Craving a bite-sized indulgence? These Salted Caramel Brownie Bites are the perfect mini dessert recipes for any occasion. They’re easy to make and deliver a rich, fudgy chocolate experience with a delightful caramel swirl.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Unsalted Butter: You can use salted butter, just reduce the added salt by half.
- Granulated Sugar: Brown sugar works too for a deeper molasses flavor.
- Eggs: No good substitutions here for the structure.
- All-Purpose Flour: A gluten-free 1:1 baking blend can be used.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Dutch-processed cocoa will give a darker, less acidic brownie.
- Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Don’t skip this for flavor depth.
- Caramel Sauce: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade caramel.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Swirl:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, slightly warmed
For Topping (Optional):
- Flaky sea salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Servings: 24 mini dessert recipes
- Tools Needed: Mini muffin tin, paper liners, mixing bowls, whisk
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 24-cup mini muffin tin with paper liners. This prevents sticking and makes these mini dessert recipes easy to serve.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps. This step ensures even distribution in your mini dessert recipes.
4. Add Dry to Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough brownies. You want a fudgy texture.
5. Fill Muffin Tins
Spoon the brownie batter into the prepared mini muffin liners, filling each about two-thirds full. Leave space for the caramel swirl. This makes perfect mini dessert recipes.
6. Swirl in Caramel
Dollop about 1/2 teaspoon of warm caramel sauce onto the top of each brownie bite. Use a toothpick or small knife to gently swirl the caramel into the batter.
7. Bake and Cool
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Do not overbake. Let them cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Garnish (Optional)
Once cool, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each brownie bite. This enhances the salted caramel flavor in your mini dessert recipes.
Variation Ideas
- Nutty Bites: Add 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the brownie batter.
- Chocolate Chip Swirl: Mix in 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips with the batter.
- Espresso Boost: Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Before baking, dollop softened cream cheese (mixed with a little sugar) on top and swirl.
Storage Instructions
Store your Salted Caramel Brownie Bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. They are best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake these brownie bites 1-2 days in advance and store them as directed.
What if you don’t have a mini muffin tin?
You can use a regular muffin tin, but adjust the baking time to 18-22 minutes. They will be larger, not mini dessert recipes.
Can you freeze these brownie bites?
Absolutely! Freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Why are your brownies dry?
Overmixing the batter or overbaking are common culprits. Follow the mixing and baking times carefully.
Can you use a different type of caramel?
Any store-bought or homemade caramel sauce will work. Just ensure it’s a pourable consistency.
Are these suitable for a party?
Yes, these mini dessert recipes are perfect for parties, potlucks, and gatherings because they are bite-sized and easy to serve.