If you’re craving the ultimate indulgence, look no further than these Salted Caramel Brownies. Imagine dense, ultra-fudgy chocolate squares marbled with ribbons of gooey caramel and finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The salty-sweet combo takes this classic treat completely over the top, making it a guaranteed hit for bake sales, picnics, or any old Tuesday that needs a little extra sparkle. One bite and you’ll see why this recipe will become your go-to for a decadent dessert everyone will rave about!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Salted Caramel Brownies comes from a handful of simple pantry staples. Each one is chosen to build gooey texture, balance out sweetness, and elevate chocolate richness. Here’s what makes each ingredient special:
- Unsalted butter, melted: Provides that signature fudgy texture and deep buttery flavor that brownies are loved for.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create a shiny, crackly top.
- Large eggs: Bind the brownies and enrich the batter for a satisfying chew.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the chocolate flavor and adds a beautiful, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour: Gives just enough structure to hold together the dense, gooey crumb.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich, bittersweet chocolate intensity without extra sugar.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the mix.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melt into little pockets of chocolatey bliss throughout the brownies.
- Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade): Swirls of caramel deliver incredible sweetness and gooey texture.
- Flaky sea salt: The finishing touch; a delicate topping that contrasts and heightens the sweetness.
How to Make Salted Caramel Brownies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the brownies bake evenly from the moment they go in. Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over the sides to make removing your Salted Caramel Brownies effortless later.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until completely smooth and shiny. This step creates that signature crackly top. Add the eggs one at a time, thoroughly whisking between each addition for rich, even texture. Splash in the vanilla extract for a boost of aromatic depth.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Place a sifter over the bowl and add your flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Sifting helps prevent lumps and keeps the brownies extra tender. Gently fold everything together just until you no longer see dry streaks—over-mixing can make brownies tough.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Toss in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and give the batter one or two gentle folds. These chocolate morsels melt into the brownies, making each bite extra gooey and chocolatey—totally irresistible!
Step 5: Layer and Swirl in Caramel
Spoon half the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Drizzle half of your caramel sauce over the batter, letting it soak into the chocolate base. Add the remaining brownie batter on top and gently spread it to cover the caramel layer.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce over the top layer, then use a knife to gently swirl the caramel through the batter. This creates gorgeous marbled ribbons. Sprinkle the flaky sea salt evenly over the top—this is the secret touch that transforms these brownies into showstopping Salted Caramel Brownies. Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Don’t overbake; fudgy is best!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let your brownies cool completely in the pan to help the caramel set and make slicing neater. Use those parchment paper flaps to lift them out, then slice into perfect squares. For extra clean edges, pop the cooled brownies in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.
How to Serve Salted Caramel Brownies
Garnishes
For an extra flourish, add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce or a sprinkle of extra flaky sea salt right before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top can take these Salted Caramel Brownies from delicious to simply divine.
Side Dishes
Pair your brownies with fresh berries, a tangy fruit salad, or even a glass of cold milk to cut through the richness. If you’re serving for dessert, dark roasted coffee or espresso makes a dreamy companion to enhance the chocolate notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the brownies into bite-sized squares for a party platter, stack them high for a rustic display, or serve with tiny forks alongside mini mason jars of extra caramel sauce. For a decadent treat, try sandwiching ice cream between two brownies to make next-level brownie ice cream sandwiches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Salted Caramel Brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you’ve chilled them for extra neat slices, let them sit out for 15 minutes to soften before enjoying.
Freezing
Want to stash some brownies for future cravings? Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature, or microwave for 10–15 seconds for a gooey treat.
Reheating
To bring Salted Caramel Brownies back to freshly-baked warmth, place a slice on a plate and microwave for 10–20 seconds. The caramel gets deliciously gooey, and the chocolate softens to melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce, or should I make my own?
Both work beautifully! Store-bought caramel is quick and convenient, but if you love homemade caramel’s depth of flavor, go for it. Just be sure it’s thick enough to swirl without disappearing into the batter.
Why are my brownies not as fudgy as I’d like?
Be careful not to overbake! Take them out when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Also, measure your flour carefully—using too much can make brownies cakey instead of gooey.
Can I make these Salted Caramel Brownies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The results are just as gooey and decadent—you won’t even notice the difference.
What’s the best way to slice brownies neatly?
Let the brownies cool completely, and for super clean edges, chill them in the fridge beforehand. Use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut, and you’ll have beautiful bakery-worthy squares every time.
Is it okay to use regular table salt instead of flaky sea salt on top?
Flaky sea salt adds delicate texture and subtle saltiness, but in a pinch, a tiny sprinkle of regular salt will work. Just use a light hand so you don’t overpower the brownies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for pure chocolate bliss, these Salted Caramel Brownies are it. They pack everything you crave in a dessert: gooey caramel, fudgy chocolate, and that perfect sprinkle of salt. Go ahead and bake a batch—you deserve a little extra sweetness in your day!
Print
Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and decadent flavor of these Salted Caramel Brownies. A fudgy brownie base swirled with luscious caramel and topped with a sprinkle of sea salt, these treats are a perfect balance of sweet and salty.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Additional:
- 1 cup store-bought or homemade caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: Whisk melted butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
- Add dry ingredients: Sift in flour, cocoa, and salt. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Layer batter: Pour half of batter into pan, drizzle half of caramel, add remaining batter, drizzle rest of caramel, swirl, sprinkle with sea salt.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool and serve: Let cool in pan before slicing into squares.
Notes
- For clean slices, chill brownies before cutting.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
