If you’ve ever dreamed of the perfect balance between rich chocolate and luscious caramel, you are going to adore this Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe. These brownies bring together fudgy, chocolatey goodness with swirls of buttery caramel and the delightful crunch of sea salt flakes on top. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a decadent experience that’s both sweet and salty, chewy and smooth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, these brownies will quickly become a favorite indulgence that you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients, this recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a sensational dessert. Every component plays a crucial role — from the melted butter that delivers moistness to the cocoa powder that infuses deep chocolate flavor, and of course, the caramel sauce that takes these brownies to a whole new level.
- Salted butter, 1/2 cup melted: Adds richness and the perfect buttery texture that makes brownies irresistibly moist.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Brings sweetness and contributes to that classic chewy brownie crust.
- Light brown sugar, 1/2 cup packed: Adds a hint of molasses flavor and extra tenderness.
- Large eggs, 2: Bind everything together and provide structure without making brownies cakey.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the chocolate flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
- All-purpose flour, 3/4 cup: The base for the brownie’s soft but sturdy crumb.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup: Gives those brownies their signature deep chocolate intensity.
- Baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon: Just enough leavening for a slight lift without losing fudginess.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and accentuates all the chocolatey notes.
- Caramel sauce, 1/3 cup: Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce for luscious caramel ribbons inside.
- Sea salt flakes, 1 teaspoon: Sprinkled on top for a burst of salinity and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides. This trick helps you lift the brownies out easily once baked without any sticking or breaking apart, ensuring neat squares every time.
Step 2: Mix the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, whisk together melted salted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture looks smooth and shiny. This combination will give your brownies their perfect sweetness and a rich, fudgy base with a bit of chew on the edges.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract completely. These ingredients help create that luscious brownie texture that’s tender but sturdy when sliced, and they also build a beautiful glossy crust during baking.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture with a spatula, being careful not to over-mix. The dry ingredients bring in the deep chocolate flavor and just the right structure to keep your brownies fudgy inside.
Step 5: Assemble the Brownies with Caramel Swirls
Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Drizzle half of your caramel sauce over this layer, then swirl it gently with a knife to create pretty caramel ribbons. Next, spread the remaining batter on top and repeat with the remaining caramel, swirling again for that gorgeous marbled effect.
Step 6: Add Sea Salt and Bake
Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the surface to enhance the caramel’s sweetness and add a slight crunch. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs. It’s important not to overbake, so your brownies stay fudgy and soft right in the center.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out, then slice into 12 generous squares. Cooling fully ensures clean cuts and maintains that perfect chewy texture.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
The salted caramel brownies shine on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. A few extra flakes of sea salt on top just before serving will also highlight the sweet and salty contrast beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these brownies with fresh berries or a simple fruit salad to cut through the richness. A cup of strong coffee or a creamy latte is the perfect beverage match, balancing sweetness and enhancing the chocolate and caramel notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifts, try layering these Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe squares in a pretty tin lined with wax paper. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces and serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy nibbling. Drizzling a little warm caramel sauce or chocolate ganache over individual servings adds a show-stopping touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These brownies keep wonderfully for up to 4 days at room temperature in an airtight container, staying moist and flavorful. If your kitchen is warm, storing them in the fridge will help, but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze brownies for up to 3 months. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge, then let come to room temperature or warm gently before serving.
Reheating
To revive the gooey magic of these brownies, warm them up in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. This will soften the caramel and chocolate layers, giving you a freshly baked feel in no time. A quick oven warm-up wrapped in foil also works well for a slightly crisp exterior.
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel sauce for this Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce works beautifully and allows you to control the sweetness and saltiness. Just make sure it’s thick enough to hold its shape when swirled into the batter.
What’s the best cocoa powder to use for rich brownies?
A high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder will give your brownies that intense chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa is great for a smoother, darker taste, but natural cocoa powder also works well for this recipe.
How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?
You want the edges to look set and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan. Insert a toothpick or skewer in the center: it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures fudgy brownies without being undercooked.
Can I substitute sea salt flakes with regular table salt?
While you can, the texture and flavor profile will differ. Sea salt flakes add a delicate crunch and a burst of saltiness that pairs perfectly with caramel, which table salt cannot mimic as well.
Is it possible to make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures like regular flour. Just be mindful that texture might vary slightly depending on the blend used.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe — its harmony of rich chocolate and sweet, salty caramel delights every time you dig in. Whether you’re sharing with friends or keeping them all to yourself, these brownies are a crowd-pleaser with their fudgy texture and irresistible flavor. I can’t wait for you to try them and discover your new go-to dessert that’s as comforting as it is indulgent.
Print
Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in rich and fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies that combine deep chocolate flavor with luscious swirls of caramel and a touch of sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and salty. These moist brownies are easy to make and bake to perfection in just 45 minutes, making them an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Caramel and Topping
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the brownies.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted salted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, whisking thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to ensure no lumps and even distribution.
- Fold Dry into Wet: Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing just until there are no streaks of flour visible to avoid overworking the batter.
- Layer Batter and Caramel: Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over this layer and use a knife to swirl it gently through the batter.
- Add Second Layer and Caramel: Spread the remaining batter carefully over the caramel layer. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top and swirl again to create a beautiful marbled effect.
- Add Sea Salt: Sprinkle the sea salt flakes evenly over the top of the batter to enhance the flavor with a salty crunch.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center— it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter. Avoid overbaking to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan so they set properly. Use the parchment paper overhang to gently lift them out, slice into 12 squares, and serve.
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
- Ensure butter is melted but not too hot when mixing to avoid cooking the eggs.
- Swirling the caramel carefully ensures a marbled look and prevents it from sinking too much.
- Do not overbake; brownies should be moist and fudgy rather than dry.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a homemade caramel option, consider making a simple salted caramel sauce with sugar, cream, and butter.
