Decadent mini brownie bites topped with rich chocolate ganache and filled with gooey salted caramel—these bite-sized indulgences are perfect for dessert tables, parties, or whenever you crave something sinfully sweet. They combine the deep, fudgy texture of brownies with the buttery, salty sweetness of homemade caramel and the silky finish of ganache, offering a luxurious dessert experience in miniature form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownie Bites are an ideal combination of rich chocolate and buttery caramel, elevated by a sprinkle of sea salt. They’re designed for indulgence, yet their small size makes them perfect for portion control and easy sharing. Whether you’re entertaining guests or looking for a homemade treat to elevate your week, these bites deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Brownie Base:

• unsalted butter, melted

• granulated sugar

• vanilla extract

• eggs

• all-purpose flour

• unsweetened cocoa powder

• salt

For the Ganache Frosting:

• dark chocolate chips

• heavy cream

• butter

For the Salted Caramel Filling:

• granulated sugar

• water

• heavy cream

• butter

• sea salt

Topping:

• flaky sea salt (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a mini muffin tin or use silicone molds.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk melted butter with granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time, beating until smooth.

3. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Stir until just combined.

4. Spoon the batter into the prepared molds, filling each about three-quarters full.

5. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the brownie tops are set. Let cool completely.

6. Once cooled, use a small spoon or piping tip to hollow out the center of each brownie bite.

7. For the caramel: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium until the sugar melts and turns golden. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in cream, butter, and a pinch of sea salt until smooth. Let cool slightly.

8. Fill the center of each brownie bite with salted caramel using a piping bag or spoon.

9. For the ganache: Heat heavy cream until just boiling, then pour over chocolate chips and butter in a bowl. Let sit for one minute, then whisk until smooth. Cool slightly.

10. Pipe ganache swirls on top of each brownie bite.

11. Garnish with flaky sea salt. Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the ganache to set.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24 brownie bites
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Version: Add chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to the brownie batter for added texture.

• Mocha Twist: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.

• Peanut Butter Caramel: Replace the butter in the caramel with peanut butter for a nutty spin.

• White Chocolate Ganache: Substitute white chocolate chips for a sweeter contrast.

• Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the ganache for a subtle heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store brownie bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let them sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for best texture. For longer storage, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a container and keep frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for 1 hour before serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, high-quality store-bought caramel can be used to save time. Warm it slightly to make filling easier.

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening too much?

Make sure to remove the caramel from heat as soon as it turns golden and stir in the cream promptly. Don’t overcook it.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend.

Do I need a piping bag for the ganache and caramel?

No, a small spoon works fine, but a piping bag offers more control and neater presentation.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Double all ingredients and bake in batches or use multiple mini muffin tins.

Why are my brownie bites dry?

Overbaking is the most common reason. Bake until just set and cool promptly.

Can I use milk chocolate for the ganache?

Yes, though the result will be sweeter and less intense than with dark chocolate.

How do I make the ganache thicker?

Let it cool longer or reduce the amount of cream slightly for a firmer consistency.

Can I make these in regular muffin tins?

Yes, but increase baking time to 18–20 minutes and expect fewer, larger portions.

What’s the best way to transport these for an event?

Chill thoroughly, then arrange in a single layer in a container with parchment paper between layers to prevent smudging.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownie Bites offer the ultimate trifecta of flavors—deep chocolate, creamy caramel, and a hint of sea salt—all in a perfectly portioned treat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these indulgent bites are guaranteed to impress and satisfy. Their elegant appearance and irresistible taste make them a standout addition to any dessert spread.