Irresistible Peanut Butter Caramel Brownies: Your Ultimate Gooey Dessert Recipe
These Peanut Butter Caramel Brownies are truly the best way to satisfy your sweet tooth! This incredible three-layered brownie is generously stacked with rich chocolate, luscious caramel, creamy peanut butter, crunchy peanuts, and delightful peanut butter cups. This irresistibly gooey dessert is an easy treat, starting with a simple cake mix, that you absolutely do not want to miss!
Why These Peanut Butter Caramel Brownies Will Become Your New Favorite
I have an undeniable passion for layered desserts – they provide the perfect canvas to combine all my favorite flavors and textures into one magnificent treat! Much like my beloved No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars, these Peanut Butter Caramel Brownies are a testament to the magic that happens when chocolate, peanut butter, and caramel come together. It’s a flavor combination so iconic, it’s right there in the title!
What makes these brownies truly special is their delightful construction. The foundation is a wonderfully rich, fudgy brownie layer, made incredibly simple by starting with a chocolate cake mix. This ingenious shortcut ensures a consistently perfect base without the fuss. On top of this dreamy brownie lies the second layer: a heavenly blend of melted caramel and creamy peanut butter, creating an intensely gooey and sweet-and-salty middle. Finally, the entire confection is crowned with a decadent spread of melted chocolate mixed with even more peanut butter, before being generously sprinkled with chopped peanut butter cups and additional peanuts for that irresistible crunch and burst of flavor.
But the customization doesn’t stop there! While the chopped peanut butter cups are undeniably my favorite topping, you are absolutely encouraged to get creative. Imagine adding vibrant M&Ms for a pop of color, or perhaps some tiny marshmallows for an extra touch of sweetness and softness. Once your magnificent brownies are cooled to perfection, cut them into generous bars, and for the ultimate indulgence, serve them with a hefty scoop of cold vanilla ice cream. The contrast of the warm, gooey brownie with the cool, creamy ice cream is simply out of this world. These brownies aren’t just a dessert; they’re an experience, promising to be a hit at any gathering or a delightful treat for yourself after a long day.
The Key Ingredients for Your Three-Layer Brownie Masterpiece
This recipe is truly one of those magical desserts that harnesses the simplicity and convenience of a boxed cake mix, transforming it into something spectacular and homemade-tasting. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components for each delectable layer:
- For the First Layer (The Fudgy Brownie Base): You’ll need one box of chocolate cake mix, ensuring a rich, deep chocolate flavor. Paired with softened butter and a single egg, these ingredients come together to create a perfectly moist and fudgy brownie that forms the ideal foundation without being overly cakey.
- For the Second Layer (The Gooey Caramel Peanut Butter Swirl): This irresistible middle layer calls for approximately 36 unwrapped caramels (the soft, chewy kind work best for melting), a can of sweetened condensed milk for that signature gooey texture and sweetness, creamy peanut butter for its distinct nutty flavor, and a cup of chopped peanuts to add a wonderful textural contrast and a hint of saltiness that perfectly complements the sweet caramel.
- For the Final Layer (The Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping & Crunch): The grand finale requires one cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, which will be melted down and mixed with two tablespoons of additional peanut butter to create a smooth, spreadable ganache-like topping. To complete the masterpiece, you’ll adorn it with chopped mini peanut butter cups for bursts of chocolate-peanut butter goodness, and more chopped peanuts (if desired) for extra crunch and visual appeal. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the incredible flavor and texture profile of these layered brownies.
How to Craft Your Perfect Peanut Butter Caramel Brownies
Creating these sensational layered brownies is simpler than you might think, thanks to the clever use of a cake mix base. Follow these easy steps to bring this decadent dessert to life:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking. Next, take a 13×9 inch baking dish and line it with parchment paper. It’s crucial to leave an overhang of parchment paper on the sides, as this will act as “handles” later, making it incredibly easy to lift the entire batch of brownies out of the pan for clean, effortless cutting once they’ve cooled. This small step makes a huge difference in the presentation and ease of serving!
Step 2: Create the Fudgy Brownie Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine your chocolate cake mix, softened butter, and the egg. Using an electric mixer, beat these ingredients together until they are just combined and form a thick, dough-like mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tougher brownie. Once mixed, evenly press this rich brownie mixture into the bottom of your prepared baking pan. Aim for an even layer from edge to edge. Bake this layer in your preheated oven for precisely 15 minutes. This initial bake sets the foundation, creating a perfectly chewy, fudgy base for the layers to come.
Step 3: Craft the Gooey Caramel Peanut Butter Layer
While your brownie base is baking, or immediately after it comes out of the oven, start on the glorious caramel layer. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramels and the sweetened condensed milk. Place the saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly. This constant stirring is key to preventing the caramels from sticking and burning. Continue to stir until the caramels have completely melted and the mixture is smooth and well combined. This process usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once smooth, remove from the heat and stir in the peanut butter. Mix well until the peanut butter is fully incorporated and melted, which should only take about 2 minutes. Immediately and carefully spread this warm, gooey caramel peanut butter mixture evenly over the hot brownie bottom. While the caramel is still warm and tacky, sprinkle generously with your chopped peanuts. The warmth will help the peanuts adhere to the surface.
Step 4: Add the Decadent Chocolate Peanut Butter Topping and Finish
For the final luscious layer, place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each interval, until the chocolate chips are completely melted and smooth. This typically takes 1-2 minutes total, depending on your microwave’s power. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate, as it can seize. Once smooth, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of peanut butter until it’s fully combined and the mixture is silky. Carefully spread this rich chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the caramel layer, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. While the chocolate topping is still wet, generously sprinkle the top with your roughly chopped mini peanut butter cups and any additional chopped peanuts you desire. This creates a beautiful and delicious finish. Now comes the hardest part: cooling! To ensure clean cuts and a perfectly set dessert, cool the brownies completely. I find that placing the baking dish in the freezer for about 1-2 hours (or refrigerating for 3-4 hours) works wonders. Once fully chilled and firm, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the entire brownie slab out of the pan, place it on a cutting board, and slice into your desired bar sizes. Enjoy your masterpiece!
Pro Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Caramel Brownies Every Time
- Don’t Overmix the Brownie Base: For a truly fudgy brownie, mix the cake mix, butter, and egg just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher, more cake-like texture.
- Use Quality Caramels: Individually wrapped, soft caramels melt more smoothly and consistently than harder varieties. Avoid caramel sauces which might be too thin.
- Stir Caramel Constantly: When melting the caramels and condensed milk, keep the heat low and stir continuously. This prevents scorching and ensures a smooth, luscious caramel layer.
- Cool Completely is Key: This is perhaps the most important tip! Attempting to cut the brownies while they are still warm or even slightly warm will result in a gooey mess and uneven bars. Chilling them thoroughly in the freezer or refrigerator allows all the layers to set perfectly, making for clean, beautiful slices.
- For Easier Spreading: If your chocolate peanut butter topping seems too thick, you can add a tiny bit (1/2 teaspoon at a time) of neutral oil (like vegetable or canola) or even a splash of milk to loosen it slightly, making it easier to spread evenly over the caramel layer.
- Warm Before Serving (Optional): For an extra gooey experience, warm individual brownie bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving, especially if you plan to pair them with ice cream.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Caramel Brownies
While both are delicious, cake mix typically contains more leavening agents, causing it to rise a bit more and create a slightly lighter, yet still incredibly moist and fudgy texture. This subtle lift makes it the perfect, less dense base for our multi-layered brownie, ensuring it doesn’t become overly heavy. Brownie mix often results in a denser, chewier bar, which is great for traditional brownies but here, the cake mix provides the ideal balance to support the rich caramel and chocolate layers.
Don’t worry, this can happen! The key is low heat and constant stirring. If your caramel seems too thick or isn’t melting smoothly, try adding a splash – about a tablespoon – of water or milk to the saucepan. Continue stirring over low heat; the added liquid will help loosen the mixture and allow the caramels to melt more uniformly into a smooth, pourable consistency. If it’s already off the heat and cooled down too much, gently reheat it over low heat with a splash of liquid.
The sky’s the limit when it comes to customizing your toppings! While chopped peanut butter cups are a fantastic choice, you could add whatever your heart desires. I think tiny marshmallows would add a wonderful soft texture and extra sweetness, while crushed graham crackers would introduce a delightful ‘s’mores’ vibe. You can also sprinkle on mini M&M’s for a colorful crunch, whole semi-sweet chocolate chips for more melty chocolate goodness, any other types of nuts you enjoy (like pecans or walnuts), or even a different type of chocolate bar chopped up, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate. Crushed pretzels could also add a fantastic salty-crunchy element! Feel free to experiment and let me know what delicious combinations you discover!
Once cooled and cut, store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or for extended freshness, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature (or slightly warm them) before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Absolutely! These brownies are an excellent make-ahead dessert. You can prepare them entirely a day or two in advance and store them as directed above. In fact, many people find that the flavors meld and deepen even further after a day, making them taste even better. If storing in the refrigerator, remember to allow them to come to room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Yes, these brownies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled and cut into individual bars, wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. You can also pop a frozen brownie into the microwave for a quick warm treat!
Related Desserts To Satisfy Your Cravings
If you’re a fan of the divine combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and caramel, you’ll love exploring these other irresistible recipes from Countryside Cravings:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake: Another fantastic dessert that infuses rich chocolate cake with creamy peanut butter goodness.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Granola: For a slightly healthier, yet equally delicious, way to enjoy these flavors, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter No-Bake Cheesecake: An elegant and easy dessert that perfectly blends dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter without turning on the oven.
- Banana Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Blondies: A delightful twist that combines the classic flavors with a hint of banana, resulting in incredibly moist blondies.
- Chocolate Caramel Oatmeal Bars: If you loved the caramel in these brownies, you’ll adore these chewy, sweet, and satisfying oatmeal bars.
Thank you so much for trying my Peanut Butter Caramel Brownies recipe! I genuinely hope you and your loved ones enjoy every single decadent bite. Please let me know how you enjoyed them and feel free to share your experience!
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Peanut Butter Caramel Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 chocolate cake mix
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 egg
- 36 caramels unwrapped
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup peanuts
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1/2 cup mini peanut butter cups roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13×9″ baking dish with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting.
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Using an electric mixer, beat together the cake mix, softened butter, and egg until just combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes.
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In a medium saucepan, heat the unwrapped caramels and sweetened condensed milk over low heat, stirring constantly until the caramels have completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat, then stir in 1/4 cup of peanut butter and mix for 2 minutes until fully incorporated. Spread this warm mixture evenly over the baked brownie bottom. Immediately sprinkle with 1 cup of chopped peanuts.
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Melt the 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth (about 1-2 minutes total). Stir in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter until well combined. Spread this chocolate and peanut butter mixture over the caramel layer. Sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup of chopped mini peanut butter cups and 1/4 cup of additional chopped peanuts (if desired). Cool completely before cutting into bars – for best results, I recommend cooling in the freezer for 1-2 hours or in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours until firm.