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Homemade Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe

Written by MasterClass

Last updated: Jun 1, 2024 • 3 min read

With layers of rich, fudgy brownie batter and a semi-savory caramel sauce, these salted caramel brownies are the ultimate chewy treat for your next bake sale or potluck.

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What Are Salted Caramel Brownies?

Salted caramel brownies are a riff on traditional fudge brownies brought together with a rich, salted caramel sauce and peppered with semi-sweet chocolate chips. Making this chocolatey treat involves adding a sweet-and-savory salted caramel sauce between the layers of fudgy brownie batter before baking the dish in a hot oven.

Serve these gooey brownies as-is, or top them with homemade whipped cream and vanilla ice cream to make a caramel brownie sundae.

4 Tips for Making Salted Caramel Brownies

Follow these tips to make the best brownies possible.

  1. 1. Watch the caramel as it cooks. Monitor your homemade caramel sauce as it cooks to ensure that the sugar doesn’t burn. Remove it from the stovetop immediately when it reaches a deep amber color. Use store-bought caramel sauce if you don’t have time to make your own.
  2. 2. Bake the brownies mindfully. To avoid overbaking your brownies—which will yield a dry, crumbly product—keep them in the oven until the batter is just set. Even if the center appears undercooked, your brownies are done when the edges pull away from the sides. Stick a toothpick in a spot along the edge of the brownies to check the doneness. If it comes out mostly clean, the brownies are ready.
  3. 3. Experiment with additions. Once you master this classic dessert recipe, incorporate your favorite ingredients to suit your palate. Fold in chopped nuts (like pecans and walnuts), candies (like crushed candy canes or toffee bits), or coconut flakes for a textural contrast to your brownie batter. Garnish the caramel layer with chopped nuts, additional chocolate chips, or a chocolate sauce drizzle. For extra creaminess, serve your finished caramel brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream.
  4. 4. Store properly. This rich dessert will keep well in an airtight container on the countertop for 5 days. For long-term storage, wrap the brownies in plastic wrap, put them in a zip-top bag, and store them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Homemade Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe

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4 Ratings | Rate Now

makes

9

prep time

15 min

total time

1 hr

cook time

45 min

Ingredients

For the salted caramel sauce:

For the brownie batter:

For serving:

Note: The total time does not include 45 minutes of inactive time.

Make the salted caramel sauce:

  1. 1

    In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the sugar, occasionally stirring, until a smooth, deep golden-brown syrup forms, about 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the butter until it is melted and mostly incorporated, about 1–2 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add the heavy cream and sea salt to the caramel mixture, and stir until the sauce is well combined.

  4. 4

    Return the pan to the heat and, frequently stirring, cook the caramel until it is thick and amber brown, about 2–3 minutes.

  5. 5

    Remove the pan from the heat, and set the caramel aside to cool for 30 minutes.

Make the brownie batter:

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease an 8x8-inch pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.

  2. 2

    In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the butter until melted, about 30 seconds. Stir in the chocolate chips until they melt into a smooth mixture.

  3. 3

    Add the eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract to the melted chocolate mixture and stir until combined.

  4. 4

    In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt.

  5. 5

    Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well to create your brownie batter.

Assemble and bake:

  1. 1

    Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, and spread it out into a single layer.

  2. 2

    Drizzle the cooled caramel sauce over the first brownie layer, spreading it out to the edge.

  3. 3

    Pour the other half of the brownie batter over the caramel layer, and spread it out to completely cover the caramel.

  4. 4

    Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake until the center is mostly set, about 30–35 minutes.

  5. 5

    Remove the baking pan from the oven, and let the brownies cool at room temperature for 15 minutes. Slice the brownies and serve them warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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