If you’re searching for the ultimate bite-sized treat, look no further than these Salted Caramel Brownie Bites. Each little morsel is a perfect symphony of gooey chocolate brownie, molten caramel center, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that sends your taste buds over the top. Whether you’re hosting a party, need a sweet pick-me-up, or just want a decadent dessert you can pop in your mouth, these brownie bites are pure magic and guaranteed to disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Salted Caramel Brownie Bites is all in the clever combination of just a few everyday baking essentials, each adding its own character. Don’t be fooled by the short list: every ingredient plays a crucial role in building the ultimate balance of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and that irresistible salty finish.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): The backbone of fudgy brownies, lending moisture and rich flavor while letting you control the salt level perfectly.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Deep chocolate taste and glossy texture come from melting these right into the batter.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Provides sweetness and helps achieve that signature crinkly brownie top.
- Light brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Adds a subtle caramel undertone and keeps the bites ultra-soft.
- Large eggs (2): Essential for binding everything together and giving a luscious brownie crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the chocolate with delicate warmth and beautiful depth.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Just enough structure so the bites hold together while staying gooey in the middle.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the chocolate experience and deepens the color.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and accentuates rich flavors, making the brownies pop.
- Soft caramel candies, unwrapped (12): These melt into dreamy puddles right in the center of each bite.
- Flaky sea salt, for topping: That final sprinkle transforms the experience with a satisfying salty crunch.
How to Make Salted Caramel Brownie Bites
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure perfect baking from the get-go. Lightly grease a mini muffin pan—this makes popping the brownie bites out a breeze and minimizes cleanup, so you can get to enjoying them sooner.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate Together
In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently melt the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips together. Stir until smooth and luxurious, then remove the pan from the heat. This step builds the base for that signature glossy, crackly brownie top.
Step 3: Whisk in the Sugars
Now, whisk the granulated sugar and brown sugar straight into the warm chocolate mixture. This transforms the texture and ensures every bite is perfectly sweet and moist. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before adding the eggs, so they don’t scramble.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Lightly whisk in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla. This adds creaminess and sets up that classic brownie richness while the vanilla gives a subtle, fragrant note that rounds out the chocolate flavor beautifully.
Step 5: Sift and Fold in Dry Ingredients
Sift in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then gently stir until just combined. The goal here is a thick, glossy batter. Take care not to overmix—you want your Salted Caramel Brownie Bites as tender as possible.
Step 6: Fill the Muffin Pan and Add Caramels
Spoon the chocolate batter evenly into the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each cup about three-quarters full. Then, gently press a soft caramel candy into the center of each one, letting the batter slightly envelop it for the ultimate gooey surprise.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Watch for the edges to set and tops to turn fabulously crackly. For extra-gooey centers, err on the side of slightly underbaking—trust me, it’s worth it!
Step 8: Salt and Cool
Immediately after pulling them from the oven, shower each brownie bite with a pinch of flaky sea salt for that crave-worthy contrast. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack so they finish setting as they cool completely.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Brownie Bites
Garnishes
Top each Salted Caramel Brownie Bite with a little extra flaky sea salt for that dramatic sparkle, or add a drizzle of melted chocolate or caramel sauce if you want to double down on decadence. A dollop of whipped cream or a curl of shaved chocolate can turn these bites into a full-on dessert showstopper.
Side Dishes
While these brownie bites are divine all on their own, you can make them part of an irresistible dessert spread. Serve them with fresh berries, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a mug of rich coffee or hot chocolate for an extra touch of cozy indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange Salted Caramel Brownie Bites on a tiered platter for parties, pop them into colorful cupcake wrappers for lunchboxes, or wrap them in parchment paper for decadent edible gifts. You can even skewer them with festive picks and display on a dessert buffet for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After letting your Salted Caramel Brownie Bites cool completely, stash them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to four days, making them a smart make-ahead treat for busy weeks or spontaneous guests.
Freezing
If you want to prep a batch in advance, these brownie bites freeze wonderfully. Layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll keep up to two months. Bring to room temperature before serving for that just-baked taste.
Reheating
To recapture that gooey, fresh-from-the-oven magic, pop a Salted Caramel Brownie Bite in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The caramel will soften and the chocolate intensify, giving you an almost molten dessert experience!
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought candies?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce or squares can be used in place of wrapped caramels. Just be sure to chill homemade caramel pieces so they hold their shape when pressed into the batter before baking.
What’s the best way to get brownie bites out of the mini muffin pan?
A nonstick pan and a light greasing are key. Let the bites cool for just a few minutes in the pan after baking, then gently run a small offset spatula or butter knife around each bite to release them easily.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. The results are rich and chewy—just double-check your caramel candies to ensure they’re gluten-free, too.
How do I know when the brownie bites are done?
Look for the edges to set and the tops to become crackly. For the fudgiest centers, start checking at 12 minutes and remove them as soon as the edges look baked but the centers are still slightly soft.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Definitely! Simply double all the ingredients and bake in multiple batches as needed. Salted Caramel Brownie Bites are always a huge hit, so you’ll be glad you made extra.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about the mix of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a touch of sea salt packed into these Salted Caramel Brownie Bites. I truly can’t wait for you to bake and share them—trust me, they’ll quickly become a favorite at any gathering or as a treat just for you!
Print
Salted Caramel Brownie Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownie bites 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these decadent Salted Caramel Brownie Bites for a perfect blend of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a hint of sea salt. These mini treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Ingredients
Brownie Bites:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 12 soft caramel candies, unwrapped
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin pan.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chocolate chips until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: Whisk in granulated sugar and brown sugar. Let cool slightly, then add eggs one at a time and vanilla extract. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until just combined.
- Fill Muffin Cups: Spoon batter into prepared mini muffin cups. Press one caramel candy into each brownie bite.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are set and tops are crackly. Sprinkle with sea salt.
- Cool and Serve: Cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For gooier centers, slightly underbake.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie bite
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
