Hey y'all! If you’re looking for a dessert that’s rich, gooey, and downright irresistible, these Swirled Caramel Brownies with Fudgy Center are calling your name. Imagine sinking your teeth into luscious chocolate brownies with silky caramel ribbons swirling through every bite—pure bliss! Whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or just a sweet treat for yourself, these brownies are guaranteed to steal the show. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Swirled Caramel Brownies with Fudgy Center Recipe
- Irresistibly Fudgy: Deep, rich chocolate flavor with a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth center.
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy ingredients—just pantry staples and luscious caramel.
- Show-Stopping Swirls: The caramel ribbons make every brownie look and taste gourmet.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These brownies are crowd-pleasers for birthdays, holidays, or weeknight treats.
- Easy to Customize: Adapt the recipe with nuts, sea salt, or extra chocolate chips!
Ingredients for Swirled Caramel Brownies with Fudgy Center
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips, divided
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup thick caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Directions: How to Make Swirled Caramel Brownies with Fudgy Center
Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal. Lightly grease the paper.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup chocolate chips and the butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
- Whisk in both sugars to the melted chocolate-butter mixture until well combined.
- Whisk in eggs and vanilla until the batter is shiny and thick.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined.
- Stir in the remaining 1 cup chocolate chips for an extra fudgy bite.
Step 5: Layer and Swirl the Caramel
- Pour half the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth into corners.
- Drizzle half the caramel sauce over the batter and gently swirl with a knife.
- Top with the remaining brownie batter, smoothing again.
- Drizzle the rest of the caramel on top and swirl for a marbled effect.

Step 6: Bake and Cool
- Bake for 32-36 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is just slightly underdone (for ultimate fudginess).
- Cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into squares.
Notes for Perfect Swirled Caramel Brownies with Fudgy Center
- For super fudgy brownies, don’t overbake—check a few minutes early, as oven temps vary.
- Use a thick caramel sauce so it swirls beautifully without sinking (learn how to make homemade caramel here).
- Let brownies cool fully for the neatest slices, or pop in the fridge to speed up the process.
Variations on Swirled Caramel Brownies with Fudgy Center
- Salted Caramel: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty twist.
- Nutty Swirl: Add a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch.
- Espresso Kick: Stir in 1 teaspoon espresso powder for deeper chocolate flavor.
Required Equipment
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Microwave or stovetop saucepan
- Whisk and spatula
- Knife for swirling
Storage Instructions for Swirled Caramel Brownies with Fudgy Center
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer shelf life, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months (wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil).
- Let frozen brownies thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving Recommendations for Swirled Caramel Brownies with Fudgy Center
- Serve slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Drizzle extra caramel sauce or chocolate ganache on top for added decadence.
- Pair with a tall glass of cold milk or your favorite coffee.
Pro Tips for Swirled Caramel Brownies with Fudgy Center
- Let the brownies cool completely before slicing for the cleanest edges (cutting tips here).
- Use good-quality chocolate and caramel for the richest flavor (learn more about chocolate).
- If you like extra gooey centers, underbake by 2 minutes and chill before cutting.
FAQ for Swirled Caramel Brownies with Fudgy Center
- Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
- Absolutely! Just make sure it's a thick sauce that won't disappear into the batter.
- Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
- Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for delicious results.
- How do I know when the brownies are done?
- The edges should look set, but the center will still be slightly underbaked and fudgy—don't overbake for gooey perfection!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 32-36 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (85g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (180g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¾ cup (200g) caramel sauce
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.
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2In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
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3Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
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4Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the caramel sauce. Use a knife to gently swirl the caramel into the batter.
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5Bake for 35 minutes, or until the center is just set but still fudgy. Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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