Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe

If you’re searching for a treat that truly delivers on rich, chocolatey decadence with the irresistible allure of gooey caramel and flaky sea salt, this Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe will become your new obsession. Each bite offers a fudgy, deeply-chocolaty brownie swirled with silky ribbons of homemade salted caramel, balanced beautifully by pops of sea salt. Whether you’re planning an indulgent dessert for guests or simply want to spoil yourself and your family, these brownies will absolutely steal the show.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need fancy ingredients to make brownies that taste bakery-quality. Each component in this recipe pulls double duty—with simple pantry staples creating complex layers of taste and texture, and the homemade caramel making these brownies truly unforgettable.

• All-purpose flour: This forms the foundation, giving structure while keeping the brownies dense and chewy.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and moisture, helping to create that perfect shiny crust on top.
• Light brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramelized flavor and extra fudginess to the brownie base.
• Unsalted butter (for brownies): Melted butter ensures a rich texture and that classic, buttery flavor.
• Large eggs: These bind the batter and provide richness, making the brownies plush and soft.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor; use a good-quality kind for best results!
• Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances both the chocolate and caramel notes.
• Salt: Just enough to deepen the flavors and balance the sweetness.
• Granulated sugar (for caramel): The key to silky, homemade caramel—watch it carefully as it melts!
• Unsalted butter (for caramel): Adds luxurious richness and helps the caramel become creamy and smooth.
• Heavy cream: Must be warmed before adding to the caramel; this is what makes it luscious and pourable.
• Sea salt: Vital for that signature salted caramel taste—plus a little extra makes the brownies truly pop.

How to Make Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and either greasing or lining a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) pan with parchment paper. Lining makes cleanup a breeze and guarantees you’ll get perfect, crackly-topped brownies that lift out easily for slicing.

Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel

To create your homemade caramel, melt the granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Watch as the sugar transforms into a deep amber liquid—the moment it’s ready, add the butter cubes and whisk until smooth. Gently pour in the warmed heavy cream, whisking constantly as the caramel bubbles and thickens. Finish by stirring in sea salt, then set your luscious sauce aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. You’ll have a smooth, glossy, mocha-colored base. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt; fold gently with a spatula, just until no flour streaks remain. Overmixing leads to cakey brownies, so a few lumps are okay!

Step 4: Assemble and Swirl

Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread into the corners. Drizzle half of your still-warm salted caramel over the batter in gorgeous ribbons. Add the remaining brownie batter on top, then finish with another swirl of the rest of the caramel. Use a skewer or butter knife to marble the layers, creating irresistible salted caramel ripples throughout every slice.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The brownies should be set at the edges but still a touch soft in the center—they’ll firm up as they cool, giving you that heavenly fudgy interior. Once out of the oven, sprinkle generously with extra sea salt, and resist the urge to cut in right away! Let them cool completely for clean, picture-perfect pieces.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving makes the caramel flavor sing. If you’re feeling fancy, add a drizzle of extra caramel sauce or a scatter of toasted nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a bit of crunch on top.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs with the Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe quite like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream. For a contrast in flavor, serve alongside a bowl of tangy berries—raspberries and strawberries help cut the richness just perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut brownies into wedges and stack them tall for a dramatic dessert plate, or use mini cookie cutters to create fun shapes for parties. For a show-stopping finale, layer bite-sized cubes of brownie with salted caramel and whipped cream in mini glasses for easy-to-eat dessert parfaits.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. The caramel helps keep them irresistibly moist, and the flavor deepens over time.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the sliced brownies individually in plastic wrap, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months, making them a perfect make-ahead treat for future cravings.

Reheating

For that just-baked texture, pop a brownie in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften the caramel and fluff up the brownie. It comes out warm and gooey—perfect topped with a scoop of ice cream!

FAQs

Why did my caramel crystalize?

Caramel can crystalize if sugar splatters on the sides of the pan or if you stir too vigorously at the wrong stage. Use a wet pastry brush to dissolve sugar crystals on the sides and stir gently once the sugar is mostly melted.

Can I use store-bought caramel instead of homemade?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a good-quality thick caramel sauce works in this Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe—just be sure to choose one with a strong, buttery flavor and a bit of salt.

Should brownies be gooey in the middle?

Yes, for this recipe you want the center to look just barely set when you pull them from the oven. They will continue to firm up as they cool, resulting in that perfect fudgy texture.

Can I double the Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe?

Definitely! Double all ingredients and bake in two pans, or bake in a larger sheet pan. Be sure to check for doneness—a larger batch may need a few extra minutes.

Do I have to use unsalted butter?

Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt in both the brownies and the caramel, especially since this Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe celebrates that perfect sweet-salty balance. If you use salted butter, just reduce the added salt accordingly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the way chocolate, caramel, and flaky salt come together in this Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe. I hope you’ll take a little time to enjoy making it and share these dreamy, homemade brownies with friends or family—or, honestly, just keep them all for yourself!

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