Welcome to the world of Coffee Caramel Brownies! These brownies are more than just a treat; they are pure indulgence in every bite. With rich chocolate, a hint of coffee, and gooey caramel, they’ll satisfy your cravings like nothing else. Whether baking for yourself or impressing guests, you’ll want to make these decadent delights. Join me as I share the ingredients, steps, and tips for this irresistible recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate and smooth caramel creates a mouthwatering experience that is hard to resist.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Perfect for Sharing: These brownies are great for parties, gatherings, or simply enjoying with friends and family.
- Customizable: You can easily add nuts or adjust the coffee intensity to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
When making Coffee Caramel Brownies, you’ll need to gather a few key ingredients. Each one adds to the rich flavor and texture of the brownies. Here’s what you need:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Sea salt flakes for topping (optional)
These ingredients work together to create a brownie that is soft, chewy, and full of flavor. The instant coffee enhances the chocolate taste. The caramel adds a sweet, gooey layer that makes each bite irresistible. You can use homemade caramel or buy it ready-made. Either way, it brings the whole treat together.
Make sure you have good quality chocolate chips. They melt nicely and add a rich taste. If you want a little crunch, consider adding nuts or sea salt flakes on top. Each ingredient plays an important role in making these brownies a decadent treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Prepping the baking pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Melting the butter and mixing with sugar
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Once it’s melted, take it off the heat. Stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar until the mixture looks smooth.
3. Adding eggs and coffee to the mix
Let the butter mix cool a bit. Now, whisk in 4 large eggs one at a time. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules. Make sure to mix well until combined.
4. Combining dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Assembling the Brownies
1. Layering the brownie batter
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly.
2. Drizzling and swirling caramel sauce
Drizzle half of the 1 cup of caramel sauce over the brownie layer. Use a knife to gently swirl it through the batter for a marbled look.
3. Baking the brownies
Pour the remaining brownie batter over the caramel. Spread it evenly and drizzle with the rest of the caramel sauce. Swirl again if you’d like. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs when done.
Cooling and Serving Tips
1. Cooling the brownies properly
Take the brownies out of the oven and let them cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Slicing the brownies for serving
Once cooled, slice them into squares. This makes for easy serving.
3. Optional: adding sea salt flakes
For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle some sea salt flakes on top before serving. Enjoy your delicious Coffee Caramel Brownies!
Tips & Tricks
Baking Tips
- Ensuring the right oven temperature: Always preheat your oven to 350°F. This helps your brownies bake evenly. Use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Checking for doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your brownies are ready. If it has wet batter, bake a bit longer.
Flavor Enhancement Tips
- Using high-quality chocolate: Choose a rich, dark chocolate. The better the chocolate, the deeper the flavor. Look for chocolate that is 60% cocoa or higher.
- Variations in caramel sauce: You can use store-bought caramel sauce for quick results. For a twist, try adding a pinch of sea salt to your homemade caramel for extra depth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing makes the brownies tough.
- Not letting the brownies cool before slicing: Let your brownies cool for at least 15-20 minutes. This makes slicing easier and keeps them from falling apart.
Pro Tips
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for good quality chocolate chips for a richer flavor and better texture in your brownies.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing too much can make your brownies tough. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for a fudgier texture.
- Cool Before Cutting: Let the brownies cool in the pan before slicing to ensure clean cuts and better structure.
- Add Extra Caramel: For a more indulgent treat, drizzle additional caramel sauce on top just before serving.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
If you want to make dairy-free brownies, use coconut or almond butter. These options keep the rich taste. You can also swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar. It adds a slight caramel flavor and is less processed.
Flavor Variations
Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to your batter. They give a nice crunch and flavor. If you want a warm spice, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg. You can also use dark chocolate or white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. Each choice creates a new taste experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The cold ice cream melts into the warm brownies, creating a great mix. You can also pair them with a cup of coffee. The coffee brings out the rich flavors. For parties, cut the brownies into small squares and arrange them on dessert platters. They look great and taste even better!
Storage Info
Storage Guidelines
You can store your Coffee Caramel Brownies at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for about three days. If you prefer, refrigerate them to extend their life. They can last up to a week when chilled. Just remember to cover them well to avoid drying out.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing is a great option if you want to save some for later. Cut the brownies into squares before freezing. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This method prevents freezer burn. To thaw, take them out and leave them at room temperature for about an hour. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Shelf Life
The shelf life of your brownies depends on how you store them. At room temperature, they last around three days. In the fridge, they can last up to a week. If frozen, they stay good for about three months. Always check for signs of spoilage. If they smell off or have a strange texture, it’s best to toss them.
FAQs
How do I make brownies from scratch?
To make brownies from scratch, you need a few key ingredients. Here’s a simple recipe:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- Sea salt flakes for topping (optional)
Start by melting the butter and mixing it with sugar. Add eggs and vanilla, then stir in coffee. In another bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine both mixtures and fold in chocolate chips. Bake for about 25-30 minutes.
Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant coffee?
Yes, you can use brewed coffee. However, this changes the flavor and texture of the brownies. Brewed coffee adds moisture, which may make the brownies softer. Instant coffee dissolves well, giving a stronger coffee taste without adding extra liquid.
What is the best way to cut brownies?
To cut brownies neatly, use a sharp knife. First, let them cool completely. If they are still warm, they may crumble. To get clean cuts, run the knife under hot water. Wipe it dry before each cut. This helps keep the edges sharp and clean.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these brownies gluten-free. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture. Always check that your chocolate chips and caramel sauce are gluten-free as well.
You now have all the steps to make delicious brownies. You learned what ingredients to use and how to mix them. Following the tips will help you avoid common mistakes. Don’t forget the fun variations you can try. Store them well to keep them fresh. Whether you enjoy them plain or with ice cream, these brownies are a treat. Get ready to impress friends and family with your baking skill

Coffee Caramel Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- sea salt flakes for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar until smooth.
- Let the butter mixture cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract and instant coffee granules. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the chocolate chips gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the brownie layer, then gently swirl it through with a knife for a marbled effect.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the caramel, spreading it evenly, and drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce on top. Swirl again if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for at least 15-20 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with sea salt flakes for an extra flavor dimension.
- Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy!