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Caramel Cream Brownie Bars Recipe

4.6 from 115 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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