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Brownies have long been a beloved dessert, cherished for their rich flavor and satisfying texture. Among the myriad of brownie recipes, caramel swirl brownie bars stand out as a decadent treat that marries the fudgy goodness of traditional brownies with the gooey sweetness of caramel. These bars are not just a dessert; they are an experience—a delightful combination of textures and flavors that can elevate any occasion, from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations.

Caramel Swirl Brownie Bars

Indulge in the rich flavors of caramel swirl brownie bars, a delicious twist on a classic dessert. These easy-to-make bars combine fudgy brownie goodness with gooey caramel for a sweet treat that's perfect for any occasion. Using simple, wholesome ingredients like cocoa powder, butter, and eggs, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels. With endless customization options and nutritional benefits, these brownie bars are sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy a delightful dessert experience that blends textures and flavors beautifully!

Ingredients
  

For the Brownies:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

½ cup all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon baking powder

For the Caramel Swirl:

1 cup soft caramel candies, unwrapped (or use store-bought caramel sauce)

2 tablespoons heavy cream (if using caramel candies)

Optional Toppings:

Sea salt flakes for garnish

Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), for added crunch

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal later. Lightly grease the parchment.

    Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar until well combined.

      Mix in Wet Ingredients: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

        Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter-sugar-egg mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

          Prepare the Caramel Swirl: If you're using soft caramel candies, place them in a microwave-safe bowl with the heavy cream and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and creamy. If you're using store-bought caramel sauce, skip this step.

            Layer the Mixtures: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel mixture over the batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the caramel through the brownie batter. Pour the remaining brownie batter on top and then drizzle with the remaining caramel, swirling again to create a marbled effect.

              Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not completely clean). Avoid overbaking for fudgy brownies!

                Cool: Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle with sea salt flakes and chopped nuts if desired. Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang, and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into bars.

                  Serve and Enjoy! Cut into squares or rectangles and enjoy your delicious Caramel Swirl Brownie Bars!

                    Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 16 bars