Fudgy Dulce de Leche Brownies

These fudgy dulce de leche brownies combine the rich intensity of dark chocolate with swirls of authentic dulce de leche, creating a decadent treat that’s impossible to resist. The addition of flaky sea salt on top elevates these brownies from good to extraordinary.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to these brownies lies in the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The dark chocolate provides deep, rich notes that complement the smooth sweetness of dulce de leche, while the sea salt enhances both flavors. The swirling technique creates beautiful marbled patterns and ensures every bite has the perfect combination of chocolate and caramel.

Using authentic dulce de leche instead of artificial caramel sauce makes all the difference – its complex flavor and creamy texture create pockets of pure indulgence throughout the brownies.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
2. Line a 20cm square baking tin with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
3. Warm the dulce de leche slightly in the microwave (20-30 seconds) to make it easier to swirl.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

1. Create a double boiler: Place a heatproof bowl over a pan of barely simmering water, ensuring the bottom doesn’t touch the water.
2. Melt together: Add the chopped chocolate and butter to the bowl, stirring occasionally until smooth and glossy.
3. Cool slightly: Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Brownie Batter

1. Beat eggs and sugar: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and caster sugar together until pale and slightly thickened (about 3 minutes by hand, 2 minutes with electric mixer).

2. Combine with chocolate: Pour the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

3. Add dry ingredients: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold into the chocolate mixture until just combined – don’t overmix. If using chocolate chips, fold them in now.

Step 4: Create the Dulce de Leche Swirl

1. Pour batter: Transfer the brownie batter to the prepared tin, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

2. Add dulce de leche: Drop spoonfuls of the warmed dulce de leche evenly across the surface of the brownie batter.

3. Create swirls: Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the dulce de leche through the brownie batter, creating marble patterns. Don’t overmix – you want distinct swirls.

4. Final touch: Sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly over the surface.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake: Place in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. The brownies are done when a skewer inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).

2. Don’t overbake: The surface should look set but still have a slight sheen. Remember, they’ll continue cooking slightly in the hot tin.

3. Cool completely: Let cool in the tin for at least 2 hours before cutting. This cooling time is crucial for achieving the perfect fudgy texture.

Chef’s Tips for Perfect Brownies

Achieving Fudgy Texture

• Don’t overmix: Fold ingredients just until combined to avoid developing gluten
• Watch timing: Slightly underbake rather than overbake for fudgy centers
• Cool completely: Patience is key – cutting too early results in messy, unset brownies

Dulce de Leche Swirling Technique

• Right consistency: Warm dulce de leche flows better but shouldn’t be hot
• Gentle swirling: Use light strokes to create patterns without fully mixing
• Even distribution: Start with small spoonfuls placed evenly across the surface

Chocolate Selection

• Quality matters: Use good-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor
• Cocoa percentage: 70% cocoa provides the perfect balance of richness and sweetness
• Chopping technique: Roughly chop chocolate for even melting

Variations to Try

Salted Caramel Brownies

Add an extra pinch of sea salt to the batter and use salted dulce de leche for an intensely salty-sweet experience.

Nutty Brownies

Fold in 75g of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.

Espresso Brownies

Add 2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the chocolate mixture for a coffee kick that enhances the chocolate flavor.

Individual Brownies

Divide the mixture between 12 muffin tins for individual portions – reduce baking time to 20-25 minutes.

Storage and Serving

Storage Tips

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days
• Refrigerate: For longer storage, keep refrigerated for up to 1 week
• Freezing: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months

Serving Suggestions

• A la mode: Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
• With coffee: Perfect afternoon treat with espresso or strong coffee
• Gift idea: Wrap individual squares in cellophane for homemade gifts

Cutting Clean Squares

• Sharp knife: Use a large, sharp knife for clean cuts
• Clean between cuts: Wipe the knife with a damp cloth between cuts
• Plastic knife trick: Some bakers prefer plastic knives for cleaner cuts through fudgy brownies

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Brownies Too Cake-like

• Cause: Usually from overmixing or overbaking
• Solution: Mix just until combined and check doneness early

Dulce de Leche Sinks

• Cause: Dulce de leche too warm or batter too thin
• Solution: Let dulce de leche cool slightly and ensure proper batter consistency

Uneven Baking

• Cause: Oven hotspots or uneven spreading
• Solution: Rotate pan halfway through baking and level batter before baking

The Science Behind Great Brownies

Fat Content

The high proportion of chocolate and butter creates the characteristic fudgy texture by providing fat that keeps the brownies moist and tender.

Sugar Balance

The combination of sugar types and the dulce de leche creates the perfect sweetness level while contributing to the chewy texture.

Protein Structure

Gentle mixing prevents over-development of gluten, keeping the brownies tender rather than tough.

Why Quality Dulce de Leche Matters

These brownies showcase why authentic dulce de leche makes such a difference:

• Flavor complexity: Real dulce de leche provides depth that artificial caramel can’t match
• Perfect consistency: Authentic dulce de leche swirls beautifully without separating
• No artificial aftertaste: Pure ingredients complement the chocolate rather than competing with it
• Authentic experience: Using traditional dulce de leche creates a genuinely special dessert

The result is brownies that taste like they came from a high-end bakery, with sophisticated flavors that appeal to both children and adults.

Elevate your brownie game with Onda Onda’s authentic dulce de leche – where traditional South American craftsmanship meets modern baking excellence.