Steve's Cake Brownies
Ingredients
7
servings
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 box German Chocolate or Devils Food cake mix
- 1 (11 oz) package caramels
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts
- 1 (16 oz) package chocolate chips
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix 1/3 cup evaporated milk, cake mix and butter. Pour half of the mixture into a greased 9x13 pan.
- Bake for 6 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven.
- While the cake is baking melt the caramels and the other 1/3 cup evaporated milk in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Take the cake out of oven and sprinkle the baked half of the cake with the chocolate chips and the nuts. Pour the melted caramel on top of the chips and nuts. Finally, pour the remaining cake batter on top.
- Place back in the oven and finish baking for 28 minutes at 350 degrees, until the top is set and edges are pulling away from the pan.
Common Problems and Solutions
Q: Why did my caramel layer sink into the bottom layer?
A: Make sure the first layer is fully baked for the full 6 minutes and has set before adding the caramel. If it's too soft, the caramel will sink through.
Q: Can I use a different size pan?
A: This recipe is designed for a 9x13 pan. Using a smaller pan will make thicker brownies that need longer baking time; a larger pan will make thinner brownies that bake faster.
Tips and Techniques
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to allow the caramel layer to set. They’ll be gooey when warm but will slice much cleaner after cooling for at least an hour.
Ingredient Substitutions
- pecans or walnuts: any nuts you prefer, or omit entirely
- German Chocolate or Devils Food cake mix: any chocolate cake mix
- evaporated milk: heavy cream
Equipment Needed
- 9x13 baking pan
- mixing bowl
- small saucepan (or microwave-safe bowl)
- wooden spoon
