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Guest-Favorite Friendsgiving Brownie Bites with Salted Caramel

brownie bites with salted caramel - featured image

These fudgy brownie bites with a molten salted caramel center started as a happy accident and became a Friendsgiving tradition. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g), melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200g)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (40g)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (60g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (100g)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (28g), cut into small pieces
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream (30ml)
  • 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt, plus more for finishing

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin generously with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup butter in 30-second bursts. Let cool for 2 minutes. Whisk in granulated sugar until combined.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in vanilla extract until glossy and thick.
  4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Fold dry mixture into wet ingredients with a spatula until just combined.
  5. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, and heavy cream. Stir constantly with a whisk until butter melts and sugar dissolves, about 2-3 minutes. Let come to a gentle simmer, cook for 1 minute more, then remove from heat and stir in 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes.
  6. Drop a heaping teaspoon of brownie batter into each greased mini muffin cup, filling about 2/3 full. Drop about 1/2 teaspoon of warm caramel into the center of each cup. Do not stir.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Edges should look set and slightly puffed, centers still soft and shiny. A toothpick inserted into brownie part should come out with moist crumbs.
  8. Let cool in pan for exactly 5 minutes. While still warm, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each. Gently lift out and transfer to a cooling rack. Cool completely before serving, about 20 minutes.

Notes

Don’t overfill muffin cups (max 2/3 full) to prevent caramel overflow. Use a light hand with caramel (1/2 tsp per bite). Let caramel cool 5 minutes before adding to batter. Don’t skip the flaky salt on top. Can prep caramel a day ahead and reheat gently. Brownie batter should be made fresh. Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: brownie bites, salted caramel, Friendsgiving, mini brownies, fudgy brownies, caramel brownies, bite-sized dessert