If you adore the perfect combo of chewy and crunchy textures wrapped in rich, indulgent chocolate and caramel, then the Chewy Caramel Crunch Brownies Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine biting into fudgy brownies that are generously topped with a golden, buttery caramel layer studded with crunchy cornflakes. Every mouthful blends decadence with a satisfying crunch, creating a dessert experience that’s irresistibly comforting and exciting all at once. Whether you’re sharing these brownies at a family gathering or savoring them as a solo treat, this recipe delivers a spectacular flavor and texture symphony that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface holds four main ingredients layered side by side. On the bottom left are small pale yellow butter cubes, to the right of them are large dark brown chocolate squares, and above the chocolate is a pile of light brown sugar. Next to the sugar is a small pile of white granulated sugar. The bowl is seen from above with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are delightfully straightforward yet vital to achieving the perfect balance in our Chewy Caramel Crunch Brownies Recipe. Each component plays a key role: chocolate and cocoa provide deep fudgy notes, caramel ingredients bring buttery sweetness, and cornflakes add a crispy texture that lifts every bite.

Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the brownie layer.
Caster sugar (superfine): Helps dissolve evenly, aiding the smooth texture of the batter.
Salted butter: Brings creaminess and a slight saltiness to balance sweetness.
Dark cooking chocolate: Ensures a deeply rich and intense chocolate flavor.
Eggs (2 large + 1 yolk): Provide structure and contribute to the chewiness of the brownies.
All-purpose flour: Gives the brownies their tender crumb without weighing them down.
Cocoa powder: Amplifies chocolate intensity while contributing to texture.
Vanilla extract: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
Granulated sugar: The base for the luscious caramel toffee layer.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and silkiness to the caramel.
Cornflakes: Deliver the signature crunch that makes this brownie special.

How to Make Chewy Caramel Crunch Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fudgy Brownie Layer

Start by preheating your oven to 170C (350F) and lining a 9 x 13-inch baking tin with baking paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. Melt together the butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and chopped dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts, whisking until silky smooth. Adding the eggs and egg yolk, whisk vigorously to combine before folding in the sifted flour, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract gently to maintain that luscious texture. Pour this rich batter into your prepared tin and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. It’s essential to let the brownie cool completely to room temperature to ensure the caramel layer sets perfectly on top.

Step 2: Craft the Crunchy Cornflake Caramel

While the brownie base cools, it’s time to make the caramel toffee. Cooking sugar slowly over low-medium heat, stir occasionally until it melts and turns a tempting amber color, but watch closely to avoid burning. Adding hot cream slowly will create a smooth, decadent sauce, followed by bits of butter to boost the richness. Cook the mixture until the caramel reaches about 120C (250F) for that perfect sticky texture. Fold in cornflakes gently so each flake is coated with caramel but still retains its crunchiness.

Step 3: Assemble and Set

Pour the caramel-coated cornflakes evenly over the cooled brownie layer, distributing it uniformly for every delicious bite. Let the entire slice set at room temperature for about 30 minutes before transferring it to the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling step ensures clean slicing and boosts that signature chewy and crunchy texture contrast that defines the Chewy Caramel Crunch Brownies Recipe.

How to Serve Chewy Caramel Crunch Brownies Recipe

A stack of six dessert squares sits on a white plate with a white marbled surface underneath. Each square has two clear layers: the bottom layer is thick, dense, and dark brown with a smooth texture, resembling rich chocolate brownies. The top layer is a golden brown crispy topping made of a crunchy mixture, showing uneven texture with small clusters and a slightly rough surface. The squares are stacked in a pyramid shape, with some edges slightly uneven, highlighting the crunchy top and dense brownie base. The background shows a simple white tiled wall. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a whimsical touch, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt atop the caramel layer right before serving. The subtle salt flakes heighten the sweetness and add a gourmet flair. If you want to impress even more, a light dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted chocolate can create a visually stunning presentation.

Side Dishes

These brownies are so satisfying on their own, but pairing them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream creates a decadent dessert experience. For something a bit lighter, fresh berries or a tangy fruit compote provide a refreshing balance to the rich caramel chocolate base.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the brownies on a rustic wooden platter with some assorted nuts or candied pecans scattered around for texture variety. You could also cut them into bite-size squares and serve on decorative toothpicks for a party-friendly treat. Layering these brownies in small dessert jars with whipped cream and chopped nuts makes for a sophisticated mini dessert that’s sure to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Brownies are famously even better the next day! Store leftover Chewy Caramel Crunch Brownies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to keep the caramel layer firm and the brownies moist.

Freezing

If you’d like to enjoy these brownies at a later date, freeze them uncovered for a few hours to firm up, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve texture and flavor the next time you crave that irresistible chewy caramel crunch.

Reheating

To bring back a bit of softness to chilled or frozen brownies, gently warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or at low heat in the oven for 5 minutes. This will soften the chewy brownie base without melting the caramel crunch topping too much, maintaining the delightful contrast.

FAQs

Can I use regular breakfast cereal instead of cornflakes?

While cornflakes offer a light, crispy texture that contrasts wonderfully with the chewy brownie and sticky caramel, you can experiment with other cereals like Rice Krispies for a similar crunch or even crushed pretzels for a salty twist. Just keep in mind that different cereals may affect the overall texture and flavor.

Why do the brownies need to cool completely before adding the caramel layer?

Allowing the brownie base to cool ensures the caramel topping doesn’t melt into the brownie and become soggy. A cooler base helps the caramel set properly and maintain that delightful crunch that defines this recipe.

How do I prevent the caramel from burning?

Patience is key! Cook the sugar over low-medium heat and keep a close eye, stirring gently. Removing the pan from heat at the right golden color and temperature prevents burning. Using a candy thermometer is a great way to nail the perfect caramel stage.

Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure the cocoa powder and other ingredients don’t contain gluten to keep it safe, and you’ll still get that wonderful chewy, crunchy texture.

What is the best knife to slice these brownies cleanly?

A sharp, large knife is ideal. Running the blade under hot water and drying it before slicing helps cut through the sticky caramel and crunchy cornflakes without dragging or crumbling, resulting in neat, beautiful squares.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know every delicious detail behind the Chewy Caramel Crunch Brownies Recipe, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and treat yourself to this glorious, textural dessert adventure. From the fudgy brownie base through that golden, crunchy caramel topping, these brownies are a testament to how simple ingredients come together to create show-stopping flavor. I promise, whether for a special occasion or an everyday pick-me-up, these brownies will become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire!

Chewy Caramel Crunch Brownies Recipe