By Laura
Posted Oct 21, 2022, Updated Jun 23, 2024
5 from 2 votes
1 Comment
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These Salted Caramel Brownies are rich, fudgy and chocolatey. They have a shiny crinkly top with gooey caramel centers, and are topped with flaky sea salt.
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (2) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (2)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/salted-caramel-brownies-recipe-55.jpg)
Just when you think brownies can’t get any better – let me introduce you to – Salted Carmel Brownies.
In this recipe, a creamy caramel sauce (use homemade caramels or this caramel sauce recipe) is sandwiched between a from-scratch brownie batter, then baked to perfection. Also try these caramel cookies – yum!
These caramel brownies have shiny tops with gooey caramel centers and are topped with flaky sea salt “chefs kiss.”
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (3) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (3)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/salted-caramel-brownies-recipe-2.jpg)
Caramel Brownies: Ingredients & Substitutions
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (4) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (4)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/caramel-brownies-recipe-labeled.jpg)
- Salted butter. Unsalted butter, coconut oil and gee all work well in this recipe.
- Chopped chocolate. Use high-quality chocolate for the best results. Chips, chopped bars, discs, etc. all work equally well because it’s being melted. However the quality and cocoa content of your chocolate will affect the final outcome. I typically use Ghirardelli 60% dark chocolate chips.
- Granulated sugar.white sugar or organic cane sugar are both good choices.
- Vanilla extract.Make sure to use pure vanilla extract, and not imitation.
- Cocoa powder.regular unsweetened cocoa powder. You can use extra dark cocoa powder for an even more intense chocolate flavor.
- All-purpose flour.For a gluten-free version, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all purpose flour blend.
- Sea Salt.I recommend using pure fine sea salt in baking and cooking. If you use iodized table salt decrease the amount of salt by half.
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (5) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (5)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/salted-caramel-brownies-ingredients-1.jpg)
- Caramel:This recipe calls for 40 caramels. I suggest using homemade caramels. You can also use store-bought. Also, try these Nutella brownies – yum!
- Heavy cream. You can use evaporated milk, if desired. However heavy cream is definitely our preference.
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (6) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (6)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/salted-caramel-brownies-recipe-8.jpg)
How to Make Caramel Brownies
When you’re making brownies, the process really matters if you want a crinkly shiny top with fudgy centers, so be sure to follow the recipe step-by-step, and don’t forget to watch the video.
Make the Caramel Filling
You can make the filling as shown below, or make this caramel sauce recipe.
Begin by warming the heavy cream and caramels over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth.
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (7) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (7)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/salted-caramel-brownies-recipe-10.jpg)
Transfer the caramel to a class measuring cup or bowl, set aside to cool slightly.
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (8) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (8)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/salted-caramel-brownies-recipe-3.jpg)
Make the Brownies
Begin by combining the dry ingredients in a medium bowl, then set them aside to use later.
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (9) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (9)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/salted-caramel-brownies-recipe-1.jpg)
Next, melt the butter and chocolate together. This can be done in one of two ways:
- In the microwave. warm butter & chocolate in the microwave for 60 seconds. Stir and warm in 30 second increments with stirring in between until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- On the stovetop.Gently warm butter and chocolate on the stovetop over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and shiny!
Set the melted butter/chocolate mixture aside to cool slightly while you mix up the rest of the batter.
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (10) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (10)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/salted-caramel-brownies-recipe-2.jpg)
Then, beat the eggs alone for 1 minute or until pale and thick. I suggest using a standing mixer fitted with the wire whisk attachment, or a large bowl and a handheld mixer.
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (11) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (11)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/salted-caramel-brownies-recipe-3.jpg)
Once the eggs are beaten, add the granulated sugar and beat for an additional 30-60 seconds, until the sugar is dissolved.
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (12) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (12)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/salted-caramel-brownies-recipe-4.jpg)
Next, add the melted and cooled chocolate/butter mixture and vanilla and stir on low speed until batter is smooth and hom*ogenous (uniform throughout).
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (13) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (13)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/salted-caramel-brownies-recipe-5.jpg)
Then, add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just incorporated and there are no lumps.
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (14) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (14)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/salted-caramel-brownies-recipe-6.jpg)
Assemble & Bake
Evenly spread ⅔ of the batter into the prepared pan.
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (15) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (15)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/salted-caramel-brownies-recipe-5.jpg)
Then, carefully and evenly pour the caramel over the bottom layer.
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (16) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (16)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/salted-caramel-brownies-recipe-11.jpg)
Gently place the remaining batter over the caramel, covering as much of the caramel as possible.
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (17) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (17)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/salted-caramel-brownies-recipe-6.jpg)
Bake in the preheated oven until the top is set and the brownies are only very slightly “jiggly”, 25-30 minutes.**
Then, Place the brownie pan on a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (18) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (18)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/salted-caramel-brownies-recipe-12.jpg)
Once cooled, cut the salted caramel brownies into 9 or 16 squares and serve.
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (19) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (19)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/salted-caramel-brownies-recipe.jpg)
Store
Store the caramel brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freeze
To freeze, cool the caramel brownies completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or vacuum seal them, then store the wrapped brownies in an airtight container in the freezer.
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (20) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (20)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/salted-caramel-brownies-recipe-4.jpg)
Caramel Brownies Recipe FAQS
How do you cut caramel for brownies?
Cut caramel into very thin slices to use in this brownie recipe. Make sure to use either homemade caramel or a high-quality, soft store-bought variety.
What makes brownies fudgy vs. cakey?
This is averyimportant question. Because to me, there is no such thing as a cakey brownie. A brownie, by definition must be fudgy and gooey (any other texture makes it just a square chocolate cake)!
A cakey brownie usually has leavening agents and a higher flour : fat ratio. Fudgy brownies (like these caramel brownies) have a higher ratio of fat : dry ingredients and no leavening agents. The melted chocolate and butter in this brownie recipe make them insanely fudgy!
Why do my brownies get hard?
Brownies dry out if they are exposed to air or if they have been overbaked.
How do you keep brownies soft after baking?
Keep brownies stored in an airtight container. You can also soften them by gently warming them in the microwave (for 15-30 seconds) or in an oven set to warm for 5 minutes!
How do you know when brownies are done?
This varies depending on justhow gooey you want these fudgy brownies to be. For me, the perfect amount of gooeyness is achieved when the brownies are set on the top and around the edges, and they jiggle every-so-slightly when the pan is shaken.
![Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (21) Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe (21)](https://i0.wp.com/joyfoodsunshine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/salted-caramel-brownies-recipe-9.jpg)
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Caramel Brownies
Laura
These Salted Caramel Brownies are rich, fudgy and chocolatey. They have a crispy crinkly top with gooey caramel centers, and are topped with flaky sea salt.
5 from 2 votes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 16 brownies
Calories 236
Prep Time10 minutes minutes
Cook Time25 minutes minutes
Total Time35 minutes minutes
Equipment
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 6 oz semisweet chocolate*
- ½ cup salted butter
- 2 large eggs
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Caramel Layer**
- 40 Caramels (11 oz)
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- Flaky sea salt for topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F, line a 9×9” baking dish with parchment paper and lightly grease, set aside.
Make the caramel:
Add heavy cream and caramels to a medium saucepan.
Warm over medium heat, stirring constantly, until caramels are melted.
Transfer the caramel to a class measuring cup or bowl, set aside to cool slightly.
Make the brownie batter
Mix flour, cocoa powder and sea salt together in a small bowl; set aside.
Melt chocolate and butter together in a microwave safe bowl, or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir until smooth and glossy. Set aside.
In the bowl of a standing mixer, beat eggs for 1 minute or until pale and thick.
Add sugar and beat for an additional 30-60 seconds, until sugar is dissolved.
Add melted chocolate/butter mixture and vanilla and stir on low speed until batter is smooth and hom*ogenous (uniform throughout).
Add dry ingredients, mix on low speed until just incorporated and there are no lumps.
Assemble
Pour ⅔ of the batter into the prepared pan.
Then, carefully and evenly pour the caramel over the bottom layer.
Gently place the remaining batter over the caramel, covering as much of the caramel as possible.
Bake & Cool
Bake in the preheated oven until the top is set and the brownies are only very slightly “jiggly”, 25-30 minutes.**
Remove from oven, and immediately sprinkle the top of the brownies with flaky sea salt.
Place the brownie pan on a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
Cut into squares and serve.
Video
Notes
* 6 oz chocolate is 1 cup chocolate chips.
**Or make this homemade caramel sauce.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Salted butter. Unsalted butter, coconut oil and gee all work well in this recipe.
- Chopped chocolate. Use high-quality chocolate for the best results. Chips, chopped bars, discs, etc. all work equally well because it’s being melted. However the quality and cocoa content of your chocolate will affect the final outcome. I typically use Ghirardelli 60% dark chocolate chips.
- Granulated sugar.white sugar or organic cane sugar are both good choices.
- Vanilla extract.Make sure to use pure vanilla extract, and not imitation.
- Cocoa powder.regular unsweetened cocoa powder. You can use extra dark cocoa powder for an even more intense chocolate flavor.
- All-purpose flour.For a gluten-free version, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all purpose flour blend.
- Sea Salt.I recommend using pure fine sea salt in baking and cooking. If you use iodized table salt decrease the amount of salt by half.
- Caramel:This recipe calls for 40 caramels. I suggest using homemade caramels. You can also use store-bought.
- Heavy cream. You can use evaporated milk, if desired. However heavy cream is definitely our preference.
Store
Store the caramel brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freeze
To freeze, cool brownies completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or vacuum seal them, then store the wrapped brownies in an airtight container in the freezer.
Nutrition
Serving: 1brownie | Calories: 236kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 127mg | Potassium: 113mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 218IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 33mg | Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you enjoy this recipe? Have a question? Leave a comment below!