Name: Dulce De Leche Brownies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 box of brownie mix (fudge-style recommended); Ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water); 1 1/2 cups Dulce de Leche

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If you're looking for a dessert that's rich, gooey, and feels like it took way more effort than it actually did, these dulce de leche brownies are it. I love this recipe because it's seriously easy but still looks and tastes bakery-worthy. It's the kind of dessert you can throw together on a weeknight or make ahead for a party, and no one will ever guess it started with a box mix. These brownies give off that homemade, labor-of-love vibe without actually requiring much time or energy, which is perfect when you're juggling a million things but still want something sweet and special.

This is one of those recipes that makes you feel like a genius in the kitchen. What I love most is the layered effect you get. Only the top layer gets swirled, so when you slice into these, you get a gorgeous contrast between the rich brownie and that gooey center. If you’re short on time but still want something that feels a little extra, this one’s for you.

Ingredients for Dulce de Leche Brownies

1 box of brownie mix, plus the ingredients listed on the box (usually eggs, oil, and water)
1 ½ cups dulce de leche

When it comes to brownie mix, pretty much any brand will work, but I recommend going with one labeled fudge brownie or extra chocolatey for the richest flavor and softest texture. You want a mix that bakes up moist and dense so it pairs well with the creamy dulce de leche. Avoid anything labeled cake-like unless you prefer a lighter brownie. The ingredients you add to the mix, typically eggs, oil, and water, help create that classic chewy texture and bind everything together. The dulce de leche is the star here. Its thick, creamy consistency melts into the brownie as it bakes, creating caramel-like layers that set these apart from your usual brownies. Using the right kind of mix and not skimping on the dulce de leche makes all the difference in how these turn out.

How to Make Dulce de Leche Brownies

Preheat your oven and prepare your brownie mix according to the instructions on the box.
Grease or line an 8x8 or 9x9 baking pan with parchment paper.
Pour half of the brownie batter into the pan and smooth it out.
Spoon half the jar of dulce de leche over the batter. This is your middle layer, and it creates a really nice caramel layer that runs through the center of the brownies. Lightly spread it out, but you don’t need to be exact.
Add the remaining brownie batter on top and spread it out gently.
Spoon the rest of the dulce de leche over the top, then use a knife or toothpick to gently swirl it into just the top layer of the batter. This gives it a pretty marbled look when baked.
Bake for around 25-30 minutes for the fudgiest brownies, or until the edges are baked and the center is set.
Let them cool completely before slicing. This helps the layers set up and makes them easier to cut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these with homemade brownies instead of a box mix?

Absolutely. If you have a favorite homemade brownie recipe, you can use that instead. Just make sure it's for an 8x8 or 9x9 inch pan so the ratios stay the same. Keep in mind that boxed mix tends to be slightly sweeter and softer, so the texture might vary a bit, but it’ll still be delicious.

What else can I add to these dulce de leche brownies?

You can totally customize these. Sprinkle in some chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch. A handful of chocolate chips or chunks between the layers adds even more richness. You could even add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking to balance out the sweetness.

Can I use caramel sauce instead of dulce de leche?

Caramel sauce isn’t quite the same. Dulce de leche is thicker and creamier, so it holds up better during baking. Caramel sauce can sometimes melt too much and disappear into the batter, but if it’s a thick caramel and that’s what you have on hand, it’ll still work in a pinch.

Do these brownies need to be refrigerated?

Nope. Once they’ve cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. If it’s super hot out, you can stick them in the fridge to keep them firm, but it’s not necessary

Can I double this recipe?

Yes. If you want to make a big batch, double everything and bake it in a 9x13 pan. Just keep an eye on the bake time. It might need an extra 5 to 10 minutes in the oven.

Why do you bake these for only 25 minutes?

Most boxed mixes say to bake brownies for 35–40 minutes, but that usually leads to cake-like brownies. For a fudgier texture that pairs beautifully with the dulce de leche, 25 minutes is the sweet spot. The edges will be set, and the middle will stay gooey without being underbaked.

How do you make dulce de leche at home?

If you don’t have a jar of dulce de leche or want to try making it from scratch, it’s super easy. All you need is a can of sweetened condensed milk and a little patience. You can simmer the can in water, bake it in the oven, or cook it in a slow cooker until it turns thick, creamy, and golden. I have a full step-by-step guide on how to make it—you can check it out here for all the methods and tips.

If you’re craving a brownie that goes a step beyond the classic, these dulce de leche brownies hit the spot every time. They’re quick, crowd-pleasing, and the kind of treat you’ll want to make again and again., and the kind of treat you’ll want to make again and again.