This post was created in partnership with Mars Wrigley Confectionery. All opinions are my own. #SweeterEaster
Happy first day of March! After a slow, chilly start to the year, I’m ready for all things spring and Easter. I don’t bake often, so when I do I like to make something special for the holidays. This year I made caramel brownies with an Easter egg hunt theme, topping them with green icing and M&M’S® Caramel candies purchased at my local store. Scroll down for the full M&M’S® Easter Egg Hunt caramel brownie recipe and tips for decorating.
If you’re planning Easter baking, colorful candies like M&M’S® Caramel and STARBURST® Jellybeans are great for decorating cakes, cookies, and brownies—or for filling plastic eggs for a hunt. They add both color and flavor, and they’re easy to use straight from the bag.
Spring always feels brighter, and this year is extra special since we’ll be celebrating a first birthday shortly after Easter. Stores are full of seasonal treats, and I found the M&M’S® Caramel Laydown bag in the holiday aisle alongside eggs and baskets—convenient when you’re gathering ingredients for a holiday dessert.
Caramel Brownie Easter Egg Hunt
This caramel brownie recipe is delicious and simple because it uses a boxed chocolate cake mix instead of baking from scratch. It’s a great make-ahead dessert for gatherings, and the combination of chocolate, caramel, and colorful candies makes it a crowd-pleaser. I admit I sampled a few while baking—caramel M&M’S® are irresistible!
Ingredients:
M&M’S® Caramel Laydown Bag
Green icing (for grassy effect)
One package of chocolate cake mix (your preferred brand)
1 cup evaporated milk
1/2 cup (1 stick) melted butter or margarine
10-oz package of caramels
2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with 2/3 cup of the evaporated milk and the melted butter. Mix until a thick batter forms. Spread half of this batter evenly into an ungreased baking pan.
Bake the layered batter for 15–20 minutes, until it has set slightly but is not fully baked through.
While the base is baking, heat the caramels with the remaining evaporated milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the caramels fully melt and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
Sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly over the partially baked base. Drizzle some of the warm caramel mixture over the chips—use about half the caramel for a balanced texture, or use more if you prefer very gooey brownies.
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining batter over the caramel and chocolate layer. You can use a tablespoon or a small ice cream scoop to create even dollops so the top bakes into a marbled finish.
Bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted near the middle comes out with a few moist crumbs but not raw batter. Cooling time is important; allow the brownies to cool fully before decorating to prevent the icing from melting.
When the brownies are completely cool, spread green icing over the top to create a grassy surface. I used a fork to texture the icing and give it a grass-like look, but you can use a piping bag for more detailed decoration. Arrange M&M’S® Caramel candies across the top to resemble colorful Easter eggs hidden in the grass. For extra flair, sprinkle a few jellybeans or mini candies around the edges.
The result is a rich, chewy brownie layered with caramel and chocolate, finished with a festive Easter look—perfect for holiday dessert tables or as a fun addition to an egg hunt party.
Table Styling and Serving Ideas
To make your Easter table more festive, add small accents like bunny ears on bowls or pastel napkins. Simple DIY touches—pipe cleaner ears on bowls, themed platters, or a scattering of colorful candies—make the presentation feel special without much effort.
Pin for later
What will you bake for Easter this year? These caramel brownies are a sweet, simple option that’s easy to customize and fun to serve. Enjoy the baking—and the tasting!
Follow M&M’S® on social media for seasonal inspiration and decorating ideas.