Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a brownie that hits every note on the sweet-salty-chocolatey scale, Salted Caramel Brownies are the recipe you’ve been waiting for. Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy square with swirls of golden caramel peeking through pockets of melt-in-your-mouth chocolate, all finished with a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt to accentuate every flavor. These brownies are incredibly easy to make but taste like you spent hours fussing over them, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings, weeknight indulgences, or just because you deserve a treat.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Salted Caramel Brownies truly special is the perfect combination of pantry staples and one or two show-stopping add-ins. Each ingredient has a distinct purpose, bringing depth of flavor, chewiness, gooeyness, or a pop of color and finishing touch that makes every bite memorable.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Butter provides the rich, moist base and ensures every bite is decadently soft with those classic fudgy edges.
• Granulated sugar (2 cups): Essential for sweetness and helps develop that irresistible crinkly brownie top.
• Large eggs (4): Eggs add structure and create a custard-like richness to the batter.
• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): A splash of vanilla brings out both the chocolate and caramel notes, making the flavors pop.
• All-purpose flour (1 cup): Just the right amount to hold everything together while keeping that gooey, fudgy texture.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 cup): Cocoa powder gives the brownies deep chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): A little salt balances all the sweetness and lays the foundation for the salted caramel topping.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): For bursts of molten chocolate throughout every slice.
• Caramel sauce (1 cup, plus extra for drizzling): The star of the show—use your favorite store-bought or homemade caramel for ripples of gooey, buttery sweetness.
• Flaky sea salt (1 teaspoon): The finishing sprinkle transforms the brownies, enhancing both the caramel and chocolate with a touch of elegant crunch.

How to Make Salted Caramel Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the edges for easy brownie removal. This trick is my absolute favorite because it guarantees clean slices and means less time scrubbing your pan later!

Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until smooth, glossy, and a little fluffy—this helps ensure your brownies have that signature shiny top. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing really well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. You’ll notice the batter gets creamier and a shade lighter, promising the gooey texture we all crave in Salted Caramel Brownies.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. Mixing these first keeps your brownies lump-free and guarantees the cocoa powder is evenly distributed, for deep, uniform chocolate flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies, so use a light hand. Fold in the chocolate chips for extra chocolaty puddles that melt in your mouth.

Step 5: Layer and Swirl

Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it into the corners. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over this layer, making sure to get some right up to the edges. Dollop the remaining brownie batter on top and gently spread it out—you don’t need to be too precise. For a stunning finish, swirl a bit of extra caramel over the top with a skewer or knife.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes. Peek at 30 minutes and do the trusty toothpick test: it should come out with a few moist crumbs. This timing ensures your Salted Caramel Brownies are perfectly fudgy (not cakey), with that ideal gooey center.

Step 7: Salt and Cool

Once you pull the brownies from the oven, immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt. The warmth will help the salt stick and slightly melt into the caramel swirls. Let them cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing—patience truly pays off for neat brownies and the most satisfying texture.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Brownies

Garnishes

Elevate your Salted Caramel Brownies with a final flourish of extra caramel drizzle and a few additional flakes of sea salt just before serving. If you want to get fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of chopped toasted nuts adds wonderful crunch and contrast.

Side Dishes

Pair these decadent brownies with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to cut through the richness. A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk are classic pairings that let the Salted Caramel Brownies shine as the star of the show.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or special occasions, cut the brownies into small bite-sized squares and serve in mini cupcake liners. Or, stack slices and tie with baker’s twine for adorable edible gifts. You can even crumble them over sundaes for an indulgent twist on a brownie sundae!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Salted Caramel Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The caramel stays soft and gooey, and the brownies actually get even fudgier overnight—a wonderful bonus if you can resist eating them all at once!

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully! Simply wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re craving a treat, just thaw a square at room temperature or warm it in the microwave.

Reheating

If you want that fresh-from-the-oven experience, reheat a brownie for 10–15 seconds in the microwave. The caramel will turn molten and gooey again, and the chocolate chips get deliciously melty—perfect for pairing with ice cream.

FAQs

Can I use boxed brownie mix instead of homemade?

Yes, when in a pinch, you can use your favorite boxed brownie mix and simply layer in the caramel and finish with the sea salt. However, making them from scratch brings a richer flavor and better fudgy texture that’s hard to beat.

What’s the best caramel to use for Salted Caramel Brownies?

You can use either a good-quality store-bought caramel sauce or make your own with sugar, butter, and cream. If you make your own, you control the thickness, which is key for getting those perfect caramel ribbons throughout the brownies.

How do I cut brownies cleanly for serving?

Let your Salted Caramel Brownies cool completely, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between each cut. This gives you picture-perfect edges without dragging caramel and crumbs all over.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Check your caramel sauce ingredients as well to ensure it’s gluten-free for a worry-free treat.

How do I get the gooey center without underbaking?

Bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, not totally clean. The brownies will keep setting as they cool, giving you that perfectly chewy, gooey texture without raw batter in the middle.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a truly show-stopping dessert, give these Salted Caramel Brownies a try—they’re sure to win over chocolate lovers and caramel fanatics alike. With their perfect balance of flavors and irresistible texture, there’s simply no going wrong. Happy baking!

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