Quick Caramel Cornflake Brownies Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for a dessert that’s both delightfully crunchy and irresistibly fudgy, you’re going to adore this Quick Caramel Cornflake Brownies Recipe. It combines the deep richness of dark chocolate brownies with a luscious homemade caramel layer slicked over a bed of crunchy cornflakes. The result is an absolute crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for everything from casual tea times to festive occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but play starring roles in this dessert’s success. Each one is carefully chosen to bring out that heavenly brownie texture, rich caramel flavor, and satisfying crunch you crave.

• 200g dark chocolate: Provides the rich, intense chocolate base that makes these brownies unforgettable.
• 175g unsalted butter: Adds silkiness to your batter and helps melt the chocolate perfectly.
• 265g light brown sugar: Infuses the batter with a subtle molasses flavor and beautiful moisture.
• 200g all-purpose flour: Offers structure while keeping the brownies tender.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
• 3 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give moisture and richness to the batter.
• 300g white sugar: The primary sweetener in your caramel, essential for that golden color.
• 200ml heavy cream: Creates that luscious, creamy texture in the caramel topping.
• 100g unsalted butter: Incorporated into the caramel for smoothness and depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the caramel’s sweetness and highlights its complexity.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and fragrant notes to the caramel topping.
• 125g cornflakes: Provides a delightful crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft brownie base.

How to Make Quick Caramel Cornflake Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Tin and Melt the Chocolate

Start by greasing and lining an 8×8 inch square tin with parchment paper so your brownies come out clean and easy to slice. Preheat your oven to 200°C (or 180°C with a fan). Finely chop the dark chocolate and place it in a large bowl. Melt the butter separately, then pour it over the chopped chocolate and stir gently until completely melted and silky smooth. This method ensures your brownie base will have that luscious, glossy depth you dream about.

Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter

Next, stir in the light brown sugar directly into your melted chocolate and butter mixture. Mixing in the sugar now helps it dissolve slightly for a soft crumb. Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt, folding it in carefully so you don’t overwork the batter. Finally, crack in the eggs one by one, stirring after each addition until your batter feels glossy and smooth. This careful blending will give your brownies the perfect fudgy texture.

Step 3: Bake the Brownies

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared tin and spread it out gently. Slide it into your preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, but don’t rely on the old knife test here. These brownies should remain decadently gooey inside. For precision, use a food thermometer—when the internal temperature reaches just above 80°C, they’re ready. After baking, let the brownies cool completely in the tin to set that beautiful fudgy center.

Step 4: Make the Caramel

Now, onto the ooey-gooey caramel. Place the white sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat and stir gently to help the sugar melt evenly. Watch closely as it turns a gorgeous golden-amber color—that’s when you know you’re on the right track. Remove the pan from heat and carefully add the heavy cream, butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Be ready for the mixture to bubble up fiercely—this is totally normal! Return the pan to the heat and cook, stirring occasionally until the caramel reaches 118°C; this temperature ensures a perfect, thick but pourable caramel.

Step 5: Combine Caramel with Cornflakes and Assemble

Remove your caramel from the heat and toss in the cornflakes, making sure every flake is luxuriously coated. Pour this crunchy caramel mixture over your completely cooled brownie base, spreading it evenly. Then, let the whole dessert cool thoroughly to let the caramel set and make slicing easier. Once set, cut into squares and get ready to wow everyone with your impressive yet simple creation!

How to Serve Quick Caramel Cornflake Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

These brownies are stunning on their own, but a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the caramel adds a gourmet touch by balancing sweetness and enhancing texture. For an extra layer of indulgence, you can drizzle melted dark or white chocolate on top or add a scattering of toasted nuts like pecans or almonds that complement the crunch.

Side Dishes

Serve these brownies alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to contrast the caramel’s richness. Fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries pair wonderfully, adding a fresh, tart note that cuts through the dessert’s sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching treat at parties, consider placing each brownie square in individual cupcake liners or festive paper cups. Alternatively, create a brownie and caramel dessert bar with different toppings like chopped nuts, sea salt flakes, or chocolate chips, letting guests pick their favorites. Presentation like this makes dessert time interactive and extra fun.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Quick Caramel Cornflake Brownies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking and protect that crispy caramel topping.

Freezing

If you want to store them longer, freeze brownie squares wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours before serving, which helps maintain their moist and crunchy textures beautifully.

Reheating

To enjoy brownies warm, heat individual squares in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or pop them into a preheated oven at 160°C for 5 minutes. This warming makes the chocolate gooey and softens the caramel slightly without losing that wonderful crunch.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate will create a sweeter, creamier brownie base. Just remember it’s less intense than dark chocolate, so adjust the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet dessert.

What if I don’t have a food thermometer for the caramel?

You can still make the caramel by watching carefully for a deep amber color and a rich aroma as indicators. Keep stirring gently and avoid burning. The consistency should be thick but still pourable once it cools a bit.

Can I substitute cornflakes with another cereal?

Yes, cornflakes work best for their crunch and neutral flavor, but you can experiment with rice puffs or bran flakes for different textures. Just make sure your cereal isn’t overly sweetened or flavored as it may clash with the caramel.

Are these brownies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free by default. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup for similar results.

How long will these brownies stay fresh?

If stored properly at room temperature, they’re best enjoyed within 3 days to keep the caramel topping crunchy and the brownie moist. Beyond that, freshness and texture might start to decline.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got this delicious Quick Caramel Cornflake Brownies Recipe in your baking arsenal, you’re ready to impress anytime you need a sweet fix that feels both homemade and extraordinary. It’s a recipe that strikes the perfect balance between fudgy, crunchy, and caramel-sweet, guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy chocoholics everywhere. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and enjoy every joyful bite!

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