Homemade Fudgy Salted Caramel Brownie Bites: The Ultimate Easy Recipe
There’s something uniquely satisfying about a dessert that’s both rich and bite-sized. These homemade fudgy brownie bites, generously filled with a simple two-ingredient caramel and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, are precisely that. They embody the perfect blend of decadent chocolate, gooey caramel, and a hint of savory salt, creating an irresistible treat. Whether you’re planning for a potluck, a party, or simply craving a delightful mini dessert, these Salted Caramel Brownie Bites are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and often the first to disappear from the dessert table.
Brownie bites offer all the rich, fudgy goodness of a classic brownie but in an effortlessly portable and charming form. Their compact size makes them ideal for grabbing on the go, making them a favorite at any gathering. This recipe elevates the traditional brownie bite with a luscious caramel center and a touch of sea salt, transforming a simple treat into something truly special. The contrast of sweet and salty, combined with the deep chocolate flavor, creates a harmonious balance that will have everyone reaching for more.
The addition of sea salt isn’t just for flavor; it also adds a beautiful visual texture to these tiny delights. While you could certainly enjoy them without it, that delicate pinch of sea salt on each bite truly enhances the overall experience, cutting through the sweetness and adding a sophisticated edge. Once you try them, you’ll understand why this simple touch makes all the difference.
Why You’ll Adore These Salted Caramel Brownie Bites
These mini treats aren’t just delicious; they’re incredibly versatile and perfect for a multitude of occasions. Here’s why these Salted Caramel Brownie Bites will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire:
- Perfectly Portable: Their bite-sized nature makes them ideal for sharing at potlucks, picnics, parties, or simply packing into lunchboxes for a sweet surprise. No need for plates or forks!
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: The deep, rich chocolate of the fudgy brownie pairs exquisitely with the creamy, sweet caramel. The sprinkle of sea salt adds a crucial counterpoint, enhancing both the chocolate and caramel flavors for a truly balanced and addictive taste.
- Effortlessly Elegant: Despite looking impressive and sophisticated, these brownie bites are surprisingly easy to make. The two-ingredient caramel filling simplifies the process, allowing you to create a gourmet-looking dessert without extensive effort.
- Guaranteed Fudgy Texture: The recipe is designed to produce consistently fudgy and chewy brownies, a texture beloved by all brownie enthusiasts. They’re dense, moist, and utterly melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Crowd-Pleaser: From kids to adults, everyone loves a good brownie, and when you add caramel and sea salt in a convenient mini form, you have a dessert that appeals to all ages and tastes.
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting these delectable salted caramel brownie bites requires a selection of readily available ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital for creating the perfect bite:
- Butter: For the richest flavor and fudgiest texture, unsalted butter is recommended as it allows you to control the overall saltiness of your brownies. However, if you only have salted butter on hand, simply reduce the amount of added salt in the brownie batter to a tiny pinch to prevent them from becoming too salty.
- Granulated Sugar: This provides the primary sweetness for the brownie base. Beyond its sweetening properties, sugar also contributes to the moistness and chewiness of the brownies, giving them that desired fudgy consistency.
- Eggs: Eggs are crucial for structure, moisture, and richness. They bind the ingredients together, creating a stable emulsion, and contribute to the brownies’ luscious texture. Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, leading to a more even bake.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract is a powerful flavor enhancer, complementing the chocolate and adding a warm, aromatic depth to the brownies. Always opt for pure vanilla for the best and most authentic flavor profile.
- All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of our brownies. When measuring flour, always remember to spoon and level it into your measuring cup rather than scooping directly from the bag. This technique prevents over-measuring, which can lead to dense, dry brownies instead of the desired fudgy result.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This is where the deep, intense chocolate flavor comes from. Using unsweetened cocoa ensures that the brownies are rich and dark without being overly sweet. Both natural and Dutch-processed cocoa powder can be used, though Dutch-processed often yields a darker color and milder chocolate flavor.
- Salt: A small amount of salt is essential for balancing the sweetness of the batter and significantly enhancing the complex flavors of the cocoa powder. It brightens the overall taste and prevents the brownies from tasting flat.
- Caramel Candies: The star of our filling! For the best gooey, soft caramel center, it’s imperative to use soft caramel candies. Hard caramels will not melt down to the same smooth consistency. Brands like Kraft soft caramel candies are an excellent and reliable choice.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient is blended with the caramel candies to create a smooth, pourable, and ultimately softer filling that won’t become too hard once cooled. If heavy cream or heavy whipping cream isn’t available, whole milk can be used as a substitute, though the caramel might be slightly less rich.
How to Make Salted Caramel Brownie Bites
Crafting these delightful Salted Caramel Brownie Bites is a straightforward process, broken down into making the brownie base and then the luscious caramel filling. Follow these steps for a perfect batch:
1. Prepare the Fudgy Brownie Base
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and generously greasing a 24-count mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step ensures your brownie bites release cleanly after baking. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Next, incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. For the dry ingredients—flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt—I highly recommend sifting them into the wet mixture. Sifting helps to remove any lumps, ensuring a smooth, uniform brownie batter without overmixing. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tougher brownies.
2. Bake and Shape the Bites
Once your batter is ready, evenly distribute it among all 24 greased mini muffin cavities. Bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, indicating a fudgy interior without being raw. As soon as the mini brownies emerge from the oven, quickly but gently press down on the center of each one using the bottom of a measuring teaspoon. This creates a perfect little well for your caramel filling. Transfer the entire muffin pan to a wire rack and allow the brownie bites to cool completely in the pan for at least 45 minutes before attempting to remove them. This prevents them from crumbling and helps them hold their shape.
3. Create the Easy Caramel Filling
While the brownie bites are cooling, prepare your simple two-ingredient caramel filling. Unwrap your soft caramel candies and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with the heavy cream. Microwave the mixture in short 20 to 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each one, until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and uniform. Take care not to overheat the caramel. Once smooth, carefully spoon the warm caramel filling into the indentations of each cooled brownie bite, using about 1 teaspoon per bite. Allow the filled brownie bites to set for at least 15 to 20 minutes; this allows the caramel to firm up slightly, making them easier to handle and preventing a sticky mess. Just before serving, sprinkle each brownie bite with a delicate pinch of flaky sea salt for that perfect sweet and salty finish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Prep These in Advance?
Absolutely! The brownie bites can be baked 1 to 2 days ahead of time. Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. On the day you plan to serve them, prepare the caramel filling and fill the brownie bites. This helps to keep the caramel fresh and at its best texture, preventing it from drying out or becoming too hard if stored for too long with the brownies.
Can I Freeze Brownie Bites?
Yes, you can freeze these mini brownies, though I recommend doing so before adding the caramel filling. Bake the mini brownies as directed, let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the brownies at room temperature and then prepare and add the caramel filling just before serving. While it’s possible to freeze them with the caramel, the texture of the caramel may change slightly upon thawing.
What if my caramel filling is too hard or too runny?
If your caramel filling becomes too hard after cooling, it likely means it was either microwaved for too long, or not enough heavy cream was used. You can try gently reheating it in very short bursts in the microwave with an additional ½ to 1 teaspoon of heavy cream, stirring well until it reaches the desired consistency. If it’s too runny, it might need a bit more time to set. Placing the filled brownie bites in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes can help the caramel firm up more quickly.
Expert Tips for Perfect Brownie Bites Every Time
- Create Perfect Wells: To ensure a clean, perfect indentation in the center of each brownie for your caramel filling, use the bottom of a measuring teaspoon and firmly press it down as soon as the brownies come out of the oven. This method also helps you visualize and measure out the exact amount of caramel needed for each bite.
- Don’t Skip the Sea Salt: While technically optional, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the finished brownie bites is highly, highly recommended. It’s a game-changer, cutting through the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate to elevate the entire flavor profile.
- Soft Caramels are Key: This recipe specifically calls for soft caramel candies for the filling. Do not attempt to use hard caramel candies, as they will not melt down to the desired smooth, gooey consistency required for this easy two-ingredient filling. Kraft soft caramels are a fantastic choice.
- Grease Generously: Always make sure to grease your mini muffin pan very generously with nonstick cooking spray. Brownies can be sticky, and proper greasing is essential to prevent them from adhering to the pan, ensuring they pop out easily and perfectly intact.
- Avoid Overbaking: For truly fudgy brownie bites, it’s crucial not to overbake them. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not completely clean, to guarantee that rich, gooey center.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the brownie batter, ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify more effectively with the butter and sugar, resulting in a smoother batter and a more even-textured brownie.
Explore More Decadent Brownie Recipes to Try!
If you’re a fan of rich, fudgy brownies, you’re in for a treat with these other incredible recipes that bring a unique twist to a classic dessert:
- Cheesecake Brownies – A delightful fusion of creamy cheesecake swirls baked into a decadent brownie base.
- Classic Homemade Brownies – Master the art of the perfect fudgy brownie with this timeless, go-to recipe.
- Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies – A fruity and tangy twist on the cheesecake brownie, featuring bright raspberry notes.
- Fudgy Peanut Butter Cup Brownies – Indulge in the ultimate combination of chocolate and peanut butter with these rich, candy-filled brownies.
- Brownie Ice Cream Pie – A perfect chilled dessert featuring a fudgy brownie crust, creamy ice cream, and chocolatey goodness.
Salted Caramel Brownie Bites
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Ingredients
For the brownie bites:
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter , melted and slightly cooled
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (65 grams) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1/2 cup (45 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the caramel filling:
- 20 soft caramel candies , unwrapped (e.g., Kraft)
- 3 tablespoons (45 ml) heavy cream
Optional:
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
To make the brownie bites:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly spray a 24-count mini muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray, ensuring all cavities are well-greased, then set it aside.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined and smooth. Stir in the room temperature eggs and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Sift in the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Mix gently until the dry ingredients are just combined with the wet, being careful not to overmix.
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Evenly distribute the brownie batter among all 24 mini muffin cavities. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a brownie comes out with only a few moist crumbs attached. Immediately upon removing from the oven, gently press the center of each brownie down with the bottom of a measuring teaspoon to create a small indentation. Transfer the pan to a wire rack and allow the brownie bites to cool completely in the pan for at least 45 minutes before proceeding.
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Once cooled, carefully remove the brownie bites from the muffin pan and place them back onto the wire rack.
To make the caramel filling:
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Combine the unwrapped soft caramel candies and heavy cream in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20 to 30-second increments, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the caramel is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Evenly distribute approximately 1 teaspoon of the warm caramel into each indentation on the cooled brownie bites.
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Allow the filled brownie bites to cool and set for at least 15 to 20 minutes so the caramel can firm up. Once set, top with flaky sea salt as desired right before serving for that perfect sweet and salty balance.
Notes
To Prepare Ahead of Time: You can bake the brownie bites 1 to 2 days in advance. Once baked and completely cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. On the day you plan to serve, prepare the easy caramel filling and fill the cooled brownie bites. This ensures the caramel remains perfectly fresh.
Freezing Instructions: Brownie bites freeze exceptionally well without the caramel filling. After baking, allow them to cool completely. Freeze them in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw to room temperature, then prepare and add the caramel filling on the day you plan to serve them. Freezing with the caramel is possible, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing.
Butter: For optimal flavor control, unsalted butter is recommended. If you use salted butter, remember to reduce the salt in the brownie batter from 1/4 teaspoon to just a tiny pinch.
Caramels: It is crucial to use soft caramel candies for the filling to achieve the desired smooth and gooey consistency. Kraft soft caramels are a highly recommended choice for their consistent melting.
Heavy Cream: Milk can be substituted for heavy cream in the caramel filling if needed. Note that the caramel’s richness might be slightly affected.