These Salted Caramel Brownie Bites are made with a simple, from-scratch, brownie batter and are filled with a rich caramel filling!

~Ingredients:

-Brownie Mix:

12 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, cut into tablespoon - sized pieces.

1/2 Cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips.

1/2 Cup Natural Cocoa Powder.

1/2 Teaspoon Instant Coffee Grounds.*

1 Cup Tightly Packed Brown Sugar.**

1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar.

2 Large Eggs + 1 Large Egg Yolk.

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract.

1 Cup + 2 Tablespoons All Purpose Flour.

1/2 Teaspoon Baking Powder.

1/2 Teaspoon Salt.

-Caramel Filling:

35 Caramels.

1/2 Cup Heavy Cream.

-Topping:

Fine Sea Salt, for sprinkling.

~Directions:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit. Spray 24 count mini cupcake / muffin tin with baking spray.***

-Making the Brownie Bites:

Step 2: Combine butter and chocolate chips in a large, microwave-safe bowl. 

Step 3: Microwave for 30 seconds. 

Step 4: Stir well, microwave for another 15 seconds and then stir well again. 

Step 5: Repeat for 15 seconds until chocolate and butter are completely melted and well combined.

Step 6: Stir in cocoa powder, instant coffee, and sugars, then add the eggs, the egg yolk and the vanilla extract, beat well.

Step 7: In a separate, medium - sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 8: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until well combined.

Step 9: Pour about 1 1/2 Tablespoons of the brownie batter into the prepared mini cupcake / muffin tray.

Step 10: Bake for 18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.

Step 11: Immediately after baking take a rounded teaspoon or tablespoon and press into each brownie bite to make space for the caramel.

Step 12: Allow brownie bites to cool while you make your caramel filling.

-Making the Caramel Filling:  

Step 13: Combine the caramels and heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium - low heat. 

Step 14: Stir frequently until the caramel is completely melted and the mixture is smooth, then remove from heat. 

Step 15: Using a spoon pour the melted caramel into each brownie bite.

Step 16: Sprinkle sea salt on top of the caramel while it is still hot.

Step 17: Allow the caramel to cool completely before serving.

~Recipe Notes: 

*The instant coffee grounds is optional. If you want to add it you can but if you don't want to then you don't have to.

**Your choice to use either light brown sugar or dark brown sugar.

***Baking spray is not the same as standard cooking spray. Baking spray should have flour listed in the ingredients, this will keep your brownies from sticking. If you don't have baking spray you can lightly grease and flour the sides and bottom of each mini cupcake / muffin well (make sure to shake out the excess flour).

1) Between the fudgy brownie base and all of that caramel, these brownie bites are a little on the sweet side. We find that the sea salt on top helps to balance out all of that sweetness.

Enjoy!

Please leave us a picture in the comments below if you make it!

~Hannah and Hailey :)