Name: Irresistibly Chewy Salted Caramel Brownies You’ll Adore
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 105 min
Ingredients: 1 cup White Granulated Sugar; 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature & Cubed); 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (Room Temperature); 1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract; 1 pinch Salt; 1 cup Powdered Sugar; 2 large Eggs (Room Temperature); 1/2 cup Oil (Canola or Vegetable); 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour; 1/2 cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Dutch Process); 1 tbsp Cornstarch; 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

There’s something magical about the moment when that first slice of brownie is cut—especially when it reveals the luscious, gooey caramel hidden within. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Salted Caramel Brownies, an irresistible treat that combines the rich essence of chocolate with the indulgent sweetness of homemade caramel. These brownies are not only easy to whip up, but they also serve as the perfect crowd-pleaser for any gathering. With their chewy texture and decadent layers, they promise to steal the spotlight at your next dessert table. Are you ready to embark on a delightful baking adventure that will satisfy your chocolate cravings? Let’s dive in!

Why Are Salted Caramel Brownies Irresistible?

Decadent Flavors: Each bite of these brownies is a heavenly blend of rich chocolate and velvety homemade caramel that satisfies any sweet tooth.

Chewy Texture: The perfect balance of fudgy brownies and gooey caramel creates a chewy delight that’s hard to resist.

Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Crowd Favorite: Serve these at your next gathering, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “salted caramel”!

Versatile Indulgence: Enjoy them warm with ice cream, or store leftovers—if there are any—in an airtight container for a delectable treat later.

Whether you’re also keen on other desserts like Salted Caramel Chocolate or Tiramisu Brownies Indulge, these brownies are sure to impress!

Salted Caramel Brownies Ingredients

• Get ready to create delicious salted caramel brownies!

For the Salted Caramel

White Granulated Sugar – Essential for sweetness and caramel’s structure.
Unsalted Butter (Room Temperature & Cubed) – Adds richness to the caramel; use unsalted for better salt management.
Heavy Cream (Room Temperature) – Gives the caramel a silky texture; don’t substitute with half-and-half.
Pure Vanilla Extract – Enhances the caramel’s depth; opt for pure for the best flavor.
Salt – Balances the sweetness in the caramel; kosher salt works well as a substitute.

For the Brownie Batter

Large Eggs (Room Temperature) – Important for moisture and structure; let them sit out for better blending.
Oil (Canola or Vegetable) – Keeps the brownies moist and fudgy; can be swapped with melted coconut oil.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to your brownies; spoon and level for accuracy.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (Dutch Process) – Delivers deep chocolate flavor; never substitute with sweetened cocoa.
Cornstarch – Creates a tender texture; don’t skip this ingredient for the best results.
Powdered Sugar – Ensures a smooth texture in the brownie batter.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – Provide delightful bursts of chocolate goodness throughout the brownies.

Indulge in the joy of baking these irresistible salted caramel brownies and watch as they become the highlight of any dessert table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salted Caramel Brownies

Step 1: Make the Salted Caramel
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 cup of white granulated sugar over medium heat, whisking constantly until it melts and turns a rich amber color, about 10 minutes. Carefully add 6 tablespoons of cubed unsalted butter and whisk until melted. Gradually pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, along with a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3 minutes, then remove from heat and cool for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Brownie Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, whisking gently to combine. In a separate mixing bowl, beat together 1 cup of sugar and 2 large eggs until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In the same bowl with the eggs and sugar, stir in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of canola oil, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated. This blend contributes to the rich flavor of your Salted Caramel Brownies. Slowly add the dry ingredients from the first bowl to this wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the brownie batter. This step enhances the overall chocolate experience of your Salted Caramel Brownies, creating delightful pockets of chocolate goodness. Make sure not to overmix, as this can lead to denser brownies.

Step 5: Layer and Bake
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out evenly. Next, drizzle half of the cooled salted caramel over the brownie batter, spreading it out gently with a spatula. Pour the remaining brownie batter on top and swirl it slightly with a knife for a marbled effect. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.

Step 6: Final Touches
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. After about 10 minutes, poke holes across the surface of the brownies and drizzle the remaining salted caramel over the top. Allow it to sit for an additional 10 minutes before slicing into squares, creating a beautiful presentation for your Salted Caramel Brownies.

What to Serve with Salted Caramel Brownies

Elevate your dessert experience with delightful pairings that perfectly complement the lusciousness of these brownies.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice, this creamy scoop adds a contrasting coolness that balances the rich caramel. Together, they create a delightful flavor harmony.
Fresh Berries: Juicy raspberries or strawberries introduce a tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the brownies, enhancing your palate with bright, fruity notes.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream creates a cloud-like texture on top that beautifully contrasts the dense brownies. Serve a generous dollop for an elegant touch.
Espresso or Coffee: The bold flavors of coffee bring out the chocolate notes while providing a warm, inviting beverage to sip alongside your sweet treat.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: For the caramel lover, an extra drizzle of sauce can intensify that delicious salted flavor, making every bite even more indulgent.
Chocolate Milkshake: The creamy chocolate shake offers a fun, nostalgic pairing that kids and adults alike will adore, plus, it pairs beautifully with the chewy texture of the brownies.
Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on top for a crunchy element that adds a delightful contrast to the fudgy brownies while enhancing their flavor profile.
Chai Tea: The warm spices of chai tea provide a cozy experience, complementing the richness of the brownies while offering a fragrant, aromatic sip.

Make Ahead Options

These Salted Caramel Brownies are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep enthusiasts! You can make the homemade salted caramel up to 3 days in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can whisk together the dry ingredients for the brownie batter and store them separately for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, combine the wet ingredients with the prepped dry mix, layer with the caramel, and enjoy the same delicious results with minimal effort. Just be sure to let the brownies cool completely before drizzling any remaining caramel, keeping them just as gooey and delightful!

Salted Caramel Brownies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to make these salted caramel brownies your own with delightful twists and swaps!

Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a deeper, richer flavor that still satisfies your sweet tooth.
Nutty Delight: Mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans to add texture and a crunchy contrast to the gooey brownies. They provide a lovely bite and surprise element!
Coconut Bliss: Substitute half of the butter with melted coconut oil for a subtle coconut flavor pairing beautifully with the chocolate and caramel.
Minty Fresh: Include a few drops of peppermint extract for a refreshing mint chocolate brownie that’s perfect around holidays. The mint adds a festive flair!
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brownie batter for a surprising touch of heat that complements the sweetness of the caramel. It creates an exciting flavor explosion with every bite.
Lower Sugar: Cut down on the sugar in the brownie batter by using a sugar alternative like coconut sugar. Just be mindful of the moisture balance that could affect the texture.
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies accessible for everyone. They’ll still be wonderfully fudgy and delicious!
Toppings Galore: Finish off your brownies with a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of chocolate ganache for an extra decadent touch. This will simply elevate the brownies to gourmet status.

For a fantastic flavor and indulgence, you might also enjoy serving these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or pairing them alongside my mouthwatering Coffee Caramel Cake for a delightful dessert spread!

Expert Tips for Salted Caramel Brownies

Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense brownies; proper measurement makes a big difference in texture.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Dairy and eggs should be at room temperature for better incorporation, leading to a fluffier batter.
Cool Caramel Completely: Allow the salted caramel to cool for at least 30 minutes; this thickens it, ensuring it doesn’t seep too much into the brownie layers.
Watch Baking Time: Start checking your brownies at 40 minutes; they should be moist but not wet in the center.
Add Personal Touches: Don’t hesitate to swap in dark chocolate chips or add nuts for a delightful twist to your salted caramel brownies!

How to Store and Freeze Salted Caramel Brownies

Room Temperature: Keep your salted caramel brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-5 days to maintain their fudgy texture.

Fridge: For longer freshness, store the brownies in the fridge. They can last up to a week when stored in an airtight container, though this might slightly alter their texture.

Freezer: If you want to save some for later, freeze the brownies wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the microwave for a few seconds for that warm, gooey goodness.

Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right ripeness for ingredients?
Absolutely! For the best results, ensure your butter is at room temperature but not overly soft. The eggs should also be at room temperature; this helps them blend smoothly into the batter, yielding a fluffier brownie. As for the heavy cream, using it at room temperature ensures it emulsifies nicely when added to the caramel, resulting in a beautifully smooth sauce.

How should I store my salted caramel brownies?
Very! To keep your brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days. If you notice them becoming a bit dry, simply place a piece of bread inside the container; this keeps them moist and tender. For longer shelf life, refrigerate them for up to a week, though the texture may change slightly.

Can I freeze these brownies, and what’s the best way?
Absolutely! If you’ve made a batch and want to save some for later, wrap each brownie tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. For that fresh-baked feel, warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving!

What if my caramel is too thin or too thick?
No worries! If your caramel turns out too thin, return it to the stove, simmer it over low heat, and cook it a bit longer, stirring continuously until it thickens to your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, you can whisk in a bit of warm cream until you reach your preferred texture. The secret is adjusting it step by step, so don’t rush the process!

Are these brownies suitable for dietary restrictions, like allergies?
Absolutely! To accommodate common allergies, you can substitute the following: use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option, and replace the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water equals 1 egg) for a vegan version. Be cautious with the chocolate chips, as some contain milk; look for dairy-free varieties to keep it allergy-friendly!