Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe

If you are craving a dessert that masterfully balances rich chocolate with luscious sweet and salty goodness, this Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe will become your new favorite. Imagine fudgy, deeply chocolatey brownies layered with ribbons of gooey caramel and a sprinkle of delicate sea salt flakes that bring out every luscious flavor. These brownies are not just a treat; they are an experience—a perfect blend of textures and tastes that will have you reaching for seconds before you even finish one!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect brownie texture and flavor. From the melted butter that adds that signature moist richness, to the combination of sugars that balances sweetness and depth, you’ll find that this list is as essential as it is simple.

• Salted butter, 1/2 cup melted: Gives the brownies a tender crumb and a subtle salty base to complement the caramel.
• Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens and helps create that chewy edge we all love in brownies.
• Light brown sugar, 1/2 cup packed: Adds moisture and a rich molasses undertone that enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Large eggs, 2: Bind everything together for that perfect fudgy texture.
• Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Brings warmth and complexity to every bite.
• All-purpose flour, 3/4 cup: Provides structure without making the brownies cakey.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup: The soul of the brownies, delivering intense, bittersweet chocolate flavor.
• Baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon: Helps give the brownies just enough lift and tenderness.
• Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Enhances all the other flavors, balancing sweetness perfectly.
• Caramel sauce, 1/3 cup: Whether store-bought or homemade, this golden drizzle adds luscious gooey bursts that make these brownies unforgettable.
• Sea salt flakes, 1 teaspoon: Sprinkled on top for that final touch of crunch and that amazing salty contrast.

How to Make Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave some overhang on the sides for easy removal of your brownies later. This small prep step saves you from scrubbing the pan and keeps your brownies perfectly intact.

Step 2: Combine Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. The sugars start dissolving into the warm butter, which helps create that wonderful chewy edge when baked.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Whisk in the eggs one at a time followed by the vanilla extract, making sure everything is fully incorporated. This step ensures your batter becomes silky and ready to embrace the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift together your flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to avoid lumps and ensure even distribution. Carefully fold the dry mix into the wet batter just until combined — overmixing at this point would lead to denser brownies.

Step 5: Layer the Batter and Caramel

Spread half of your brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan. Then drizzle half of the luscious caramel sauce over the batter’s surface and use a knife to create beautiful swirls. This layering gives pockets of gooey caramel throughout the brownies.

Step 6: Add Remaining Batter and Caramel

Spread the remaining batter over the first layer and drizzle the remaining caramel on top. Swirl once again for a marbled effect that not only looks gorgeous but also guarantees every bite has that perfect caramel hit.

Step 7: Sprinkle the Salt

Generously sprinkle the top of the brownies with the sea salt flakes. This step is crucial because it highlights the salted caramel flavor and adds a delightful crunch to each piece.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake your brownies for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. Resist the temptation to overbake; those fudgy centers are the magic we’re after.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out easily before slicing into twelve squares. This cooling step ensures clean cuts and lets the caramel set slightly for the perfect texture.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, consider dusting the brownies with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder or adding a few more sea salt flakes just before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside also elevates this treat into a decadent dessert experience.

Side Dishes

These brownies pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or intense black tea to cut through their sweetness. Fresh berries or a fruit salad add a refreshing contrast, while a drizzle of chocolate or extra caramel sauce on the plate adds a gourmet feel.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the brownies into a mini tower for a party centerpiece, or cut them into smaller bite-sized pieces and serve on a dessert platter with various dipping sauces like salted caramel, chocolate ganache, or even a zesty raspberry coulis for an unexpected twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftovers will stay fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. To maintain the chewy texture, avoid refrigerating if possible, but if the room is hot, storing in the fridge wrapped tightly in plastic wrap is fine.

Freezing

Salted caramel brownies freeze beautifully! Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep perfectly for up to 3 months, making them an ideal make-ahead treat for unexpected cravings or last-minute guests.

Reheating

For a warm, gooey brownie, microwave individual pieces for about 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will bring back the fudgy softness and warm the caramel up just enough for pure indulgence.

FAQs

Can I make homemade caramel sauce for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel adds a wonderful personal touch and richness. Just be sure your caramel is slightly cooled before swirling it into the batter to avoid melting the brownie mix too much.

Is it okay to use unsalted butter instead of salted?

Yes, but then make sure to add a little extra salt to the batter to maintain the balance of flavors, especially since the salted caramel and sea salt flakes play such a key role.

How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

The edges should look set and slightly pulled away from the sides of the pan, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. This ensures fudgy, not cakey brownies.

Can I double this recipe for a larger batch?

Definitely! Just use a larger pan—like 9×13 inches—and adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness around 35 to 40 minutes.

Is there a way to make these brownies vegan?

With some substitutions—like flax eggs for regular eggs, vegan butter, and a dairy-free caramel sauce—you can definitely create a delicious vegan version, though texture might vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like biting into a Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe that delivers the perfect harmony of salty, sweet, and richly chocolatey all at once. Every step in this recipe works together to create a treat that’s truly worth savoring and sharing. I can’t wait for you to experience just how extraordinary these brownies are—once you try them, they’ll be your go-to dessert for every occasion.

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