This is one of those recipes that everybody should have in their back pocket! It’s an easy way to spruce up either your favorite brownierecipe, or that store-bought box staple you’re always trying to pass as “homemade”.
I love a good brownie, but I love brownies even more when they have a more dimensional flavor. I find them way more appealing with a swirl or a layer of contrasting flavor.
Thus, layering your traditional fudgy brownie with caramel coconut is not only totally called-for, it is a necessity. Plus, this makes a reeeeaaallly easy gift for a neighbor or friend (since the holidays are upon us and all).
Feel free to use whatever brownie base recipe you love best. To keep them gluten-free, I’ve made mine with a gluten-free brownie mix. You’ll find that using even this small amount of topping really boosts the brownies to an unexpected level (without all the calories of a traditional coconut-topped brownie!).
Easy Coconut Caramel Brownies (Gluten-Free)
(makes 16 brownies)
1 box of gluten-free brownie mix (your favorite!)*
½ cup Sweetened Condensed Milk (fat-free)
¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
¼ tsp. coconut extract
*Prepare the brownie mix either as instructed to on the box, or (if you’re like me and cannot seem to follow instructions…) mix with ½ cup water, ½ cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt and 1 egg white [the mix I used called for ¼ cup water, ½ cup oil, 1 egg] (NOTE: only do this substitution if you know and like the taste of fat free baked goods. They can be a bit chewier than regular brownies. If you want to meet me half way, use ¼ cup yogurt, ¼ cup oil.)
~Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare an 8×8” baking dish with parchment paper and non-stick spray.
~In a small bowl, combine the condensed milk, coconut, and extract.
~Pour the prepared brownie mix into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly into the dish. Then, pour the coconut mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
~Bake for 40-45 min or until the top is caramel-golden. Let cool on a wire rack for at least 15 min before carefully lifting the brownies out of the dish (use the over-hanging parchment to help you get them out), cutting, and serving! Enjoy!
