredible sundae topper when crumbled over vanilla ice cream drizzled with more caramel sauce. For special occasions stack them in a pyramid and glaze with dark chocolate.
Cultural and Historical Context
Brownies have been a classic American treat since the early twentieth century but the salty caramel twist is a more modern invention inspired by French salted butter caramel. Elevating brownies into bite-sized pieces combines tradition with that gourmet bakery vibe I can never resist during dessert runs.
Seasonal Adaptations
add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the batter for fall flair swap in peppermint extract at the holidays for a chocolate mint variation use pastel sprinkles or colored salt around Easter or spring parties
Success Stories
A neighbor once emailed me for this recipe after her son tried them at our block party. These were also a hit when I brought them to a winter potluck and the entire tray cleared out before main dishes even hit the table.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Brownie bites freeze and thaw beautifully making them ideal for parties or lunchbox treats. Simply bake as directed cool completely and store in zip bags in single layers. To serve thaw at room temperature for about thirty minutes or warm individually in the microwave for a gooey center.
Save Bake, cool, and enjoy every gooey, chocolaty bite. These treats guarantee smiles for every occasion.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of chocolate works best?
High-quality bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate creates a rich, fudgy texture and deep flavor for brownie bites.
- → How do I prevent caramel from leaking out?
Seal the brownie batter around caramel pieces tightly before baking to keep centers gooey and contained.
- → Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes, soft caramel candies or quality jarred caramel work well for this bite-sized treat.
- → What’s the best way to add salt?
Sprinkle flaky sea salt atop warm brownie bites after baking for optimal flavor infusion and contrast.
- → How should I serve brownie bites?
Present them at room temperature or slightly warmed. Arrange on trays for easy snacking at parties or gatherings.