Caramel Cream Brownie Bars Recipe

Introduction

These Caramel Cream Brownie Bars are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves rich, fudgy brownies with a luscious caramel twist. Layers of gooey caramel and creamy vanilla swirl combine to create a dessert that melts in your mouth with every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 box fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on box)
• 1 bag (11 oz) soft caramels, unwrapped
• 3 tbsp heavy cream
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Prepare the brownie batter according to the instructions on the box. Pour half of the batter into the baking dish and bake for 10 minutes.
3. Step 3: While the brownies bake, melt the unwrapped caramels with the heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and silky.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until creamy and well combined.
5. Step 5: Take the partially baked brownies out of the oven and pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the surface.
6. Step 6: Drizzle the cream cheese mixture on top of the caramel layer, then gently spread the remaining brownie batter over everything.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter.
8. Step 8: Bake the bars for an additional 25–30 minutes, or until the top is set and glossy.
9. Step 9: Allow the bars to cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before slicing into thick squares.

Tips & Variations

• For an extra gooey texture, add a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the brownie batter before baking.
• Use homemade caramel sauce instead of soft caramels for a richer flavor.
• Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate chips depending on your preference.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth filling.

Storage

Store the caramel cream brownie bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best results, serve chilled or bring to room temperature before enjoying. You can also freeze the bars for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a boxed mix?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite homemade brownie recipe. Just prepare the batter and follow the layering steps as directed.

Why do I need to refrigerate the bars before slicing?

Refrigerating helps the layers set and makes slicing cleaner and easier, ensuring the bars hold their shape and the caramel doesn’t ooze excessively.

Caramel Cream Brownie Bars Recipe

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Indulge in these decadent Caramel Cream Brownie Bars — layered fudgy brownies with silky caramel sauce and a luscious vanilla cream swirl. Each bite melts in your mouth with rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and smooth cream cheese topping, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

• Author: Rita
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes plus 1 hour chilling
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Base

• 1 box fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on box)

Caramel Layer

• 1 bag (11 oz) soft caramels, unwrapped
• 3 tbsp heavy cream

Cream Swirl

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sugar
• ½ cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy removal of the bars.
2. Make Brownie Batter: Prepare the brownie batter according to the instructions on the box. Pour half of the batter evenly into the lined baking pan and bake for 10 minutes to set the first layer.
3. Melt Caramel Sauce: While the brownie layer bakes, melt the unwrapped soft caramels with 3 tablespoons of heavy cream over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and silky. This will be your decadent caramel layer.
4. Prepare Cream Cheese Swirl: In a small bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is creamy and smooth. This creates a rich vanilla cream topping for the brownies.
5. Layer Caramel: Remove the partially baked brownie layer from the oven and carefully pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over it, ensuring full coverage.
6. Add Cream Swirl and Second Brownie Layer: Drizzle the cream cheese mixture over the caramel layer. Then gently spread the remaining brownie batter on top, being careful not to mix the layers.
7. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the top layer. Bake the assembled bars for an additional 25 to 30 minutes until the top is set and has a glossy finish.
8. Cool and Chill: Allow the brownie bars to cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This chilling step helps the bars to set fully for thick, fudgy slices.
9. Serve: Slice into squares and enjoy the rich caramel cream brownie bars at room temperature or slightly chilled for optimum gooey indulgence.

Notes

• Using parchment paper ensures easy removal and clean slicing without sticking.
• Partially baking the first brownie layer sets a sturdy base for the caramel and cream layers.
• Melt caramels gently on low heat to avoid burning and ensure a smooth caramel sauce.
• Chilling the bars after baking improves texture and flavor melding.
• Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Keywords: caramel brownie bars, fudgy brownies, caramel cream dessert, chocolate caramel bars, cream cheese swirl brownies