Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy brownie, followed by the silky smoothness of caramel, all rounded off with a hint of sea salt.
That’s the magic of salted caramel brownies. This dessert is a perfect balance of sweet and salty, making it an irresistible treat for anyone.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to create these decadent delights at home, along with tips and variations to make them uniquely yours.
The Love for Salted Caramel
Salted caramel is a flavor that has taken the culinary world by storm.
Its popularity lies in the perfect balance it strikes between the sweetness of caramel and the sharpness of salt.
When combined with the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies, it creates a dessert that’s complex, satisfying, and utterly delicious.
The Ultimate Salted Caramel Brownie Recipe
Let’s dive into the recipe that’s bound to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients
For the Brownies:
1 cup unsalted butter, 2 cups sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Salted Caramel:
1 cup sugar, 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, 1/2 cup heavy cream, room temperature, 1 teaspoon sea salt
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
Make the brownie batter: Melt the butter and mix it with sugar until well combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt; gradually mix into the wet ingredients until just blended. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake the brownies for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Prepare the salted caramel: While the brownies are baking, heat the sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula.
Once the sugar is fully melted, add the butter and stir until melted and combined. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while stirring, and boil for one minute.
Remove from heat, stir in the sea salt, and set aside to cool slightly.
Assemble: Once the brownies are done, pour the warm salted caramel over them. Allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing.
Add a finishing touch: Sprinkle a little extra sea salt over the top before serving for that perfect salty-sweet crunch.
Personalizing Your Salted Caramel Brownies
These brownies are fabulous on their own, but here are some ideas to make them even more special:
Add Nuts: Stir chopped walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for an added crunch.
Swirl Effect: Mix only half of the caramel into the batter before baking and swirl it through with a knife. Drizzle the rest on top after baking.
Chocolate Chips: Add chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an extra chocolatey kick.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Overbaking the Brownies: Keep an eye on your brownies as they bake. Overbaked brownies lose their fudginess.
Caramel Hardening: If your caramel hardens before you’re able to pour it, gently reheat it on the stove until it’s pourable again.
Conclusion
Salted caramel brownies are the perfect treat for when you want something a little bit luxurious and a lot delicious.
By following this recipe and adding your personal touches, you can create a dessert that’s sure to impress.
Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a cozy night in, these brownies will be a hit.
FAQs
Can I use boxed brownie mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can. Just follow the mix instructions for the brownies and then add the homemade salted caramel on top.
How do I store salted caramel brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week.
Can I freeze salted caramel brownies?
Absolutely! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before serving.
What’s the best cocoa powder to use?
For the richest flavor, use a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder. Dutch-process cocoa powder will
give you a smoother, more mellow chocolate flavor.
Can I make the caramel with a sugar substitute?
Making caramel with a sugar substitute can be tricky as they don’t always behave the same way as sugar when heated. It’s best to stick with regular sugar for the caramel.