Decadent Dulce de Leche Brownies Recipe – Rich, Gooey, and Irresistible!

Brownies have long been a beloved dessert worldwide, loved for their rich, chocolatey flavor and dense texture. But, what happens when you elevate this classic treat with the sweetness of dulce de leche? You get a decadent, gooey, and irresistible dessert that will leave everyone asking for more. The Dulce de Leche Brownies recipe combines the fudgy goodness of traditional brownies with the velvety, caramel-like taste of dulce de leche. This unique twist makes the brownies both a visual and culinary masterpiece!

 

Whether you’re preparing for a party, special gathering, or just a cozy treat for yourself, these dulce de leche brownies will be the star of the show. This recipe is guaranteed to take your brownie game to the next level. So, let’s dive in and learn how to make these amazing, rich, gooey brownies step by step!

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What is Dulce de Leche?

Before we jump into the recipe, let’s take a moment to understand what makes dulce de leche such a special ingredient. Dulce de leche, which literally translates to “sweet milk” in Spanish, is a caramel-like sauce made by slowly heating sweetened condensed milk. The result is a thick, creamy, and deeply sweet treat that adds a smooth richness to desserts.

In our dulce de leche brownies recipe, the swirl of this sweet, caramel-flavored goodness complements the dense chocolate brownie base, creating the ultimate indulgence for your taste buds.

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Origin of the Dulce de Leche Brownies Recipe

While the classic brownie recipe hails from the United States, the introduction of dulce de leche into this rich dessert adds a South American flair. Dulce de leche is a popular treat across many Latin American countries, including Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil. It is used in a wide range of desserts such as alfajores (a type of cookie) and even as a spread.

The concept of combining dulce de leche with brownies is a more modern twist, influenced by the increasing popularity of caramel flavors in various baked goods. The fusion of the traditional American brownie with dulce de leche brings a beautiful balance of chocolate richness and sweet, milky caramel.

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Ingredients for Dulce de Leche Brownies

Making dulce de leche brownies requires a few simple ingredients that, when combined, result in an unforgettable dessert. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make these gooey, decadent treats:

For the Brownie Base:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter – Provides richness and moisture.
• 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped – Adds the deep chocolate flavor that is essential to brownies.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar – For sweetness and structure.
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar – For added moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
• 3 large eggs – Bind everything together and give the brownies their chewy texture.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances the flavors and adds warmth to the dessert.
• 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour – Provides the structure and helps bind the batter.
• 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds richness to the chocolate flavor.
• 1/2 tsp salt – Balances out the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• 1/4 tsp baking powder – Helps the brownies rise slightly, creating a perfect texture.

For the Dulce de Leche Swirl:

• 1/2 cup (120g) dulce de leche – This caramelized milk is the star of the show.
• 1-2 tbsp heavy cream – Optional for extra smoothness and a more delicate swirl.

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Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect dulce de leche brownies:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch (23×23 cm) baking pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies once baked.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate together over low heat. Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth and completely melted. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and fully combined. Then, pour in the melted chocolate-butter mixture and stir again until everything is blended.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in dense brownies, and we want these to be soft and fudgy.

Step 5: Assemble the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. The batter should fill the pan up almost completely.

Step 6: Add the Dulce de Leche Swirl

Warm the dulce de leche in the microwave or over the stove to make it easier to swirl into the batter. If you’d like a smoother consistency, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream to thin it out slightly. Spoon dollops of the dulce de leche over the brownie batter in a scattered pattern. Then, use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the dulce de leche into the batter, creating a marbled effect.

Step 7: Bake the Brownies

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check the brownies by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, cut into squares, and serve these decadent dulce de leche brownies!

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Variations of Dulce de Leche Brownies

While the basic recipe for dulce de leche brownies is delicious on its own, there are a few fun variations you can try to make these brownies even more unique:

1. Nutty Dulce de Leche Brownies

Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter before baking. The nuts provide an additional texture and flavor contrast that enhances the overall experience.

2. Dulce de Leche Cheesecake Brownies

For a rich, creamy twist, layer a cheesecake filling (cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla) between the brownie batter and the dulce de leche swirl. This creates a creamy, cheesecake-like layer in your brownies.

3. Dulce de Leche and Salted Caramel Brownies

For an extra salty-sweet flavor, sprinkle sea salt over the top of the brownies before baking. The salt will balance out the sweetness of the dulce de leche and bring out its caramelized notes.

4. Vegan Dulce de Leche Brownies

Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxmeal + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a plant-based butter and chocolate. You can also make homemade vegan dulce de leche using coconut milk and sugar.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make homemade dulce de leche for this recipe?

Yes, you can make dulce de leche at home by slowly simmering sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan for 1-2 hours. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Once it turns golden brown and thickens, it’s ready to use!

Can I store leftovers?

Yes, store any leftover dulce de leche brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

How can I make these brownies more indulgent?

For an extra indulgent treat, serve the dish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with extra dulce de leche sauce.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate, depending on your preference for sweetness or richness.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, dulce de leche brownies are an incredibly indulgent, flavorful treat that combines the best of both worlds: fudgy chocolate brownies and creamy, sweet dulce de leche. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something delicious, these brownies are sure to impress. The rich caramel swirl not only adds flavor but also gives the brownies a beautiful marble effect that is both visually striking and mouthwateringly delicious.

With easy-to-follow steps and the option to add your favorite variations, these brownies are perfect for any baking enthusiast. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and bake up a batch of these irresistible dulce de leche brownies today!

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