There is nothing quite like the rich, gooey delight of a perfect brownie, and this Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe takes that love to a whole new level. Imagine fudgy chocolate layers intertwined with luscious ribbons of caramel, finished off with a sprinkle of sea salt that cuts through the sweetness in the most magical way. This recipe brings together simple, pantry-friendly ingredients into a spectacular treat that’s sure to wow your family, friends, or even just your own sweet tooth. Get ready to indulge in a dessert that’s as comforting as it is luxurious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and all the magic in baking. Each item in this list plays a crucial role—whether it’s the butter creating that buttery richness, the cocoa powder packing in deep chocolate flavor, or the caramel sauce adding a sticky, sweet surprise. Together, they build the perfect foundation for these irresistible salted caramel brownies.
- Salted butter, 1/2 cup melted: Adds rich creaminess and a subtle salty balance.
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens and helps give brownies a tender texture.
- Light brown sugar, 1/2 cup packed: Brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Large eggs, 2: Provide structure and richness to the batter.
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the complexity and aroma of the brownies.
- All-purpose flour, 3/4 cup: The base that holds everything together.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 cup: Delivers deep, bittersweet chocolate notes.
- Baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon: Gives just the right lift without fluffiness.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Enhances sweetness and amplifies flavors.
- Caramel sauce, 1/3 cup: The luscious, gooey swirl that makes these brownies unforgettable.
- Sea salt flakes, 1 teaspoon: A final sprinkle that brings a delightful salty crunch.
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 an overhang on the sides. This little trick will make it much easier to lift out the brownies once they’re baked, keeping the edges clean and your hands crumb-free.
Step 2: Mix the Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, whisk the melted salted butter together with granulated sugar and light brown sugar. This step ensures your batter is smooth and that the sugars dissolve well, forming a glossy base that will give the brownies their signature tender crumb.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Now, whisk in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a warm, floral depth that complements both the chocolate and caramel flavors perfectly.
Step 4: Fold in Dry Ingredients
Sift together all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to avoid clumps. Gently fold these dry components into your wet mixture using a spatula. Being gentle keeps the brownies dense and fudgy rather than cake-like, which is exactly what you want.
Step 5: Layer the Batter and Caramel
Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into your prepared pan. Drizzle half of your caramel sauce over the top, then use a knife to swirl it into the batter, creating those beautiful caramel ribbons we all adore. Repeat this layering and swirling process with the remaining batter and caramel sauce for a stunning marbled effect.
Step 6: Top with Sea Salt and Bake
Sprinkle the sea salt flakes evenly over the surface. These little surprises of salt will intensify the caramel and chocolate flavors as you bite into the brownies. Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for the edges to be set and a toothpick inserted in the center to come out with moist crumbs attached—avoid overbaking to keep things fudgy.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Once baked, let the brownies cool completely in the pan. This resting period allows the caramel to firm up so the brownies will cut neatly. Use the parchment overhang to lift the entire slab out, then slice into 12 generous squares and get ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe even more, think about simple but beautiful garnishes. A few extra sea salt flakes sprinkled on top add a lovely contrast, while a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce can make them look as irresistible as they taste.
Side Dishes
These brownies shine wonderfully on their own but pairing them with some fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can bring a refreshing balance to the decadent sweetness. A cup of strong coffee or a smooth glass of milk also complement the rich chocolate and caramel flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching dessert, cut the brownies into small bite-sized pieces and serve them on a platter with a few whole nuts, edible flowers, or chocolate shavings. You could also skew them alternately with marshmallows and dip the bites in melted chocolate for a fun party treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Salted Caramel Brownies keep well at room temperature when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and fudgy for about 3 to 4 days, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save them for longer, brownies freeze beautifully. Cut them into individual squares first, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag or container. You can enjoy them frozen for up to three months without losing any of that delicious texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring frozen or chilled brownies back to life, let them thaw at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This will soften the chocolate and caramel, bringing back that freshly-baked sensation you crave.
FAQs
Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce made from butter, sugar, cream, and a pinch of salt tastes incredible and allows you to control sweetness. However, store-bought caramel works wonderfully well too and saves time.
What if I don’t have sea salt flakes?
If you don’t have sea salt flakes, you can use a fine sea salt or kosher salt instead. Just sprinkle lightly because the flakes provide bursts of saltiness that smaller grains might distribute more evenly, changing the texture slightly.
Are these brownies cakey or fudgy?
This Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe is definitely on the fudgy side, thanks to the balance of butter, sugars, and minimal flour. You’ll get moist, dense brownies with gooey caramel pockets throughout.
Can I use dark or bittersweet cocoa powder?
Yes, using dark or bittersweet cocoa powder will intensify the chocolate flavor and balance the sweetness of the caramel nicely. Just make sure it’s unsweetened cocoa powder for the best results.
What’s the best way to cut the brownies cleanly?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. Chilling the brownies slightly before slicing can also help prevent sticky edges and ensure neat squares every time.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe that turns a simple indulgence into a memorable dessert experience. It brings together familiar flavors in such a beautiful, harmonious way that you’ll want to make it again and again. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to a moment of pure joy, these brownies deliver every time. So go ahead, try the recipe, and prepare for your new favorite sweet obsession.
Print
Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Salted Caramel Brownies feature a rich and fudgy chocolate base swirled with luscious caramel and topped with crunchy sea salt flakes for the perfect balance of sweet and salty indulgence. Soft and chewy with a moist crumb, they’re an irresistible treat for any chocolate lover.
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 Topping
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal of the brownies later.
- Mix sugars and butter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted salted butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Crack in the eggs and pour the vanilla extract, then whisk thoroughly until fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Sift the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into the wet mixture. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the mixture until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep brownies tender.
- First layer of batter: Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface.
- Add caramel layer: Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter layer. Use a knife to swirl the caramel gently into the batter for marbled effect.
- Second batter layer and caramel: Spread the remaining brownie batter evenly over the caramel layer. Then drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top and swirl again with a knife to create a marbled pattern.
- Sprinkle sea salt: Evenly sprinkle the sea salt flakes over the top to enhance every bite with a salty crunch.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still has moist crumbs when tested with a toothpick. Avoid overbaking to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out, then slice into 12 equal squares and serve.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better batter consistency.
- Allow caramel sauce to be slightly warm or soft for easier swirling.
- Sea salt flakes add texture and balance sweetness—do not skip.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
