Jamie Oliver Chocolate Caramel Brownies Recipe [Tips & Tricks]

I still remember the first time I tried Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Caramel Brownies. It was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and the smell of melting chocolate and caramel filled the whole kitchen. As soon as I took that first bite, I was hooked – gooey, rich, and perfectly sweet. It felt like a cozy hug in dessert form.

• Brownies are one of those magical treats that bring people together.
• Jamie Oliver’s version adds a twist with luscious caramel, making it next-level indulgent.
• Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe is approachable and incredibly satisfying.

Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Caramel Brownies Recipe

This recipe is a blend of classic chocolate brownie richness with the surprise of smooth caramel. It’s perfect for sharing or just treating yourself after a long day.

• The base is a fudgy, dense brownie.
• A thick layer of caramel gets swirled right through.
• The top has a crackly chocolate crust that adds the perfect texture contrast.

It’s not just about the taste, but the experience – from mixing the batter to pulling the warm brownies from the oven.

Ingredients Needed

I like to gather everything before starting – it makes the whole process smoother and more fun.

• Dark chocolate (around 70% cocoa) – about 200g, broken into chunks
• Unsalted butter – 250g, cubed
• Caster sugar – 250g
• Golden syrup – 2 tablespoons, for that sticky caramel richness
• Flour – 100g, for the brownie base
• Eggs – 3 large, room temperature
• Sea salt flakes – a pinch, to balance sweetness

• For The Caramel Layer

  • Condensed milk – 200g
  • Golden syrup – 2 tablespoons
  • Butter – 50g
  • Brown sugar – 100g

Having these ready lets you focus on the fun part – the baking.

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Caramel Brownies

The first time I made this recipe, I was amazed at how simple the steps were, yet how impressive the results felt.

• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) and line a baking tin with parchment paper.
• Step 2: Melt the butter and dark chocolate together slowly over a bain-marie or low heat until smooth and glossy.
• Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the caster sugar and golden syrup with the eggs until thick and creamy.
• Step 4: Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, followed by the flour. Mix until just combined.
• Step 5: Pour half of the brownie batter into the lined tin.
• Step 6: Prepare the caramel layer by heating condensed milk, golden syrup, butter, and brown sugar in a saucepan until it thickens and turns golden.
• Step 7: Spread the caramel evenly over the brownie batter in the tin.
• Step 8: Spoon the remaining brownie batter on top and gently swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
• Step 9: Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top is set but the center is still gooey.
• Step 10: Cool completely before slicing and serving.

Ingredient Science Spotlight

Here’s where things get interesting! Each ingredient plays a specific role to create the perfect brownie texture and flavor.

• Dark chocolate: Provides intense cocoa flavor and fat for richness. Cocoa solids also help with the structure.
• Butter: Adds moisture and tenderness while helping with the fudgy texture.
• Caster sugar: Sweetens but also helps create that shiny, crackly crust on top.
• Golden syrup: Its glucose content prevents sugar crystallization, keeping caramel smooth and soft.
• Flour: Gives structure, but only a little – so the brownies stay dense, not cakey.
• Eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture and richness.
• Sea salt flakes: Enhance sweetness and deepen flavor complexity by balancing the caramel’s richness.

Caramel’s science is also fascinating – heating condensed milk and sugars causes Maillard reactions, giving it that deep golden color and complex flavor.

Expert Tips

From my experience and Jamie’s insights, here are some tips to nail this recipe:

• Use good-quality dark chocolate – it makes a huge difference.
• Don’t overmix once you add the flour – overmixing leads to tougher brownies.
• Keep an eye on baking time. Slightly underbaked brownies are better – they’ll be fudgy, not dry.
• Use sea salt flakes on top just before serving for a salty-sweet contrast.
• Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to avoid a messy crumble.

Recipe Variations

If you love experimenting, here are some twists to make this brownie recipe your own:

• Nutty delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for crunch.
• Spiced caramel: Mix a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder into the caramel for warmth or a kick.
• Peanut butter swirl: Replace the caramel with peanut butter for a nutty, creamy surprise.
• Vegan version: Use dairy-free chocolate, coconut oil instead of butter, and flax eggs to replace eggs.
• Salted caramel topping: Drizzle extra salted caramel on top before serving for maximum indulgence.

Final Words

Making these brownies reminded me why I love baking – the smells, the textures, the smiles it brings. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down and enjoy simple pleasures.

• The gooey caramel center is like a secret treasure.
• The crackly chocolate top gives every bite a little crunch.
• It’s a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting.

FAQs

What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Caramel Brownies Special?

The combination of rich chocolate and gooey caramel creates an irresistible texture and flavor that’s hard to beat.

Can I Use Dark Chocolate Instead Of Milk Chocolate?

Yes, you can! Dark chocolate will give the brownies a richer, slightly more intense flavor.

How Do I Store The Brownies To Keep Them Fresh?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days.

Can I Freeze These Brownies?

Absolutely! You can freeze them for up to a month. Just wrap them well before freezing.

What Caramel Should I Use For This Recipe?

You can make homemade caramel or use store-bought. Homemade caramel gives it a more authentic touch.

How Do I Prevent The Caramel From Becoming Too Hard?

Make sure to cook the caramel over medium heat and watch it closely to avoid overcooking.

Can I Add Nuts To The Brownies?

Sure! Walnuts or pecans are great additions and pair well with the chocolate and caramel.

What’s The Secret To Getting A Gooey Center?

Don’t overbake! The brownies should still be a little soft in the center when you take them out.

Can I Make These Brownies Gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the flour for a gluten-free flour blend and you’re good to go.

How Do I Know When The Brownies Are Done?

Stick a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.