Looking for a dessert that’s outrageously rich, decadently fudgy, and dripping with gooey caramel? These Gooey Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bars are a showstopper. With layers of chewy chocolate brownie, soft caramel, and chocolate chips, every bite is a sweet, sticky masterpiece that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Whether you’re making them for a bake sale, a family gathering, or a midnight craving, this easy caramel brownie bar recipe is destined to become your favorite.
🔧 Recommended Kitchen Tools
To make the perfect gooey chocolate caramel brownie bars, here are the tools you’ll need:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Whisk
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
📝 Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp baking powder
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 package (11 oz) soft caramels (about 40 unwrapped)
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
Topping:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Optional: flaky sea salt for sprinkling
🔥 Preparation – Step by Step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper or foil, leaving overhang for easy removal, and lightly grease it.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the vanilla.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
Step 3: Layer 1 – Bake the Base
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 10 minutes, just until set but not fully cooked. Remove from the oven.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Layer
While the base is baking, melt the unwrapped caramels and heavy cream in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Layer 2 – Caramel & Chocolate
Pour the melted caramel over the baked brownie layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the caramel layer.
Step 6: Layer 3 – Top with Remaining Batter
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter over the caramel layer. Gently spread to cover most of the caramel (it’s okay if some caramel peeks through).
Step 7: Bake Again
Return the pan to the oven and bake for another 25–30 minutes, until the top is set and slightly cracked. Don’t overbake — you want them to stay fudgy and gooey.
Step 8: Cool & Slice
Let the brownie bars cool completely in the pan. For clean cuts, chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour before slicing. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use high-quality chocolate: It makes a huge difference in both taste and texture.
- Don’t skip chilling: These bars slice cleaner and hold better when cold.
- Caramel shortcuts: In a rush? Use store-bought caramel sauce (thicker kind) as a substitute.
- Add texture: Mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or toffee bits for a crunchy twist.
🔄 Recipe Variations
Want to change things up? Try one of these delicious spins on the classic:
🥜 Peanut Butter Caramel Brownies
Drizzle creamy peanut butter between the caramel and brownie layers.
🌰 Salted Nutella Brownies
Swap the caramel for Nutella and sprinkle with coarse sea salt.
🥥 Coconut Caramel Bars
Add a layer of sweetened shredded coconut to the caramel layer for a Bounty-inspired bar.
🍪 Oreo-Stuffed Caramel Brownies
Add a layer of Oreos in the middle before pouring the caramel. Game changer!
🧊 Storage Instructions
- At room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the fridge: Keeps well for up to 1 week.
- Freezer-friendly: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
To serve from frozen, allow to thaw at room temperature for 30–45 minutes or microwave for a few seconds for a warm, gooey experience.
🍽 Perfect Pairings
Here are some delicious ideas to elevate your gooey brownie bar experience:
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
- A glass of cold milk or hot coffee
- Drizzle of warm chocolate ganache on top
- Sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra crunch
❤️ Why You’ll Love These Gooey Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bars
- Super easy to make from scratch
- No mixer required
- The perfect combo of fudgy, chewy, gooey, and melty
- Crowd-pleasing and great for gatherings
- Freezer-friendly and make-ahead approved
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an ultra-satisfying, sinfully delicious dessert, these Gooey Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bars are it. Rich, indulgent, and full of chocolatey goodness, they’re exactly what dessert dreams are made of. Perfect for everything from holiday trays to just-because treats.
Once you try this recipe, you may never go back to regular brownies again.
