Is there anything better than the moment when rich chocolate meets silky caramel? I’ve been perfecting these brownie bites for years, and let me tell you – every single time I make them, they disappear within hours. There’s something magical about these little squares of heaven that makes even the most disciplined sweet tooth completely lose control.
Last weekend, my neighbor knocked on my door asking for the recipe after smelling them baking through our shared wall. That’s when I knew these salted caramel brownie bites were something truly special. They’re perfectly portioned, incredibly fudgy, and that hint of sea salt takes them from ordinary to absolutely extraordinary.
What Makes These Brownie Bites So Special
These aren’t your average brownies cut into squares. Each bite delivers layers of flavor – deep chocolate, buttery caramel, and just enough salt to make your taste buds sing. The secret is in the technique and timing, which I’ll share with you step by step.
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Salted Caramel Brownie Bites Made Easy: 7 Decadent Ways
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Description
These salted caramel brownie bites are rich, fudgy, and irresistibly indulgent. Made with dark chocolate and topped with silky homemade caramel finished with flaky sea salt, each bite delivers the perfect balance of deep chocolate flavor and buttery sweetness. They’re ideal for parties, gifting, or whenever you want a small but luxurious dessert that feels bakery-worthy.
Ingredients
For the brownie bites base:
1 cup unsalted butter
8 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
For the salted caramel topping:
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
Prepare the pan and oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.Melt chocolate and butter
Melt butter and chopped dark chocolate together using a double boiler or microwave. Stir until smooth, then allow to cool slightly.Mix wet ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar and brown sugar. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well, then add vanilla extract.Add dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold into the batter until just combined.Bake the brownies
Spread batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. Cool completely.Make the caramel
Heat sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and amber in color. Carefully add butter and whisk until smooth. Slowly pour in cream while whisking. Remove from heat and stir in half the sea salt.Assemble
Let caramel cool slightly, then pour over cooled brownies. Sprinkle with remaining sea salt. Allow to set for at least 2 hours before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
Notes
Do not overbake: Brownies should look slightly underdone in the center when removed from the oven, they’ll firm up as they cool.
Caramel caution: Sugar can burn quickly; watch closely once it begins to melt. If it seizes, it’s best to start over.
Clean cuts: Use a sharp knife wiped clean between slices for neat brownie bites.
Make ahead: These brownies store well and taste even better the next day.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 3g
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the brownie bites base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 8 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the salted caramel topping:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Timing Guide
- Prep time: 25 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Caramel cooling: 20 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Serves: 24 bite-sized pieces
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Perfect Brownie Base
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chopped chocolate together, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together both sugars. Add the melted chocolate mixture and stir until combined.
Step 4: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract. Mix until the batter becomes glossy and smooth.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture until just combined.
Step 6: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Creating the Salted Caramel Magic
Step 7: While brownies cool, make your caramel. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until it melts and turns amber colored.
Step 8: Add butter carefully (it will bubble!) and whisk until melted. Slowly pour in cream while whisking continuously.
Step 9: Remove from heat and stir in half the sea salt. Let cool for 15-20 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 10: Pour caramel over cooled brownies and sprinkle with remaining sea salt. Let set for at least 2 hours before cutting.
Nutritional Information (Per Bite)
- Calories: 185
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 95mg
Healthy Alternatives and Dietary Swaps
For Gluten-Free Brownie Bites
Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture will be slightly denser but equally delicious.
Dairy-Free Options
Substitute butter with coconut oil (solid, not melted) and use full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream for the caramel.
Lower Sugar Version
You can reduce the sugar in the brownie base by 1/4 cup and use sugar-free caramel sauce, though the texture will be slightly different.
Professional Tips for Best Results
Temperature matters: Let your melted chocolate mixture cool before adding eggs to prevent them from scrambling.
Don’t overmix: Once you add the flour, fold gently. Overmixing creates tough brownie bites.
Perfect caramel: Watch your sugar carefully when making caramel – it goes from perfect to burnt very quickly.
Clean cuts: Use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts for perfectly neat squares.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overbaking: These brownie bites should still look slightly underdone in the center when you remove them. They’ll continue cooking as they cool.
Rushing the caramel: If your caramel seizes up, it’s usually because the temperature changed too quickly. Start over if this happens.
Cutting too early: I know it’s tempting, but let them set completely before cutting or you’ll have a delicious mess instead of neat bites.
Storage Solutions
Store your brownie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
The caramel may soften slightly in humid conditions, but the flavor remains incredible. If you’re gifting these, store them in a cool, dry place.
Creative Serving Suggestions
These brownie bites are perfect on their own, but here are some ways to elevate them:
- Serve with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of extra caramel
- Pair with strong coffee or espresso
- Add them to a dessert charcuterie board
- Warm slightly and serve with whipped cream
- Crumble over cheesecake or yogurt
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply satisfying about creating these perfect little squares of joy from scratch. These salted caramel brownie bites have become my signature dessert, and I hope they bring as much happiness to your kitchen as they have to mine.
The combination of rich chocolate and buttery caramel never gets old, and that touch of sea salt makes each bite absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to something wonderful, these brownie bites deliver every single time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these brownie bites ahead of time for a party?
A: Absolutely! These brownie bites actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld together. Make them up to 2 days in advance and store covered at room temperature. The caramel stays perfectly set and delicious.
Q: Why did my caramel turn out grainy instead of smooth?
A: Grainy caramel usually happens when sugar crystals form during cooking. To prevent this, avoid stirring once the sugar starts melting, and make sure your pan is completely clean before starting. If it happens, try whisking in a tablespoon of warm cream.
Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?
A: While homemade is always best, you can use high-quality store-bought caramel in a pinch. Heat it slightly to make it easier to spread, and add a pinch of sea salt since most commercial caramels aren’t salty enough for these brownie bites.