• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Broken Oven Baking
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • About
  • Resources
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Easter
  • Recipes
  • Newsletter
  • Coaching
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Easter
    • Recipes
    • Newsletter
    • Coaching
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Broken Oven Baking » Recipes » Bars & Bites

    Samoa Brownies

    Published: Mar 10, 2021 · Modified: Apr 1, 2022 by Kayla Burton · This post may contain affiliate links · 18 Comments

    2.1K shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    Jump to Recipe

    What's your favorite Girl Scout cookie? Growing up, I always loved Peanut Butter Patties, but over time I became more fond of Samoas. Samoa Brownies have layers of coconut and chocolate caramel squares in the middle of gooey brownies! They're delicious just like Samoa Cookies (without the shortbread layer) and they only take about an hour to whip up and bake!

    As Seen On Good Morning America!

    Close up shot of a samoa brownie with a bite taken out of it, showing the coconut and caramel center.

    Girl Scout Cookies are always something I look forward to in the winter! However, with this recipe, you can enjoy the chocolate coconut caramel combination any time of year! These Samoa Brownies are so gooey and they stay fresh for days.

    Looking for more brownie recipes?

    • Andes Mint Brownies (perfect if you're more of a Thin Mints lover!)
    • Mini Brownie Bites
    • Gingerbread Brownies
    • Pecan Brownie Pie
    • Individual Fudgy Mug Brownie
    • Edible Brownie Batter
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Substitutions & Variations
    • Equipment
    • Step by Step Instructions
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Storage
    • More Recipes You'll Love
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Ingredients

    Ingredients needed to make Samoa Brownies.
    • Unsweetened cocoa powder: Dutch process recommended.
    • All purpose flour
    • Salt
    • Unsweetened shredded coconut: Coconut flakes can work too - if they're really thick you can shred them in a food processor. Sweetened coconut can also be used, but I recommend decreasing the amount of sugar if you go this route.
    • Large eggs
    • Chocolate chips: I use semi-sweet chips and try to stick with the higher quality brands like Ghirardelli or Guittard. Feel free to use dark or milk chocolate chips instead.
    • Chocolate caramel squares: I like Ghirardelli Milk Chocolate Caramel Squares for this recipe (they also make a dark chocolate version), but any chocolates with gooey caramel in the middle should work just as well! I haven't tried plain caramel squares, but I assume these would also be good.
    • Granulated sugar
    • Unsalted butter
    • Sweetened condensed milk

    See recipe card below for quantities.

    Substitutions & Variations

    This recipe has been successfully tested by a reader with gluten free flour (Bob's Red Mill - see comment below). No other substitutions have been tested.

    These can be made in a muffin tin instead of an 8x8 inch pan (tested by another reader - see comment below).

    If you replace any ingredients or try anything new with this recipe, please let us know how they turned out in the comments below!

    Equipment

    You'll need an 8 inch square pan lined with parchment paper to bake these in.

    I always recommend using a food scale to measure the dry ingredients! This is the most accurate way to measure flour and will yield the best results. I got mine for about $20 USD years ago and it works great! However, if you don't have one, be sure to use the scoop and level method with measuring cups!

    Step by Step Instructions

    Collage showing the steps for making brownie batter.

    Step One (Picture 1 above) - Mix together the shredded coconut and condensed milk and then set aside.

    Step Two (Picture 2 above) - While stirring every 30 seconds, microwave the chocolate chips and butter until they're almost completely melted. Let it cool slightly while completing the next step.

    Step Three (Picture 3 above) - Whisk together the eggs and sugar for 1-2 minutes.

    Step Four (Picture 4 above) - Slowly stir the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Continue to whisk these together for 2-3 minutes. Then, mix in the flour, cocoa powder and salt just until the flour streaks disappear.

    Collage showing how to layer the brownie batter, chocolate caramel squares and coconut filling for Samoa brownies.

    Step Five (Picture 5 above) - Spread half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan.

    Step Six (Picture 6 above) - Evenly distribute the chocolate caramel squares on top of the brownie layer.

    Step Seven (Picture 7 above) - Spread the coconut filling on top of the squares.

    Step Eight (Picture 8 above) - Finally, add the rest of the brownie batter and spread it around so that it covers the whole top.

    Tip: The brownie batter will thicken with time, so make everything in the specified order and don't let it sit out for too long.

    Bake the Samoa Brownies at 350°F for about 30 minutes then let them cool in the pan for another 30 minutes (at least). Lift them out of the pan by pulling up the parchment paper and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Cut into 16 squares with a warm knife. Enjoy!

    Recipe FAQs

    How many brownies does this recipe make?

    These can be cut into 16 squares (4x4) and each brownie will have its own chocolate caramel square in the middle!

    How should I serve these?

    These brownies are best served warm so the chocolate caramel squares in the middle melt and caramel drips out in every bite! I recommend heating them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds right before enjoying! They also go great with ice cream.

    How do I get a crinkly top?

    The crinkly top forms as a meringue layer, which results from whisking together the sugar and eggs. The best way to do this is just by mixing (slightly vigorously) with a whisk by hand for a few minutes. This way, you're mixing slow enough for the sugar to dissolve, but fast enough to incorporate air into the mixture.

    What are Samoas?

    Samoas (also known as Caramel deLites) are shortbread cookies covered in caramel, coconut flakes and a chocolate drizzle. They're made and sold by Girl Scouts of the USA!

    Can these be made gluten free?

    Yes! These were made with gluten free flour by one of our readers and they turned out great! They used the Bob's Red Mill brand.

    Two samoa brownies stacked on each other.

    Storage

    Store leftover Samoa Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 week, or in the freezer for 1 month.

    More Recipes You'll Love

    • Mini Brownie Bites
    • Cinnamon Roll Donuts
    • No Bake Cheesecake Bites
    • Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispies

    Did you try this recipe? I'd love to see how it turned out!
    Tag me on Instagram or Facebook & leave a ⭐️ review below!

    📖 Recipe

    Samoa Brownies

    Kayla Burton
    Samoa brownies have layers of coconut and chocolate caramel squares in the middle of gooey brownies, similar to the Girl Scout Cookies!
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save for LaterSaved!
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 35 mins
    Total Time 55 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16 brownies
    Calories 280 kcal

    Equipment

    • 8 inch square pan
    • Mixing bowls
    • Measuring spoons
    • Scale or measuring cups
    • Whisk
    • Spatula

    Ingredients
     
     

    Brownie Batter

    • ½ cup + 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
    • ¾ cup granulated sugar
    • 2 large eggs room temperature
    • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
    • ¼ cup cocoa powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Filling

    • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
    • ¾ cup (~8 oz) sweetened condensed milk
    • 16 chocolate caramel squares

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 8x8" pan with oil and line with parchment paper so that it hangs over the edges.

    Coconut Filling

    • In a medium bowl, mix the coconut and sweetened condensed milk together with a spatula until well combined.

    Brownie Batter

    • In a microwave safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate chips (stir every 30 seconds until melted, ~1-2 minutes total). Let it cool slightly (so that it doesn't cook the eggs when added in the next step).
    • In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a whisk for about a minute. Add the sugar and continue to whisk for another 2-3 minutes until it's slightly thick, light, and airy. Then, slowly pour in the warm butter/chocolate mixture and whisk for another minute.
    • In a small bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Then, gently fold them into the wet ingredients just until all flour streaks are gone. The batter will be slightly thick.

    Assembly

    • Scoop half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it around with a spatula so that it's even across the bottom.
    • Add the chocolate caramel squares on top of the brownie batter in an even layer.
    • Carefully spread the coconut filling over the chocolate caramel squares.
    • Finally, spread the remaining brownie batter on top of the coconut filling, covering it completely and evenly.
    • Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the edges begin to harden and a smooth film sets across the middle. The batter should leave behind a streak on a toothpick inserted into the middle.
    • Let the brownies cool in the pan until they're sturdy enough to be lifted out. Cool completely for clean cuts, or indulge while they're warm and gooey!

    Video

    Notes

    Recipe Update: This recipe was updated on February 1st, 2022. The sugar was decreased from 1 cup to ¾ cup and the powdered sugar was omitted from the coconut filling.
    Chocolate Caramel Squares: I use Ghirardelli's Milk Chocolate ones. They also make them in dark chocolate. Any brand with melted caramel in the middle should work!
    Coconut: Coconut flakes can work instead of shredded coconut. If they're really thick, feel free to chop them in a food processor. If you don't like coconut, you can omit the coconut and sweetened condensed milk layer.
    Gluten-free: These were successfully tested as gluten free by one of our readers using Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Flour!
    Storage: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or in the freezer for 1 month.
    Nutrition: The provided nutrition information is an estimate, the calorie accuracy is not guaranteed.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 280kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 4gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 48mgSodium: 64mgPotassium: 183mgFiber: 3gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Bars & Bites Recipes

    • Oatmeal chocolate chip bars cut into squares.
      Chewy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
    • Top view of mini egg blondies cut into squares.
      Easy Mini Egg Blondies (Quick Easter Dessert)
    • Mini lemon cheesecakes with lemon curd, whipped cream, and Biscoff cookie crust.
      No Bake Mini Lemon Cheesecakes
    • Top view of chocolate raspberry brownies cut into squares.
      Thick Fudgy Chocolate Raspberry Brownies

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lisa Lee says

      January 28, 2023 at 7:09 pm

      5 stars
      Best brownies I have ever baked and tasted.
      As the saying goes…
      To die for.

      Reply
    2. Malik says

      January 14, 2023 at 10:11 pm

      What home made option can we use in place of chocolate caramel squares? Don’t have access to store bought in my place.
      Thank you for sharing your recipe.

      Reply
      • Kayla Burton says

        January 15, 2023 at 10:46 am

        Hi! I haven't tested a homemade substitute but you could try drizzling a thin layer of caramel sauce or soft caramel candies in the middle. I'd love to hear about it if you try them!

        Reply
    3. Alexus Benjamin says

      February 20, 2022 at 12:57 am

      Would you recommend roasting the coconut a bit before putting them in the brownies? I'm trying to get them as close to the cookies as I can. My boyfriend has celiac disease so I try to make him gluten free versions of anything he can't eat.

      Reply
      • Kayla says

        February 21, 2022 at 7:42 am

        Hi Alexus! That's very kind of you 🙂 I haven't tried roasting the coconut but that may help bring the flavor closer to the cookies. I'd love to hear how they turn out if you try it!

        Reply
    4. Courtney says

      January 06, 2022 at 11:48 am

      5 stars
      I loved these so much! They stayed soft and fresh for days. My favorite part was the coconut layer because it reminded me of a Mounds bar…YUM. I could not stop eating them and I’ll definitely be making them again.

      Reply
      • Kayla says

        January 07, 2022 at 6:50 pm

        Yay thank you Courtney!! I love Mounds bars, such a good comparison!

        Reply
    5. Bobby says

      November 25, 2021 at 9:27 am

      5 stars
      Holy Moly are these good. Let me just start off by saying that these are better than any Samoa cookie that I’ve ever had and I consider myself a Samoa snob. They’re gooey on the inside then surrounded by that light crispy and chewy delicious brownie.

      I’m not an experienced baker by any means, I just go on kicks, but I saw these on Broken Oven’s IG page and had to try them! So glad I did! One tweak I made was that I used a Muffin Tin since I didn’t have a square pan (see above: not a big baker, yet ;-)). I made the recipe exactly the same, added half the brownie batter to the bottom of each tin, added the caramel and filling on top, then topped it off with the rest of the brownie batter and smoothed it out. They came
      out perfectly! Will do it again like this!

      Reply
      • Kayla says

        November 26, 2021 at 7:54 pm

        Hi Bobby! I am so glad these are approved by a Samoa snob such as yourself 😄 thanks for testing them in a muffin pan, I'm happy they worked out this way!

        Reply
      • Barb says

        March 10, 2022 at 11:24 am

        Hi Bobby- How long did you bake the muffin version?

        Reply
    6. TLee says

      July 28, 2021 at 11:06 am

      5 stars
      Delicious!!! Will be making them again very soon. I did cut the sugar in half and glad I did. I also made them gluten-free using Bob's Red Mill. I like Bob's because it has a better texture. Some GF flours tend to have a gritty texture. Thank you so so much for the awesome recipe.

      Reply
      • Kayla says

        July 29, 2021 at 8:45 am

        Thank you!! I'm so glad you liked it and were able to adjust the recipe to fit your preferences! 🙂

        Reply
    7. Michelle says

      June 14, 2021 at 10:51 pm

      Sounds delicious!! Can’t wait to make these…AND eat them!! Question- are the chocolate caramel squares Caramello?

      Reply
      • Kayla says

        June 15, 2021 at 8:00 am

        Hi Michelle! I'm excited for you to try them, they're one of my favorites! I used Ghirardelli's milk chocolate caramel squares but Caramellos should work as well 🙂 Ghirardelli's squares are pretty thin so the thicker Caramello bars might be even better!

        Reply
    8. Deepshree Sodani says

      May 13, 2021 at 9:01 am

      Looking so delicious...Can it be made eggless?

      Reply
      • Kayla says

        May 13, 2021 at 10:58 am

        Thank you so much! I'm sorry, I haven't tested a substitution for eggs with this recipe and they do play an important role in the brownie's structure so I wouldn't recommend making it eggless.

        Reply
    9. Chris says

      March 19, 2021 at 1:24 pm

      5 stars
      I love Samoas. I seriously cannot stop eating them. When I saw "Samao Brownies" my mouth started watering. Combining two of my favorite desserts into one was sure to be a hit. I was not disappointed. The flavor in these is phenomenal. The texture in these makes you want more and more. This recipe is GENIUS. If you're reading reviews asking yourself if you should make these, just go do it. These are an incredible treat everyone needs to try.

      Reply
      • Kayla says

        March 19, 2021 at 7:15 pm

        I am so happy you like them so much!! They're one of my favorites 🙂

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    About Kayla

    Hey, I'm Kayla! I'm a self-taught baker, recipe developer & food photographer in Chicago! This blog is a way for me to share recipes, tips, and everything I love related to baking & photography. If you have any questions or want to connect, I'd love to hear from you!
    About Kayla →

    Featured On

    Good Morning America logo
    Sur La Table logo

    Bake & Learn With Me!

    Easter Brunch and Dessert Recipes

    • Top view of mini egg blondies cut into squares.
      Easy Mini Egg Blondies (Quick Easter Dessert)
    • A slice of blueberry sour cream coffee cake sticking out of a bundt cake.
      Best Blueberry Sour Cream Coffee Cake
    • A stack of sour cream cookies with vanilla buttercream frosting.
      Soft and Easy Sour Cream Cookies with Frosting
    • Mini lemon cheesecakes with lemon curd, whipped cream, and Biscoff cookie crust.
      No Bake Mini Lemon Cheesecakes

    Favorite Cookies

    • Soft Almond Sugar Cookies
    • Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Top view of espresso chocolate chip cookies with flaky salt.
      Salted Espresso Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Lucky Charms Cookies
    • Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Soft M&M Sugar Cookies

    Trending Recipes

    • Mini Brownie Bites
    • No Bake Cheesecake Bites
    • Easy Raspberry Cream Cheese Danish Recipe
    • Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

    Did you try a recipe?
    Tag @brokenovenbaking and #brokenovenbaking on Instagram, Facebook, & TikTok!

    Join our Instagram baking collab!

    Be a part of our fun & supportive baking community where we choose a theme and share our bakes on Instagram every month!

    Baking & Photography Essentials!

    Let's Connect!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    About Me
    Privacy Policy
    Terms of Service
    Accessibility Policy

    Let's Connect!

    Newsletter
    Work With Us
    Food Blog Coaching
    Free Food Blogging Tips

    Contact

    Contact Page
    Baking Collaboration

    At no cost to you, I may earn from qualified purchases made through affiliate links on my website.

    Copyright © 2023 Broken Oven Baking Company LLC