Chocolate Caramel Brownies
23 Comments
Posted: 02/28/21
Updated: 12/02/22
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With only 5 ingredients these Chocolate Caramel Brownies are a quick and easy dessert recipe that anyone can make. It’s perfect for getting the kids into the kitchen too. The brownies are made with a German Chocolate Cake Mix that’s filled with caramel and chocolate chips.
Chocolate caramel brownies sound so fancy, right? They definitely look fancy, but they are so easy to make, which is great because you’ll want to make these on repeat! And if you throw in these Chocolate Lava Cakes every now and then, and people will think you’re a five star chef!
Rich and fudgy brownies with gooey caramel and chocolate filling is the best way to treat yourself when you get a chocolate craving. Or make a batch for parties and potlucks – I can promise they’ll be a hit!
When I make these, no one ever guesses that they’re German chocolate cake mix brownies because they taste like they’re made completely from scratch. You are going to love this recipe!
Contents
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Why This Recipe Works
- You only need five ingredients to make them!
- Cake mix and a simple caramel sauce make this recipe so simple to make. If you haven’t tried cake mix brownies yet, you are going to love this easy shortcut.
- The caramel sauce is made with soft caramel candies – it’s a really easy way to make it!
Ingredients
For this recipe, we’re using German chocolate cake mix to make the brownies. It makes the best brownies!
You will need evaporated milk for the brownie batter and the caramel sauce.
Instead of making caramel sauce from scratch, I like to use caramel candy to make the sauce. It makes a sauce that is soft and gooey. It’s really easy to make.
The caramel will go in between two layers of brownies so when they’re done you get a gooey caramel center in each one. I also add chocolate chips for a little more chocolate goodness!
Products Needed
Caramel Sauce
Melt the caramels with half of the evaporated milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it frequently until the mixture is smooth. Take it off the heat and set it aside to cool while you make the brownies.
How to Make Caramel Brownies with Cake Mix
In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix with the rest of the evaporated milk and melted butter. You don’t need a mixer – it’s easy to mix up with a spoon.
Spread half of the batter in a prepared baking pan. The rest of the batter will be added after you bake the first layer. Bake the brownies for six minutes at 350°F.
Once the base brownie layer is baked, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the top. Pour the caramel sauce over the chips.
Drop the remaining brownie batter by the spoonful over the top of the caramel sauce.
Bake the brownies for 15 to 18 minutes. Let them cool completely before slicing and serving.
Pro Tips
Remember to disregard the cake mix box instructions and use the ingredients listed in my recipe to make the batter. You want to make rich, fudgy brownies instead of cake.
I’ve only tested this recipe with store-bought caramels and not homemade caramels. I can’t say how it will turn out with homemade ones, but if you try it, please let me know how it worked for you!
Don’t try and slice the brownies while they’re still warm – they will just be a big mess! You want the caramel to set up, so leave them to cool fully before serving. You can stick them in the refrigerator or even the freezer if you want to speed up the cooling process.
Store your cooled brownies in an airtight container, and they will keep well for a few days at room temperature.
Rich, gooey, and chocolatey – these are some serious chocolate caramel brownies! Make them for the chocolate and caramel lovers in your life and you will be a hero – they will love them!
More Ways to Use Cake Mix!
- Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies are soft, chewy, and easy to make! They are two-toned cookies that are great for cookie platters, potlucks, and holidays.
- Crumb Cake is the perfect treat to go with coffee and tea, and my recipe is so quick, thanks to yellow cake mix!
- Chocolate Cherry Bars are part homemade – the brownie bars are made from a cake mix, and the rich chocolate icing is made from scratch. The cherry and chocolate combination is to die for!
Try it and love it? Rate it, please!!!? Seriously though a five-star rating below will make my day! If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!!
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!
Chocolate Caramel Brownies
With only five ingredients these soft chewy brownies stuffed with a caramel filling couldn't be easier or more delicious!
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Ingredients
- 2/3 c. evaporated milk divided (5 oz)
- 12 oz package caramels
- 3/4 c. butter melted
- 15.25 oz box of German Chocolate Cake Mix
- 12 oz chocolate chips
Instructions
- Melt caramels with 1/3 c. evaporated milk over medium heat, stirring frequently. Set aside to cool.
- Mix cake mix, 3/4 c. melted butter and 1/3 c. evaporated milk
- Spread 1/2 of the cake mixture on the bottom of a greased 9×13 pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 6 minutes.
- Take out of oven and pour chocolate chips and then the caramel mixture on top. drop remaining cake mix on top by the spoonful. Bake for 15-18 minutes.
- Remove and let set before serving. Make sure they cool completely or they are a mess! Stick them in the fridge or freezer if you get impatient!
Tips
Remember to disregard the cake mix box instructions and use the ingredients listed in my recipe to make the batter. You want to make rich, fudgy brownies instead of cake.
I’ve only tested this recipe with store-bought caramels and not homemade caramels. I can’t say how it will turn out with homemade ones, but if you try it, please let me know how it worked for you!
Don’t try and slice the brownies while they’re still warm – they will just be a big mess! You want the caramel to set up, so leave them to cool fully before serving. You can stick them in the refrigerator or even the freezer if you want to speed up the cooling process.
Store your cooled brownies in an airtight container, and they will keep well for a few days at room temperature.
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Nutrition Information
Serving: 1, Calories: 317kcal (16%), Carbohydrates: 41g (14%), Protein: 3g (6%), Fat: 16g (25%), Saturated Fat: 8g (50%), Cholesterol: 25mg (8%), Sodium: 303mg (13%), Potassium: 133mg (4%), Sugar: 30g (33%), Vitamin A: 285IU (6%), Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 98mg (10%), Iron: 1.2mg (7%)
Diane (Bourdon) Jackson says
Not sure pan size recommendation is best as 1/2 cake brownie mix was paper thin!
Courtney says
You can use a smaller pan if you wanted, just make sure to adjust your cook time!
Judy S says
Best brownies ever. Thanks for sharing. My family can’t get enough of them .
Julie Evink says
Awesome! So glad you enjoy them!
Sharon says
These look yummy! Could you use Caramel Bits instead of regular caramels?
Keep up the good work!
Julie Evink says
I’m sorry I haven’t tested the recipe like this. If you do, let me know how it goes!
Sandi says
Best brownies ever…we loved this caramel version.
Michelle Sperr says
Awesome Sandi! These are some of our favorites too!
Renee Goerger says
These are some of the best brownies I’ve ever made. Thanks for the winning recipe!!
Michelle Sperr says
You’re welcome Renee! Glad that you enjoyed the brownies!
Sarah says
My favorite. So easy yet so good!! Has been my quick go to recipe for years!!
Michelle Sperr says
Yay! I’m so glad to hear that this is a winner in your kitchen!
Colleen Martelle says
Can you use jarred caramel topping instead?
Michelle Sperr says
Hi Colleen. Thank you for your question. I haven’t used caramel topping before but if you try it, let me know how it goes! Hope it turns out for you!
MJ says
This looks delicious! Always looking for sweet treat recipes without eggs (family members with egg allergies) Do you think I could use like any chocolate cake mix instead of German chocolate?
Julie Evink says
It’s worth a shot, but I’ve never tried it so I can’t guarantee it because I’ve never tried it. If you do let me know how it works out!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
German Chocolate Cake Mix?!!! Genius!!! I was wondering how this was possible with only 5 ingredients?! LOVE!
Julie Evink says
It’s an amazing trick isn’t it?! They are so amazing!
Cathy says
I’m not sure what I did wrong since I followed the directions exactly, but I just made these and it looks nothing like the picture. My spoonfuls of the batter on top just kind of sat there in lumps and didn’t spread out over the caramel and chocolate at all. I haven’t tried them yet as they are just out of the oven. I was going to take them to a party we are going to later, but I don’t know about that now. They don’t look very nice.
Julie Evink says
I’m sorry! I’m not sure what happened either. I’ve made them multiple times and they always work and turn out as pictures 🙁
Sara says
Made these for Secret Recipe Club today!! A huge hit at the office and with my ever expanding waistline (from eating too many!) Was fun to find your blog and see we live in the same great state!
Ivy and Elephants says
I am here salivating. I thoroughly enjoyed this delicious post. I would love it if you could share this wonderful post at our WIW linky party. I hope you can join us.
Paula
Ivyandelephants.blogspot.com
Winnie says
What a great treat!
I’d love a slice or two 🙂