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This decadent recipe for Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bites has become my secret weapon for impressing guests at dinner parties. The combination of fudgy brownies with a melty caramel center creates an irresistible contrast that makes everyone ask for the recipe.
I first made these brownie bites for my daughter's birthday party and they disappeared within minutes. The kids and adults fought over the last ones, and now they've become our family's most requested special occasion treat.
Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and creates that fudgy brownie texture
- Dark chocolate morsels: Provide deep chocolate flavor look for at least 60% cacao for best results
- Granulated sugar: Balances the bitterness of the dark chocolate
- All purpose flour: Gives structure without making brownies too cakey
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors especially the chocolate
- DOVE PROMISES Caramel Milk Chocolates: Create the perfect melty center use high quality chocolate for best results
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting without graininess
- Unsweetened dark chocolate cocoa powder: Intensifies the chocolate flavor in the frosting
- Milk: Adds creaminess to the frosting
- Caramel sauce: Enhances the caramel flavor throughout
How To Make Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bites
- Prepare your equipment:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and thoroughly spray a mini muffin pan with baking spray. Make sure to get into all the corners of each cup for easy removal later.
- Create the brownie base:
- Combine butter and dark chocolate in a large microwave safe bowl and heat for one minute. Stir thoroughly and heat for another 30 seconds if needed until completely smooth. The mixture should be glossy and have no lumps.
- Mix the batter:
- Add sugar, flour, eggs, and salt to your chocolate mixture and blend just until combined. Be careful not to overmix which can make brownies tough. The batter should be thick and smooth.
- Fill the pan:
- Use a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop to divide the batter evenly among the mini muffin cups. This ensures consistent baking and presentation. While the brownies are baking, unwrap all your caramel chocolates so they're ready to go.
- Add the caramel center:
- Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft. Immediately press a caramel chocolate into the center of each brownie bite while hot. The heat will slightly melt the chocolate and create a perfect pocket for the caramel.
- Cool and frost:
- Allow the brownie bites to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before carefully removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Beat together butter, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk and caramel sauce until smooth and creamy. Pipe or spoon the frosting onto each cooled brownie bite for the perfect finishing touch.
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The DOVE chocolates are my secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered their perfect melting quality by accident when I was short on ingredients one day. The way the caramel slowly oozes out when you bite into the brownie creates that moment of pure joy that makes these treats so special.
Perfect Texture Tips
The key to achieving that perfect fudgy brownie texture lies in the baking time. Watch your brownies carefully and remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone. They will continue cooking from residual heat after you remove them. Overcooking will result in dry brownies instead of that desirable chewy texture.
Make Ahead Instructions
These brownie bites are perfect for preparing in advance. You can make the brownie bases up to two days ahead and store them in an airtight container. The frosting can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated. When ready to serve, bring the frosting to room temperature, give it a quick whip to restore its fluffy texture, and then pipe onto the brownie bites. This makes them ideal for busy holiday gatherings or parties.
Storage And Freshness
These brownie bites stay fresh at room temperature for 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, place unfrosted brownie bites in a freezer safe container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before frosting. The caramel center maintains its gooey texture even after freezing, making these perfect for emergency dessert situations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use a different type of caramel candy?
Yes, you can use any chocolate-covered caramel candy, such as Rolos, as a substitute for the DOVE® PROMISES Caramel Milk Chocolates.
- → How should I store these brownie bites?
Store frosted brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature. Enjoy within 3-4 days for the best taste.
- → Can I make these in advance?
Yes, you can prepare these brownie bites a day or two in advance. Frost them right before serving for the freshest taste.
- → What if I don’t have a mini muffin tin?
You can use a standard muffin tin, but adjust the baking time accordingly. Keep an eye on the brownies to ensure they don’t overbake.
- → Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought candy?
Yes, homemade caramel can be used as a filling for a more personalized touch. Ensure the caramel is firm enough to hold its shape when inserted into the brownies.