Caramel Brownies Recipe

Salted Caramel Brownies: A Decadent Dessert Delight

Introduction

Salted Caramel Brownies are the epitome of indulgence, combining the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with the gooey sweetness of caramel and the subtle crunch of sea salt. This dessert is perfect for those who crave a sweet and salty treat that satisfies on multiple levels. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to create these mouth-watering brownies, including tips, variations, and serving suggestions to elevate your baking game.

Ingredients Overview

For the Brownies:

• Butter (½ cup, 113g): Melted and then cooled, this adds moisture and richness to the brownies.
• Large Eggs (2): At room temperature, they help bind the ingredients together and add structure.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor.
• Granulated Sugar (1 cup, 200g): Provides sweetness and helps achieve a fudgy texture.
• Cocoa Powder (⅓ cup, 40g): Sifted to ensure a smooth, lump-free batter, it gives the brownies their deep chocolate flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour (½ cup, 64g): Provides structure and body.
• Kosher Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness.
• Baking Powder (¼ teaspoon): Helps the brownies rise slightly, creating a perfect texture.

For the Caramel Swirl:

• Caramel Bits (1 cup, 5.5 ounces): Melts into a gooey swirl within the brownies.
• Heavy Cream (1 tablespoon): Helps melt the caramel to a smooth consistency.

For the Toppings:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (½ cup): Adds an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
• Sea Salt (1 teaspoon, or more): Sprinkled on top to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Brownies

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F and spray an 8-inch square pan with nonstick cooking spray. This ensures the brownies won’t stick and will come out easily.
2. Melt the Butter: Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with the vanilla extract.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, kosher salt, and baking powder.
5. Incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gently stir the egg mixture into the dry ingredients. Then pour in the melted butter and mix until fully combined and smooth.
6. Prepare the Pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and set aside.

Making the Caramel Swirl

1. Melt the Caramel: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramel bits with the heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth.
2. Swirl the Caramel: Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of the melted caramel. Pour the remaining caramel evenly over the brownie batter. Use a knife to swirl the caramel into the batter, creating a marbled effect.

Baking and Adding Toppings

1. Bake the Brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs but no wet batter.
2. Add Chocolate Chips: Remove the brownies from the oven and immediately sprinkle the semi-sweet chocolate chips on top. Let them sit for a minute to melt, then spread evenly with a knife or offset spatula.
3. Top with Caramel and Sea Salt: Drizzle the reserved caramel over the top and sprinkle with sea salt. If the caramel has hardened, reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften.

Tips for Success

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs are at room temperature to mix more evenly and create a smoother batter.
2. Sift Cocoa Powder: Sift the cocoa powder to avoid lumps in the brownie batter.
3. Cooling Butter: Allow the melted butter to cool slightly before adding it to the mixture to prevent cooking the eggs.

Customization Ideas

1. Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the brownie batter for a crunchy texture.
2. Espresso Boost: Mix in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
3. Extra Caramel: Double the caramel swirl for an extra gooey and indulgent treat.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Salted Caramel Brownies (assuming 9 servings) contains approximately:

• Calories: 362 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 84mg
• Sodium: 235mg
• Potassium: 87mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 33g
• Vitamin A: 533IU
• Calcium: 30mg
• Iron: 1mg

These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and measurements used.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
2. Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the brownies (without the sea salt topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and sprinkle with sea salt before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Crumbly Brownies: If the brownies are too crumbly, they may have been overbaked. Check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested baking time.
2. Runny Caramel: If the caramel is too runny, allow it to cool slightly before swirling it into the batter.
3. Dry Brownies: Ensure you measure the flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Too much flour can make brownies dry.

Advanced Techniques

1. Double Boiler for Caramel: Use a double boiler to melt the caramel bits for more controlled heat and a smoother texture.
2. Layered Brownies: Create layered brownies by adding a layer of caramel in the middle of the batter before baking.
3. Salt Flakes: Use flaky sea salt for a more pronounced crunch and flavor burst.

Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairings

To elevate your Salted Caramel Brownies experience, consider these pairing ideas:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the hot, fudgy brownies and the cold, creamy ice cream is heavenly.
2. Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream on top of the brownies adds a light, airy texture that complements the rich chocolate and caramel.
3. Fresh Berries: Garnish the plate with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries. The tartness of the berries balances the sweetness of the brownies.
4. Coffee or Espresso: A strong cup of coffee or a shot of espresso pairs wonderfully with the deep chocolate flavor, making it an ideal combination for dessert.

Presentation Ideas

1. Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Before serving, drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the brownies for a more indulgent presentation.
2. Dust with Cocoa Powder: Lightly dust the tops of the brownies with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
3. Serve in Mini Mason Jars: Cut the brownies into small pieces and layer them in mini mason jars with whipped cream and caramel sauce for a portable and visually appealing dessert.

Customization and Variation Ideas

Flavor Variations

1. Mint Chocolate: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the brownie batter and sprinkle crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive twist.
2. Peanut Butter Swirl: Replace the caramel with a peanut butter swirl. Melt creamy peanut butter and swirl it into the brownie batter before baking.
3. Espresso Brownies: Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the brownie batter.

Texture Additions

1. Nutty Brownies: Stir in a cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the batter for added crunch and nutty flavor.
2. Oreo Crumble: Fold in crushed Oreo cookies into the batter for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Tips for Baking Perfection

1. Line the Pan: Line your baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This makes it easier to lift the brownies out of the pan for cutting.
2. Avoid Overmixing: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies.
3. Check for Doneness: Start checking for doneness a few minutes before the end of the baking time. Insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.

Storage and Serving Tips

Storing Brownies

1. Room Temperature: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
2. Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the brownies. They can be kept in the fridge for up to a week. Just let them come to room temperature before serving to restore their fudgy texture.

Freezing Brownies

1. Without Toppings: To freeze the brownies, skip the sea salt topping. Cut the brownies into squares and wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
2. Thawing and Serving: To thaw, place the brownies in the refrigerator overnight. Add the sea salt and any other toppings just before serving.

Advanced Techniques

1. Double Boiler for Caramel: Using a double boiler to melt the caramel can help control the heat better, ensuring a smoother and more consistent caramel texture.
2. Layered Brownies: Create a layered effect by adding a layer of caramel in the middle of the brownie batter. Pour half of the batter into the pan, add a layer of caramel, then top with the remaining batter.
3. Salt Flakes: For a gourmet touch, use flaky sea salt such as Maldon sea salt flakes. This provides a more pronounced texture and flavor compared to regular sea salt.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Brownies are an indulgent dessert that beautifully combines the rich, fudgy texture of brownies with the sweet, gooey goodness of caramel and the delicate crunch of sea salt. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion, a holiday celebration, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these brownies are sure to impress and delight.

By following the detailed instructions and incorporating some of the advanced techniques and customization ideas, you can create a dessert that is not only delicious but also visually stunning. With the right pairings and presentation, your Salted Caramel Brownies will be the star of any dessert table. Happy baking!