Salted Caramel Brownies in a plate Recipe

The Ultimate Guide to Salted Caramel Brownies

There’s something incredibly special about the combination of rich chocolate and luscious caramel, especially when it’s topped with a hint of sea salt. This trio creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds, making every bite an indulgent delight. Salted Caramel Brownies are a perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering, a sophisticated dinner party, or simply a cozy night in. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of making these delectable brownies, ensuring that each step is clear and achievable. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this mouth-watering dessert!

Ingredients Breakdown

Before we dive into the baking process, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need to create these scrumptious Salted Caramel Brownies.

Brownies:

• Butter: Use 1/2 cup (1 stick) of melted butter, cooled. Butter provides richness and moisture to the brownies, giving them a tender texture.
• Eggs: Two large eggs at room temperature. Eggs act as a binding agent and add structure to the brownies.
• Vanilla Extract: One teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, adding a warm, sweet undertone.
• Granulated Sugar: One cup of granulated sugar is essential for sweetness and contributes to the brownie’s moist texture.
• Cocoa Powder: 1/3 cup of sifted cocoa powder provides the rich chocolate flavor. Sifting ensures there are no lumps.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour forms the base of the brownie batter.
• Kosher Salt: 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Baking Powder: 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder gives the brownies a slight lift, ensuring they are not too dense.

Caramel Swirl:

• Caramel Bits: One cup (5.5 ounces) of caramel bits. These bits melt down smoothly to create the luscious caramel swirl.
• Heavy Cream: One tablespoon of heavy cream helps to melt the caramel bits and adds richness to the caramel.

Toppings:

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips adds an extra layer of chocolate goodness on top.
• Sea Salt: One teaspoon of sea salt (or more to taste) adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for making these irresistible Salted Caramel Brownies.

1. Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that the oven reaches the correct temperature before you bake the brownies, allowing them to cook evenly. While the oven is heating, spray an 8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the brownies from sticking to the pan, making it easier to remove them once they are baked.

2. Melt the Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup of butter. Be careful not to overheat the butter; it should be melted but not hot. Allow the melted butter to cool slightly while you prepare the other ingredients.

3. Whisk the Eggs and Vanilla

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the two large eggs and one teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined. Whisking the eggs thoroughly ensures that they are evenly incorporated into the batter.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, combine one cup of granulated sugar, 1/3 cup of sifted cocoa powder, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of baking powder. Mix the dry ingredients until they are well combined. This step ensures that the leavening agent (baking powder) and salt are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently stir the egg and vanilla mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Over-mixing can result in dense brownies, so mix just until you no longer see dry flour.

6. Add Melted Butter

Pour the melted and slightly cooled butter into the brownie mixture. Stir until the butter is fully incorporated and the batter is smooth and glossy. Make sure there are no pockets of unmixed butter in the batter.

7. Prepare the Caramel Swirl

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine one cup of caramel bits and one tablespoon of heavy cream. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the caramel is fully melted and smooth. This process usually takes about 1-2 minutes total.

8. Swirl the Caramel into the Batter

Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of the melted caramel for topping later. Pour the remaining caramel evenly over the brownie batter in the prepared pan. Use a knife to gently swirl the caramel into the batter, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to overmix, as you want distinct swirls of caramel throughout the brownies.

9. Bake the Brownies

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies. The brownies are ready when the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the brownies as they bake.

10. Add Chocolate Chips and Sea Salt

Immediately after removing the brownies from the oven, sprinkle 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips over the top. Let the chocolate chips sit for a minute or two to soften from the residual heat of the brownies. Then, use a knife or offset spatula to spread the melted chocolate evenly over the surface.

11. Add Reserved Caramel and Sea Salt

Drizzle the reserved caramel sauce over the top of the chocolate layer. If the caramel has hardened, reheat it briefly in the microwave until it’s pourable. Finally, sprinkle one teaspoon (or more, to taste) of sea salt over the top. The sea salt adds a delightful crunch and enhances the caramel and chocolate flavors.

12. Cool and Cut

Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before cutting them into squares. Cooling ensures that the brownies set properly and makes them easier to cut. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Tips for Perfect Brownies

• Room Temperature Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps them incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother texture.
• Sifted Cocoa Powder: Sifting the cocoa powder prevents lumps and ensures a uniform chocolate flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense, tough brownies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check the brownies for doneness. If the toothpick comes out clean, the brownies may be overbaked. Aim for a few moist crumbs for perfectly fudgy brownies.
• Let Them Cool: Allowing the brownies to cool before cutting helps them set and makes for cleaner slices.

Serving and Storing

Salted Caramel Brownies can be served warm or at room temperature. They pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, you can freeze the brownies for up to three months. Simply wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.