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Caramel Brownies

5 from 14 votes
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posted: 12/16/22

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

Caramel Brownies are so easy to make and so delicious! Everyone always wants this caramel brownie recipe. With only six ingredients, this is going to be your new go to brownie recipe!

Caramel Brownies cut and stacked with wax paper separating.

Many years ago when I went to visit a dear friend after she had just had a baby, she had a pan of these amazing brownies on her counter. She was such a kind soul, that even after just giving birth she was willing to share these with me. After just trying one little slice, I knew I had to have the recipe.

These Caramel Brownies are worth all the hype in the world. While I don’t usually make recipes from box mixes, this is the perfect exception. They are easy and fantastic. You will not be able to resist going back for seconds and thirds.

Reader Review

This recipe is SO good. Followed exactly and 10/10 recommend.

How to Make Caramel Brownies

This caramel brownie recipe is truly the best, simply irresistible! Here is a brief overview of how to make caramel brownies. For the full recipe and all of the measurements, scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

  1. Make the caramel sauce. You start by melting some caramel with evaporated milk. Be sure to stir often to avoid burning it.
  2. Make the brownie batter. Combine the chocolate cake mix, melted butter, evaporated milk, and vanilla. Your batter won’t have the consistency of a typical brownie batter. It’s a little more like dough.
  3. Press first layer into pan. Divide the batter in half and spread half of it into a greased 9 by 13 baking pan. It will be thin and that is ok.
  4. Bake the first layer. Bake for about 8 minutes.
  5. Add the caramel. Spread it evenly on the first brownie layer and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
  6. Add the second brownie layer. Add globs of the remaining batter to the pan, don’t try to spread it evenly just drop it in globs over the caramel layer.
  7. Bake until set.
saucepan of caramel sauce pouring into a pan of brownies to make caramel brownies

Caramel Tip!

Make sure to use chewy caramel candies to make the caramel sauce. If you can only find a one pound package, remove the extra two ounces, this isn’t one of those times in life where more caramel is better. Store-bought caramel sauce is too thin and won’t set up properly so will not work in this recipe.

How to Tell When Brownies are Done

When the brownies start to pull away from the sides of the pan, they are almost done. You will also notice some cracking on top of the brownies. If you like your brownies more gooey and moist, remove them from the oven toward the minimal suggested baking time.

Variations

  • Make it salted. Add kosher salt to make salted caramel brownies. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons kosher salt on top of the caramel sauce before topping with the brownie batter. I have the best salted caramel brownie recipe that comes together in the crockpot.
  • Switch the chips. Use dark chocolate, semi-sweet, milk chocolate chips, or a combination. Mini m&m’s are also a colorful and fun addition.
  • Add nuts. Layer 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans on top of the caramel sauce with the chocolate chips.
  • Add coconut. Toss in 1 cup of shredded coconut when you add the chocolate chips.
overhead of pan of caramel brownies on cooling rack
TOP PICK

The Best 9 x 13 Pan

This is my very favorite baking dish. I especially love it for brownies because you get those nice straight sides and corners.
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Tips and Tricks

  • Use a quality baking pan. I love the one from USA Baking that I have linked above, but if you are loyal to your baking dish, fantastic! Just keep in mind that the baking dish does matter, and can often impact how a recipe like this turns out.
  • Use Kraft Caramel Bits instead of individually wrapped caramels. That eliminates the step of unwrapping each individual caramel.
  • Double check your can of evaporated milk. It is the same size and labeling as sweetened condensed milk, which I do not recommend for this recipe. It is very easy to buy the wrong can.

Storing and Freezing

If by chance you have any leftover brownies, store them in an airtight container for up to four days. They can be stored on the counter.

These brownies freeze really well. Once completely cooled, I recommend cutting them into individual squares prior to freezing so you can take them out one at a time to eat. Freeze in a single layer for four hours. Then transfer them to an airtight container. Place them back in the freezer and store them for up to three months.

FAQ

Can I use store-bought caramel?

No, it won’t set up properly when baking. Making the homemade caramel sauce as directed is so gooey and delicious that it is worth it.

Is it better to make brownies with butter or oil?

Depends on the brownies. This recipe uses butter which adds a richer flavor that we all know and love. Butter helps the brownie batter rise while using oil can create denser brownies.

Are chocolate brownies gluten free?

The cake mix used in this recipe does contain flour and I have not tested the recipe with a gluten-free option.

Do I have to use german chocolate cake mix?

Nope! Any chocolate cake mix will work. German chocolate is a pretty mild chocolate which makes it work well in this brownie recipe.

individual caramel brownies stacked with wax paper separating.

Other Bar Recipes:

If you love this caramel brownie recipe as much as I do, leave me a comment and let me know! I love hearing from you.

Caramel Brownies cut and stacked with wax paper separating.
5 from 14 votes

World’s Best Caramel Brownies

Serves: 24
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 26 minutes
Total: 36 minutes
These World's Best Caramel Brownies are so easy to make and so delicious! Everyone always wants this caramel brownie recipe. With only six ingredients, this is going to be your new go to brownie recipe!

Ingredients

Caramel Sauce

  • 14 ounces caramel candies (caramel bits work really well in this recipe because you can skip the unwrapping)
  • 1/2 cup evaporated milk

Brownie Batter

  • 15.25 ounces German chocolate cake mix (see note)
  • 1/3 cup evaporated milk
  • 3/4 cup butter melted (12 tablespoons)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional For Filling

  • 1 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
  • Take the plastic off all of the caramels and put them in a small saucepan with 1/2 a cup of evaporated milk over medium heat. Heat until the caramels are completely melted and the sauce is smooth, being careful to stir frequently.
  • While the caramels are melting, mix together the dry German chocolate cake mix, 1/3 a cup of evaporated milk, the melted butter, and the vanilla. Mix until it is a smooth consistency.
  • Divide the batter in half and spread half evenly into a greased 9 by 13 inch pan. Bake for 8 minutes.
  • After 8 minutes pull the brownies out, and top with the caramel sauce (spreading it very gently to make an even layer), sprinkle with chocolate chips, and then layer on the second half of the batter.
  • Put it back in the oven for 18 minutes or until the brownies begin to pull away from the side of the pan.

Notes

You are only using the dry box mix. Do not use the ingredients or instructions on the box.
Calories: 513kcal (26%) Carbohydrates: 85g (28%) Protein: 5g (10%) Fat: 19g (29%) Saturated Fat: 8g (50%) Monounsaturated Fat: 2g Cholesterol: 18mg (6%) Sodium: 709mg (31%) Potassium: 147mg (4%) Fiber: 2g (8%) Sugar: 51g (57%) Vitamin A: 200IU (4%) Vitamin C: 0.8mg (1%) Calcium: 160mg (16%) Iron: 3.1mg (17%)
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Caramel Brownies cut and stacked with wax paper separating.

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World’s Best Caramel Brownies

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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  1. Donna says

    I’m going to make your worlds best caramel brownies. I love your recipes. My grandkids will love them. Thanks so much.

    • Lisa Longley says

      I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying my recipes! And I hope you love the brownies.

  2. Deborah says

    You may want to mention you do not prepare the mix as on the box…someone just asked. 🥰

    • Lisa Longley says

      Thanks!

  3. Margaret says

    Hi Lisa same here regarding the German chocolate cake box! Would Duncan Hines chocolate cake box work!? Thanks Lisa love your recipes!

    • Lisa Longley says

      I’ve only ever made it with the German chocolate cake, but I can’t think of a reason why it wouldn’t work.

  4. Kelley Horner says

    Can I use box brownie mix instead of cake mix?

    • Lisa Longley says

      You really want the cake mix for this one.

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