Prepare the Caramel Filling

1. Melt the Caramel: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the caramel candies and heavy cream. Stir continuously until smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Make the Brownie Batter

2. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.
5. Mix the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Assemble and Bake

6. Layer the Batter: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
7. Add the Caramel: Drizzle the melted caramel over the batter, spreading it gently.
8. Top with More Batter: Carefully spread the remaining brownie batter over the caramel layer, covering it completely.
9. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (but not wet batter).
10. Cool: Let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Cut into Heart Shapes

11. Use a Cookie Cutter: Once cooled, use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut out heart brownies.