If you’re searching for a dessert that delivers maximum chocolate satisfaction with minimal effort, these Cake Mix Caramel Brownies are a dream come true. Each bite is a perfect balance of rich, fudgy chocolate brownie and silky, buttery caramel oozing through the center. They look decadent, taste like they came straight from a bakery, and yet take only a few minutes of preparation.

Made with boxed cake mix, these brownies skip the complicated steps and go straight to the good part: a thick, chewy, deeply chocolatey base with a molten caramel layer tucked inside. This is the kind of dessert your family will request again and again, and the kind you’ll happily make because it requires so little work.

Why Cake Mix Brownies Work So Well

Using cake mix as a shortcut ingredient has become a popular kitchen hack, and for good reason—cake mix already has the perfect blend of dry ingredients for a soft and chewy brownie. By reducing the liquids and adding butter, you transform the mix into a dense, fudgy brownie that tastes almost homemade.

Pair that with a dreamy caramel layer made from melted caramel candies and evaporated milk, and you’ve got a dessert that’s nostalgic, indulgent, and so simple that even beginner bakers can make it confidently.

These brownies are:

• gooey
• rich
• chocolate-loaded
• perfectly sweet
• great for potlucks, parties, bake sales, or last-minute cravings

Ingredients for Cake Mix Caramel Brownies

• 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup evaporated milk (for brownie batter)
• 1 cup caramel bits or 35–40 unwrapped soft caramels
• ⅓ cup evaporated milk (for caramel filling)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• ½–1 cup chocolate chips (optional but highly recommended)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch or 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting.
2. Make the Brownie Batter
   In a large bowl, combine cake mix, melted butter, and ⅓ cup evaporated milk. Mix until a thick batter forms. It will be dense—this is normal.
3. Press Half the Batter into the Pan
   Spread or press half of the brownie dough into the prepared baking pan, making an even layer.
4. Bake the First Layer
   Bake for 8–10 minutes, just until set. Remove from the oven but keep the oven running.
5. Prepare the Caramel Filling
   In a small saucepan over low heat, melt caramel bits with ⅓ cup evaporated milk. Stir continuously until smooth and creamy.
6. Pour Caramel Over the Brownie Layer
   Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the partially baked brownie base.
7. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional)
   Sprinkle chocolate chips over the caramel layer for extra fudginess.
8. Add Remaining Brownie Dough
   Drop small pieces of the remaining brownie dough over the caramel layer. Do not spread—these pieces will melt together as they bake.
9. Bake Again
   Return the pan to the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes more, or until the top is set.
10. Cool Completely
    This step is essential. Let the brownies cool fully so the caramel firms up enough to slice cleanly.
11. Slice and Enjoy
    Cut into squares and serve. Expect compliments.

Cake Mix Caramel Brownies

Rich, gooey brownies made with chocolate cake mix and a luscious caramel layer. The easiest decadent dessert you’ll ever make.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 16 brownies

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 260

Ingredients

  

Brownie Layers

• 1 box chocolate cake mix 15.25 oz
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
• 0.33 cup evaporated milk for batter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract optional

Caramel Filling

• 1 cup caramel bits or soft caramels
• 0.33 cup evaporated milk for caramel
• 1 cup chocolate chips optional

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• 9×9 or 9×13 baking pan
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix cake mix, melted butter, and 1/3 cup evaporated milk to form thick batter.
3. Press half the batter into the pan and bake for 8–10 minutes.
4. Melt caramel bits with 1/3 cup evaporated milk until smooth.
5. Pour caramel over the baked brownie layer and sprinkle chocolate chips if using.
6. Drop remaining brownie batter on top in small clumps.
7. Bake for 18–22 minutes until set.
8. Cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Cool fully for clean slices. Add flaky salt for a gourmet finish.

Tips for Perfect Cake Mix Caramel Brownies

1. Cool Before Cutting

Warm caramel will ooze everywhere. Cooling ensures clean, beautiful slices.

2. Try Different Cake Mix Flavors

• Devil’s food
• Triple chocolate fudge
• Dark chocolate

3. Add Nuts

Pecans or walnuts add delicious crunch.

4. Use Sea Salt

A sprinkle of flaky salt on top creates a salty-sweet gourmet finish.

5. Double the Caramel

If you want them extra gooey — add an additional half batch of caramel.

Fun Variations

Salted Caramel Brownies

Add sea salt on top after baking.

Turtle Brownies

Add pecans + chocolate drizzle.

German Chocolate Twist

Add shredded coconut inside the caramel layer.

Peanut Butter Caramel Brownies

Swirl peanut butter into the top layer before baking.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature:

Store up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Refrigerator:

Keeps for 1 week.

Freezer:

Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight.