Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Caramel Brownies are a rich, indulgent treat that blends gooey caramel with a decadent chocolate base. The magic happens in two parts: a thick, fudgy brownie mix that’s dense yet soft and a creamy, luscious layer of caramel that adds an irresistible sweetness. The combination makes for a brownie that’s both gooey and slightly chewy, with the caramel offering a perfect contrast to the chocolate. If you’re a fan of both chocolate and caramel, these brownies are like the ultimate dessert hybrid. Think of it as a chocolate brownie but with a velvety caramel twist. It’s not just a simple dessert but one that makes you want to savor every bite.
Jamie Oliver Chocolate Caramel Brownies Recipe
Ingredients Needed
To make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Caramel Brownies, you’ll need a fairly simple set of ingredients but together, they create something extraordinary.
- Butter (unsalted) – This is what gives the brownies that smooth, rich texture and flavor.
- Dark chocolate – You’ll want high-quality dark chocolate. It adds depth and richness, making the brownies more indulgent.
- Sugar – Both granulated sugar and brown sugar are used. The granulated sugar adds sweetness while the brown sugar gives it a hint of molasses flavor.
- Flour – Plain flour works best for the structure of the brownie.
- Cocoa powder – For that extra depth of chocolate flavor. You can’t go wrong with this one.
- Eggs – You need these to give the brownies structure and that perfect fudgy texture.
- Vanilla extract – This adds a layer of flavor that enhances the chocolate and caramel.
- Condensed milk – A key ingredient for the caramel filling. It gives the caramel that rich, thick consistency.
- Golden syrup – It’s used to sweeten the caramel and give it that smooth texture.
- Salt – A pinch of salt in the caramel helps balance out the sweetness.
Equipment Needed
The right tools make the process much easier and ensure your brownies turn out perfectly.
- Mixing bowls – You’ll need a couple of these. One for the brownie batter and one for the caramel.
- Whisk – A good whisk will help you mix everything evenly.
- Baking tin (approx. 9×9 inch) – The perfect size for getting that dense, fudgy brownie texture.
- Saucepan – To melt your butter, chocolate and make the caramel.
- Spatula – For mixing and scraping out the caramel and brownie batter from the bowls.
- Baking paper or parchment. Lining your tin ensures the brownies come out easily and prevents sticking.
- Cooling rack – To let your brownies cool evenly and keep their texture.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Caramel Brownies
- Start by melting the chocolate and butter: Put the butter and dark chocolate into a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until it’s all melted together into a smooth, glossy mix. This is the base of your brownie, so make sure it’s well combined.
- Whisk the eggs and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until they’re light and fluffy. You can use a hand whisk or a mixer. The goal here is to add air to the mixture so that your brownies are soft but firm.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg and sugar mix. Then sift in the flour and cocoa powder and gently fold everything together. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the texture as light as possible.
- Make the caramel: In a small saucepan, combine the condensed milk, golden syrup and a pinch of salt. Heat it over low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. It should take around 5-7 minutes to reach that thick, syrupy texture.
- Assemble: Pour the brownie mixture into your prepared baking tin and smooth it out. Carefully pour the caramel over the brownie batter, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the tin in the oven at around 180°C (350°F) for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a skewer comes out mostly clean (a little bit of gooeyness is totally fine). Let it cool completely in the tin before cutting.
- Serve and enjoy: Once cooled, cut them into squares and dive in. The brownies should have a crispy top, a fudgy interior and that silky, sweet caramel center.
What I Learnt
Making Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Caramel Brownies taught me a few important things about baking. First, the importance of patience: while the process isn’t too long, waiting for the caramel to reach the perfect consistency takes some finesse. If you rush, the caramel can end up too runny or too thick. The second lesson is in texture-combining the rich chocolate brownie base with that gooey caramel makes for an unforgettable bite. You’ve got the slight crunch of the top, the soft, fudgy middle and then the smooth caramel that feels like a luxury dessert. Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of good-quality ingredients. The dark chocolate and condensed milk really make the difference between a good brownie and an outstanding one.
Recipe Tweaks For Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Caramel Brownies
Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Caramel Brownies are already pretty decadent but there’s always room for a little twist or upgrade. If you’re in the mood to play around with the recipe, here are a few tweaks to make them your own:
1. Add a Little Crunch
If you love texture, toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts or even almonds. The slight bitterness of the nuts will balance the rich sweetness of the caramel and chocolate. It’s all about that contrast.
2. Spice Things Up
For a unique flavor, a dash of cinnamon, espresso powder or even a pinch of sea salt can give the brownies a more complex taste. Espresso will bring out the depth of the chocolate while a little sea salt adds a savory touch to cut through the sweetness.
3. Experiment with the Caramel
If you’re feeling fancy, try swapping out regular caramel for salted caramel or butterscotch. If you want to go big, make a salted caramel swirl instead of mixing it throughout the brownies. This creates pockets of gooey sweetness in every bite.
4. Dark Chocolate for a Richer Taste
Switch out the milk chocolate for dark chocolate if you’re a fan of intense chocolate flavor. Dark chocolate has a stronger, less sweet taste that pairs really well with the caramel, so it’ll deepen the overall flavor.
5. Go Gluten-Free
For those with dietary restrictions, you can make these brownies gluten-free by replacing flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the flour has xanthan gum to help with the structure.
6. Add Fruit
For an unexpected twist, you could add some fruit. Chopped raspberries, cherries or even orange zest could bring a fresh contrast to the heavy chocolate and caramel, giving it a slight zing.
Storage Tips For Leftovers
Brownies like these are so delicious, you’ll probably have leftovers, right? Here’s how to keep them fresh so you can savor every last bite:
1. Room Temperature Storage
If you think you’ll finish the brownies within 3 days, store them at room temperature. Just wrap them up tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. This will keep them moist and soft. Don’t forget to keep them in a cool, dry spot to avoid any melting or sticky situations.
2. Freeze for Later
If you want to make sure your brownies last longer, freezing is your best bet. Cut them into squares and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Pop them in a freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready for a treat, just let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours and they’ll taste almost as fresh as when you made them.
3. Don’t Refrigerate
It’s tempting to throw them in the fridge to extend their shelf life but this will actually dry them out. Stick to room temperature or freezer storage and you’ll keep them soft and fudgy.
What To Eat With Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Caramel Brownies?
As much as these brownies are a treat on their own, there are a few things that make them even more special when paired together.
1. Ice Cream
Can you go wrong with brownies and ice cream? I don’t think so. Vanilla, salted caramel or even chocolate ice cream would create the perfect contrast to the gooey caramel and rich chocolate. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a scoop of pistachio for something unique.
2. A Cup of Coffee or Espresso
The bittersweet notes of coffee pair perfectly with the richness of chocolate. A hot espresso or even a strong cup of coffee can cut through the sweetness and balance out the flavor.
3. Whipped Cream or Creme Fraiche
If you want something lighter to balance out the heavy caramel and chocolate, go for a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. Or, for a tangy contrast, try some creme fraiche.
4. Fresh Fruit
Raspberries, strawberries or even sliced bananas can add a refreshing brightness. The natural acidity of the fruit helps balance the richness of the brownie and gives it a fresh pop.
5. A Glass of Milk
The classic pairing: warm brownies and cold milk. The milk helps smooth out all the chocolate and caramel, making every bite more indulgent.
FAQs
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Caramel Brownies Without The Caramel?
Yes, you can skip the caramel if you prefer a simpler brownie. Just follow the chocolate brownie base recipe and bake as usual!
What Type Of Chocolate Works Best For The Brownies?
For the best flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate with around 70% cocoa. It adds richness and depth to the brownies.
How Do I Store Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Caramel Brownies?
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. They also freeze well!
