Salted Caramel Brownies

Salted Caramel Brownies are rich, fudgy chocolate squares layered with smooth, buttery salted caramel and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. These brownies combine intense chocolate flavor with the irresistible contrast of sweet and salty, making them an indulgent treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These brownies deliver the perfect balance of gooey caramel and deep chocolate flavor. The homemade caramel sauce is simple yet luxurious, and swirling it through the brownie batter creates beautiful layers and rich pockets of caramel in every bite. The recipe is easy to follow and yields impressive, bakery-style results at home.

Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the brownie batter

unsalted butter, melted

granulated sugar

light brown sugar, packed

large eggs

vanilla extract

all-purpose flour

unsweetened cocoa powder

baking powder

salt

semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the salted caramel sauce

granulated sugar

unsalted butter, cubed

heavy cream

sea salt

For the topping

flaky sea salt

Directions
Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal, and lightly grease.

Make the caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it becomes a golden amber liquid. Carefully add the butter and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring—the mixture will bubble vigorously. Stir in sea salt and let simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat and cool while preparing the brownies.

Make the brownie batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt, and mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Assemble the layers: Spread half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Drizzle about half of the caramel sauce over the batter. Top with the remaining brownie batter and spread evenly. Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce on top and gently swirl with a knife.

Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly gooey but not jiggly. Avoid overbaking for the best fudgy texture.

Cool and slice: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan—about 1 hour. Lift out using the parchment overhang and slice into squares. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt just before serving.

Servings and timing
This recipe yields 16 brownies.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 35–40 minutes
Cooling time: 60 minutes
Total time: approximately 2 hours

Variations
Espresso caramel brownies: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the caramel sauce for a subtle coffee note.

Nutty caramel brownies: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel layers for added crunch.

Dark chocolate chips: Substitute semi-sweet chips with dark chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate flavor.

Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

Storage/reheating
Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving. If you prefer warm brownies, microwave individual squares for about 10–15 seconds.

FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, but homemade caramel offers the best flavor and consistency for layering and swirling.

How do I know when the brownies are done?
The edges should be set, and the center should look slightly gooey but not wet or jiggly.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made a day in advance and stored covered at room temperature or refrigerated.

How do I get clean slices?
Let the brownies cool completely, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Can I skip the flaky sea salt topping?
Yes, but it enhances the contrast of sweet and salty flavors.

Why is my caramel grainy?
This can happen if the sugar crystallizes. Stir gently and consistently while melting the sugar.

Can I use salted butter for the caramel?
Yes, but reduce the added sea salt to taste.

Are these brownies very sweet?
They are rich and sweet, balanced by the bitterness of cocoa and the saltiness of the caramel topping.

Can I use a smaller pan for thicker brownies?
Yes, but the baking time will need to be adjusted, and the brownies will be thicker and softer in the center.

What pairs well with salted caramel brownies?
They are delicious on their own or served with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Conclusion
Salted Caramel Brownies are the ultimate indulgence, combining fudgy chocolate layers with gooey salted caramel and a perfect touch of flaky sea salt. Easy to make yet impressive to serve, these brownies are sure to satisfy any sweet craving and become a favorite in your baking rotation.

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