Go Back
To make the best salted caramel brownies, you need quality ingredients. Here’s what you need: - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1/2 cup caramels, unwrapped - 1/4 cup heavy cream - Flaky sea salt, for garnish Using high-quality ingredients makes a big difference. For example, use pure vanilla extract instead of imitation. It gives a richer flavor. The same goes for chocolate. Good chocolate chips enhance the taste and texture of your brownies. You can customize your brownies to fit your taste. Here are some fun ideas: - Add 1 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for crunch. - Use different types of chocolate, like dark or white chocolate chips. - Mix in 1/2 cup of peanut butter or Nutella for a twist. If you need dietary substitutions, consider these options: - For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour. - To make it vegan, use flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) and coconut oil instead of butter. These tweaks can help you enjoy salted caramel brownies no matter your diet. For the full recipe, check out the details provided earlier. First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms the oven for even baking. Next, take a 9x13 inch baking pan and grease it with a little unsalted butter. After greasing, line the bottom and sides with parchment paper. Leave some paper hanging over the edges. This makes it easy to lift the brownies out later. Start by melting 1 cup of unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir it until it is fully melted. Then, add 2 cups of granulated sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth. Remove this from the heat and let it cool a bit. Once it has cooled down, add 4 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to mix well after each egg. Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until it is well blended. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 2/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder. Slowly mix this dry blend into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Finally, fold in 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for that extra chocolatey goodness. For the caramel, take 1/2 cup of unwrapped caramels and put them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Microwave this mixture in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until it is fully melted and smooth. Now, it’s time to layer. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Drizzle half of the melted caramel over the brownie batter. Use a knife to swirl the caramel lightly into the batter. Then, carefully pour the rest of the brownie batter on top. Finish by adding the remaining caramel and swirl again for a beautiful marble effect. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Be careful not to overbake, as this can dry them out. Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. After cooling, use the parchment paper to lift them out onto a cutting board. Now, slice them into squares. Enjoy the rich, delightful taste of your salted caramel brownies! To get the best texture for your brownies, you can tweak the recipe. For fudgier brownies, reduce the flour by a bit. You can also add an extra egg. This makes them moist and rich. If you prefer cakier brownies, add a little more flour. You can also bake them a bit longer. Aim for a baking time of 25 to 30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out clean, your brownies may be overbaked. Garnishing your brownies can make them even better. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top adds a nice touch. It enhances the sweet and salty flavor. You can also serve the brownies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Drizzle extra salted caramel on top for a rich treat. Consider using fresh berries or whipped cream as toppings. These add a pop of color and freshness. Your guests will love the look and taste! When making brownies, some issues can arise. One common pitfall is overmixing the batter. This can make the brownies tough. Mix just until combined for the best texture. Another mistake is baking at the wrong temperature. Always preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking. If your brownies puff up too much, they might bake too long. Watch them closely near the end of baking. If your brownies come out dry, check your measuring techniques. Using too much flour can lead to dryness. Make sure to level off your measuring cups. With these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and enjoy perfect brownies every time. {{image_4}} You can add fun flavors to your salted caramel brownies. For a coffee kick, mix in espresso powder. Just a teaspoon can bring out deep, rich notes. If you like mint, peppermint extract can be a great choice. Add half a teaspoon for a fresh twist. You might enjoy mixing in orange zest too. This will give a bright, citrusy flavor that balances the sweet caramel. If you need gluten-free brownies, swap all-purpose flour for almond flour or a gluten-free mix. This keeps the brownies rich and tasty. For an egg-free version, use flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water, and let it sit for five minutes. You can also make dairy-free brownies by using coconut oil instead of butter. For sweeteners, try maple syrup or coconut sugar for a healthier twist. Serving your brownies can be fun! For a brownie sundae, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Drizzle extra salted caramel over the ice cream for a treat. You can also make brownie parfaits. Layer brownie pieces with whipped cream and berries for a colorful dish. When it comes to drinks, pair these brownies with coffee for a great balance. Dessert wines like port also go well, enhancing the flavors. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions. To keep your salted caramel brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Place a piece of parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. These brownies stay fresh for up to five days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Freezing brownies is simple and keeps them tasty. First, let the brownies cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. After wrapping, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps keep out air and moisture. When you're ready to enjoy them, take out the brownies and let them thaw at room temperature. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds. This way, they taste fresh and delicious! To cut brownies well, use a sharp knife. I suggest warming the knife in hot water first. This step helps create clean edges. After cutting, wipe the knife with a damp cloth. This keeps the edges neat. For best presentation, wait until brownies are cool before slicing. You can also use a pizza cutter for quick, even cuts. Yes, you can make brownies ahead of time! Let them cool completely. Then store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each brownie in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months. To enjoy, just thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature. Dry brownies can happen for a few reasons. Overbaking is a common cause. Always check for doneness a few minutes early. If the toothpick comes out too clean, they may be overdone. Using old or stale ingredients can also lead to dryness. Make sure your baking powder is fresh. Lastly, avoid too much flour. Measure carefully and don’t pack it down. To boost the chocolate flavor, try adding more cocoa powder. You can also mix in extra chocolate chips. Dark chocolate chips can enhance the taste too. Another tip is to use brewed coffee in place of some liquid. Coffee brings out the chocolate flavor. You can also add a splash of chocolate extract for depth. In this post, we explored how to make delicious salted caramel brownies. You learned about the key and optional ingredients, along with easy step-by-step instructions. I shared tips for achieving the perfect texture and avoiding common mistakes. We also discussed tasty variations and how to store leftovers. Baking should be fun and rewarding. Use this guide as you create your own brownies. Enjoy every bite, and don't be afraid to experiment with flavors and textures! Your delicious treats will surely impress everyone.

Salted Caramel Brownies

Indulge in the ultimate dessert with these decadent salted caramel brownies! This recipe combines rich chocolate flavors with a gooey salted caramel swirl for a deliciously sweet treat. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies are simple to make and sure to impress. Grab your butter, sugar, and chocolate chips, and get ready to bake your new favorite dessert. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup caramels, unwrapped

1/4 cup heavy cream

Flaky sea salt, for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it lightly and lining the bottom and sides with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

    Melt Butter and Sugar: In a spacious saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until fully liquefied. Once melted, add the granulated sugar and whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and well blended. Take it off the heat and let it cool slightly.

      Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Once the butter-sugar mixture has cooled to a warm temperature, add the eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition. Stir in the pure vanilla extract until the mixture is homogeneous.

        Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually introduce this dry mixture to the buttery egg mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.

          Prepare the Caramel Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and the heavy cream. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the caramels are fully melted and the mixture is silky and smooth.

            Layer the Brownie Batter: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Drizzle half of the melted salted caramel over the batter, then gently swirl with a knife to create a ribbon effect. Carefully pour the remaining brownie batter on top, followed by the rest of the caramel. Use a knife to create a light marble effect.

              Bake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs (be cautious not to overbake).

                Cool and Slice: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes. Once they have cooled, use the parchment paper to lift them out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice into squares.

                  Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each brownie to elevate the flavor profile and add an appealing touch.

                    Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 24

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the brownies on a decorative platter and consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, drizzled with extra salted caramel for an indulgent dessert experience!