Salted Caramel Brownie Bites are a delightful treat that combines the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with a creamy, sweet caramel filling. Each bite is topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, creating a perfect balance of flavors. These little desserts are not only easy to make but also a great addition to any gathering or a simple afternoon snack.
Why Make This Recipe
If you love the combination of chocolate and caramel, this recipe is perfect for you. The Salted Caramel Brownie Bites are quick to prepare and bake, making them ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers. They are the perfect bite-sized treat that everyone will enjoy, whether it’s for a birthday party, a potluck, or just a cozy night in.
How to Make Salted Caramel Brownie Bites
Ingredients:
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into tablespoon-sized pieces)
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips (100g)
- ½ cup natural cocoa powder (50g)
- ½ teaspoon instant coffee grounds
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar (200g)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (140g)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 35 unwrapped caramels
- ½ cup heavy cream (115ml)
- Fine sea salt (for sprinkling)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and spray a 24-count mini muffin tin with baking spray. Set aside.
- In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine 12 tablespoons of unsalted butter and ½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir well. Microwave for another 15 seconds, stir again, and repeat for 15 seconds until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Stir in ½ cup of natural cocoa powder and ½ teaspoon of instant coffee grounds. Then add 1 cup of packed light brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Mix in 2 large eggs, 1 large egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until everything is blended well. Drop the batter by 1 ½ tablespoon into the prepared mini muffin tin.
- Bake for 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few fudgy crumbs (not wet batter!).
- Immediately after baking, take a rounded teaspoon or tablespoon and press into each brownie bite to make a well. Allow the brownie bites to cool while you prepare your caramel filling.
Caramel Filling:
- In a small saucepan, combine 35 unwrapped caramels and ½ cup of heavy cream over low heat. Stir continuously until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the caramel filling into the well of each brownie bite.
- Allow to cool completely, then sprinkle with fine sea salt.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Brownie Bites
Serve these brownie bites on a platter, warm or at room temperature. You can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert.
How to Store Salted Caramel Brownie Bites
Store any leftover brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
Tips to Make Salted Caramel Brownie Bites
- Make sure to stir the chocolate and butter well while melting to avoid burning.
- To make the caramel filling extra gooey, you can slightly microwave them before adding them to the brownie bites.
- If you don’t have instant coffee grounds, you can leave them out for a purely chocolate flavor.
Variation
You can try adding nuts or chocolate chunks into the brownie batter before baking for an added crunch. You could also use different types of chocolate, like dark chocolate chips, for a richer flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make these brownie bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the brownie bites a day in advance. Just make sure to store them properly.
2. What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or evaporated milk as a substitute, but the filling might not be as rich.
3. Can I freeze Salted Caramel Brownie Bites?
Yes, you can freeze them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Salted Caramel Brownie Bites
Ingredients
Brownie Batter Ingredients
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized pieces
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips (100g)
- ½ cup natural cocoa powder (50g)
- ½ teaspoon instant coffee grounds
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar (200g)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100g)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (140g)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Caramel Filling Ingredients
- 35 pieces unwrapped caramels
- ½ cup heavy cream (115ml)
- fine sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and spray a 24-count mini muffin tin with baking spray. Set aside.
- In a large, microwave-safe bowl, combine 12 tablespoons of unsalted butter and ½ cup of semisweet chocolate chips. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir well. Microwave for another 15 seconds, stir again, and repeat for 15 seconds until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
- Stir in ½ cup of natural cocoa powder and ½ teaspoon of instant coffee grounds. Then add 1 cup of packed light brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Mix in 2 large eggs, 1 large egg yolk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until well combined.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until everything is blended well.
- Drop the batter by 1 ½ tablespoon into the prepared mini muffin tin.
Baking
- Bake for 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few fudgy crumbs (not wet batter!).
- Immediately after baking, take a rounded teaspoon or tablespoon and press into each brownie bite to make a well. Allow the brownie bites to cool while you prepare your caramel filling.
Caramel Filling
- In a small saucepan, combine 35 unwrapped caramels and ½ cup of heavy cream over low heat. Stir continuously until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Pour the caramel filling into the well of each brownie bite.
- Allow to cool completely, then sprinkle with fine sea salt.
Serving
- Serve these brownie bites on a platter, warm or at room temperature. You can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert.
