Easy Chewy Caramel Cake Mix Brownies
These Easy Chewy Caramel Cake Mix Brownies are a quick and delicious dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth. They’re a simple treat with a chewy texture and rich caramel flavor, perfect for a crowd or a family gathering. The best part? You only need a handful of ingredients, and the oven does most of the work. Inspired by a recipe found on the back of a chocolate chip package, I made some modifications with a combination of butterscotch, Bordeaux syrup, and caramel sauce to give it an extra layer of indulgence. Choose whichever syrup you prefer, but ensure it’s the thickest version available to avoid any issues when setting.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cake Mix (your favorite flavor) | 1 box (typically 15.25 oz) |
| Evaporated Milk | 2/3 cup |
| Butter, melted | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Margarine, softened | 1/2 cup |
| Caramel Sauce (or butterscotch or Bordeaux syrup) | 12 tbsp |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/2 cup |
| Chocolate Chips | 1 cup |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 263 |
| Fat Content | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 7.2 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 17.4 mg |
| Sodium Content | 282.4 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 36.2 g |
| Fiber Content | 1.5 g |
| Sugar Content | 16.1 g |
| Protein Content | 2.8 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick spray to prevent the brownies from sticking. -
Prepare the Cake Mix Mixture
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the cake mix, 1/3 cup of evaporated milk, and melted butter together using a hand mixer or whisk. Mix for about 1 minute until smooth. The batter should be thick and slightly sticky. -
Layer the Bottom of the Pan
Press half of the cake mix mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use your fingers or a spatula to press it into place, ensuring an even layer at the bottom. -
Bake the First Layer
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the bottom layer is set and just starting to brown. You don’t want it fully baked yet, just enough to hold the caramel topping. -
Prepare the Caramel Sauce
While the first layer is baking, prepare the caramel sauce by mixing together the caramel sauce (or butterscotch or Bordeaux syrup), flour, and the remaining 1/3 cup of evaporated milk in a separate bowl. Stir until combined and smooth. -
Add the Caramel Layer
Once the first layer of the brownies is set, remove the pan from the oven. Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the baked brownie base. Use a spatula to spread it out so that it covers the entire surface. -
Top with Chocolate Chips and Cake Mix
Sprinkle 1 cup of chocolate chips over the caramel layer, ensuring they are evenly distributed. Next, take the remaining cake mix mixture and sprinkle it in small clumps on top of the brownies. This will create a crumbly, uneven texture that adds extra flavor. -
Final Bake
Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes. The top should look slightly undercooked, but that’s okay. The brownies will continue to set as they cool. -
Cool and Cut
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up, making them easier to cut into squares. Once cooled, slice them into 24 pieces.
Tips for Success
-
Thick Syrup: When selecting your caramel or butterscotch syrup, make sure it’s a thick version. A thin syrup will cause the caramel layer to be too runny and can affect the setting of the brownies.
-
Mixing the Cake Batter: Be sure to mix the cake batter thoroughly, as this ensures an even and smooth consistency, which will help it bake properly.
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Baking Time: Don’t be alarmed if the brownies look slightly undercooked when you remove them from the oven. The caramel will firm up as they cool, creating that perfect chewy texture.
Serving Suggestions
These Easy Chewy Caramel Cake Mix Brownies are great on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. They also pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk for a family-friendly dessert. If you’re planning to serve them for a crowd or a party, feel free to double the recipe and make two pans – these brownies are always a hit!
These brownies are a perfect blend of chewy texture, rich caramel flavor, and a hint of chocolate. Whether you’re making them for a family dessert, a holiday treat, or just because you’re craving something sweet, they are sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire!
