Make Boxed Brownies Effortlessly More Flavorful By Adding These Sweet Chips

When chocolatey cravings come calling, it's hard to beat the ease and deliciousness found in a tray of boxed brownies. Not only is this treat one of the most straightforward ways to whip up warm indulgence, but box mix brownies are also easily customizable with enhancements that boost the flavor and upgrade the dessert to semi-homemade status. Though mix-ins like walnuts and chocolate chips often steal the spotlight, there's one unexpected morsel that can really make your brownies shine: caramel chips. Caramel and brownies are a top-tier combination in which the gooey caramel builds on the rich chocolate flavor to provide a bite that is both creamy and fudgy, while offering a delectable buttery sweetness. With the addition of caramel, you'll want to make these decadent brownies on repeat.

While it might seem that caramel sauce is interchangeable in this kitchen hack, caramel bits hold the key to an effortless brownie upgrade. You can stir these sweet chips into a brownie batter similarly to chocolate chips, and they'll melt in the oven as your brownies bake, spreading into gooey bursts of liquid gold scattered throughout your dessert. With caramel sauce, on the other hand, you run the risk of having the sauce essentially become one with the batter, depriving you of distinct pockets of caramel that contrast with the chocolate so well. Using caramel sauce can also make for a wetter brownie that doesn't set up in a sturdy way.

To give your brownies that caramel boost, all you need to do is gently fold the caramel bits into the batter after the other ingredients on the box (usually the mix, oil, eggs, and water) have been stirred together. You want to fold in the caramel chips because it helps you avoid adding too much air and developing too much gluten. Both are the result of overworking the batter, which can lead to brownies with a tough and disappointing texture. For a standard box of brownies, about ¾ cup of caramel bits is perfect for even distribution without overpowering the chocolate flavor. You can also reserve a small amount of caramel pieces and place them on top of the brownies right after removing them from the oven. The caramel bits will melt just a bit and you'll have more control over where the pops of flavor show up.

It's not only boxed brownies that can benefit from this sweet addition; you can enhance any homemade brownie recipe by folding in caramel chips. From these ultimate fudgy brownies to these decadent mocha brownies, if you ever feel like your scratch-made dessert is missing an extra burst of velvety richness, a bag of caramel bits might be just what you need.