Why You’ll Love Salted Caramel Brownie Bites Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because:

The bite‑sized format makes them perfect for parties, snacks, or gifting.
They bring together deep chocolate flavour, gooey caramel, and sea salt — a classic trio of indulgence.
They use relatively simple ingredients but feel luxurious.
The caramel filling surprises you in every bite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Brownie Bites
12 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon‑sized pieces
½ cup semisweet chocolate chips (100 g)
½ cup natural cocoa powder (50 g)
½ teaspoon instant coffee grounds
1 cup packed light brown sugar (200 g)
½ cup granulated sugar (100 g)
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all‑purpose flour (140 g)
2 tablespoons all‑purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Caramel Filling
35 unwrapped caramel candies
½ cup heavy cream (115 ml)
Fine sea salt for sprinkling on top

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Spray a 24‑count mini muffin tin with baking spray (preferably one with flour in it) and set aside.
Combine the unsalted butter and semisweet chocolate chips in a large microwave‑safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave in 15‑second intervals until melted and smooth.
Stir in the cocoa powder, instant coffee grounds, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Add the eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract; beat well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, extra 2 tablespoons of flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Drop about 1 ½ tablespoons of batter into each prepared mini muffin cup.
Bake for 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Immediately press the center of each brownie bite with the back of a teaspoon to create a well. Let them cool.
For the caramel filling, melt the caramels and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until smooth.
Spoon the caramel into the wells and sprinkle with sea salt. Let cool completely before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24 brownie bites
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Cooling + Filling Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
Total Time: Around 3 hours

Variations

Use dark chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Swap in flavored caramel candies (e.g., vanilla or sea-salted) for variety.
Replace homemade caramel with store-bought soft caramel sauce.
Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for texture.
Drizzle with white chocolate for a festive finish.
Use mini cupcake liners for easy cleanup and presentation.

Storage/Reheating

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–4 days.
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months.
To serve after freezing, thaw at room temperature.
Let chilled bites sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften the caramel before serving.

FAQs

What type of chocolate should I use for the brownie batter?

Semisweet chocolate chips work great, but dark chocolate chips (50–70% cocoa) provide a richer, more intense flavor.

Can I use a boxed brownie mix instead of making from scratch?

Yes. Prepare the mix as directed, bake in a mini muffin tin, then follow the same filling process with caramel and sea salt.

Do I have to use instant coffee grounds?

No. The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but is optional. You won’t taste coffee in the final product.

What if my caramel filling is too runny?

Let it cool slightly before filling the brownie bites so it thickens. Ensure you’re using soft caramels for best melting results.

Can I skip the sea salt topping?

Yes. You can leave it off if you prefer, but the salt balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.

How do I get the brownie bites out of the mini muffin tin cleanly?

Use a baking spray with flour or lightly grease and flour the tin. Let them cool slightly before removing.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can bake the brownie bites a day or two in advance and add the caramel filling right before serving.

Are these freezer‑friendly?

Yes. Freeze once cooled and filled. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Can I substitute the heavy cream in the caramel filling?

You can use milk, but the texture may be thinner and less rich. Heavy cream gives the best results.

My brownie bites turned out too dry — what did I do wrong?

Overbaking is the likely cause. Bake until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, not clean.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Brownie Bites are the ultimate bite-sized indulgence. The contrast of rich chocolate, soft caramel, and sea salt creates an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion. Whether for gifting, entertaining, or personal snacking, these brownie bites are sure to impress.