Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate sweet-and-salty treat, look no further than these Salted Caramel Brownies. The combination of rich, fudgy chocolate and decadent ribbons of luscious caramel, all finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, makes every bite an experience to savor. Whether you’re impressing guests or just indulging yourself, these brownies hit that magical balance of textures and flavor, transforming a simple batch into a showstopper dessert you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Salted Caramel Brownies irresistible isn’t just their gooey centers or glossy tops—it’s the synergy of classic baking staples and luxurious add-ins. Each ingredient pulls its weight to ensure these brownies are outrageously rich and decadent, with pops of salty and sweet in every square.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the brownies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and brings out the chocolate flavor without overpowering it.
- Semi-sweet chocolate (8 oz, chopped or chips): Creates that deep, chocolaty base; semi-sweet keeps it balanced, not too bitter or too sweet.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Dissolves smoothly for glossy tops and the perfect sweet baseline.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds a gentle molasses depth, making the brownies extra fudgy and moist.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and give the brownies a scrumptiously rich texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Boosts the chocolate and caramel flavors with one aromatic splash.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Ensures that perfect chewy bite without making the brownies cakey.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/4 cup): Intensifies the chocolate flavor and gives the brownies a rich color.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances all the deep flavors.
- Thick caramel sauce (1/2 cup): Swirls through for a sweet, gooey contrast—use homemade or your favorite store-bought variety.
- Flaky sea salt (for topping): A magical finishing touch that makes every bite pop and keeps the brownie from being overly sweet.
How to Make Salted Caramel Brownies
Step 1: Prep 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 for easy lifting later. A well-lined pan ensures your Salted Caramel Brownies pop right out, keeping all those beautiful caramel swirls intact.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate
Combine the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or set up a double boiler on the stove. Gently melt them together, stirring until completely smooth and glossy. Allow the mixture to cool slightly—this step keeps the eggs from scrambling and helps develop that rich, fudgy texture everyone loves in Salted Caramel Brownies.
Step 3: Whisk in Sugars, Eggs, and Vanilla
Whisk both the granulated sugar and brown sugar into the warm chocolate mixture until fully incorporated. Next, add your eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is glossy and unified; this is where your brownies get that irresistible, shiny top.
Step 4: Sift and Fold Dry Ingredients
Sift the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt directly into your wet mixture. Gently fold everything together—stopping as soon as no streaks of flour remain. Over-mixing can lead to dense brownies, so a light touch creates that sought-after tender crumb in Salted Caramel Brownies.
Step 5: Layer and Swirl Caramel
Pour half the brownie batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out. Drizzle half the thick caramel sauce over this layer, creating beautiful ribbons. Add the remaining batter on top. Then, finish with the rest of the caramel, swirling it gently with a knife for a marbled effect that guarantees gooey caramel in every slice.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the pan to your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center should have a slight wobble—this ensures your Salted Caramel Brownies stay wonderfully fudgy. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan for clean, crisp cuts later.
Step 7: Finish with Flaky Sea Salt
Once cool, lift the brownies out of the pan and sprinkle generously with flaky sea salt. This final flourish transforms the rich chocolate and gooey caramel into a complex, sophisticated treat. Slice, serve, and prepare for rave reviews!
How to Serve Salted Caramel Brownies
Garnishes
While these brownies are perfection straight from the pan, adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a light drizzle of extra caramel sauce, or even a shower of toasted nuts takes them to a new level. The extra toppings play up the salty-sweet contrast and make each portion extra special for guests or family.
Side Dishes
Pair your Salted Caramel Brownies with something fresh and light to balance their richness—a handful of fresh berries, a dollop of lightly whipped cream, or even a fruit salad refreshes the palate in between bites. For coffee lovers, a cold brew or espresso shot alongside is simply divine.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or birthdays, try slicing the brownies into bite-sized squares and stacking them on a tiered dessert stand. You can also wrap individual pieces in wax paper for gorgeous homemade gifts. If you’re feeling fancy, gently heat each brownie and serve with salted caramel ice cream for an unforgettable plated dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Salted Caramel Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer your brownies extra gooey, a slightly warm kitchen is ideal; if you want a firmer texture, stash them in the fridge and let them come to room temp before serving.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap each brownie square tightly in plastic wrap and then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Salted Caramel Brownies freeze well for up to two months—simply thaw overnight in the fridge or for an hour at room temperature when cravings strike.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven experience, pop a brownie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The caramel will soften, and the chocolate will turn luscious and melty again. Just be sure to watch carefully so your Salted Caramel Brownies stay perfectly gooey and don’t overheat.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet chocolate?
While you can swap in milk chocolate, the brownies will be noticeably sweeter and lose some of that rich depth that semi-sweet chocolate brings. For the classic Salted Caramel Brownies flavor profile, semi-sweet is your best bet, but feel free to experiment to find your personal favorite.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Look for set edges with a just-barely wobbly center. Insert a toothpick—if it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not raw batter), your Salted Caramel Brownies are ready. Remember, they keep cooking a bit as they cool, so slightly underbaking ensures a gooey, fudgy interior.
What’s the best way to cut brownies cleanly?
For neat slices, chill your brownies in the fridge for an hour before cutting, and use a sharp knife wiped clean after each cut. The caramel may make things a bit sticky, but taking your time ensures picture-perfect squares of Salted Caramel Brownies every time.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can easily adapt Salted Caramel Brownies to suit a gluten-free diet without sacrificing flavor or texture.
How can I tell if my caramel sauce is thick enough?
You want a caramel sauce that’s thick but pourable—almost like honey. If it’s too thin, it will absorb into the brownies rather than create those gorgeous swirls. If needed, gently simmer store-bought caramel for a minute or two to thicken, or use a homemade caramel recipe you trust.
Final Thoughts
Life’s little joys are even sweeter with a batch of Salted Caramel Brownies by your side. Their gooey caramel ribbons and rich chocolate flavor create an experience that’s comfortingly nostalgic yet totally irresistible. Don’t wait—gather your baking staples and treat yourself and your loved ones to this unforgettable dessert. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your tastebuds will thank you!
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Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of sweet and salty with these decadent Salted Caramel Brownies. Rich, fudgy chocolate brownies swirled with luscious caramel sauce and topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, these treats are a true delight for any dessert lover.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped or chips)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Caramel Swirl:
- 1/2 cup thick caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Melt butter and chocolate, then let it cool slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Whisk in sugars, eggs, and vanilla. Sift in flour, cocoa, and salt; fold until combined.
- Layer Batter: Pour half the batter into the pan, drizzle half the caramel, add remaining batter, swirl in the rest of the caramel.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until edges are set and center is slightly gooey. Cool and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.
Notes
- For extra decadence, mix chocolate chunks into the batter.
- Refrigerate brownies for cleaner cuts or warm them slightly for a gooey texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
