Salted Caramel Brownies

Introduction

Salted Caramel Brownies are the ultimate indulgence for dessert lovers. Imagine a dense, fudgy brownie base swirled with ribbons of silky, golden caramel and finished with a delicate sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The result is a treat that balances deep chocolate richness with buttery sweetness and a hint of saltiness, making every bite unforgettable.

This dessert is elegant enough for dinner parties yet comforting enough for a cozy night at home. Salted caramel elevates the classic brownie into something truly special, offering that irresistible sweet-and-salty combination we all crave.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Salted Caramel Brownies because they take a classic, already-delicious dessert and elevate it to pure indulgence. The deep, rich chocolate flavor of the brownies pairs so perfectly with the buttery sweetness of caramel, while the sprinkle of sea salt cuts through the richness and makes every bite more exciting. It’s that balance of sweet, salty, fudgy, and gooey that keeps me coming back for more.

Another reason I adore this recipe is its versatility—it can be served as a casual snack with coffee or dressed up with ice cream for an elegant dessert. Plus, the caramel swirls make them look as good as they taste, so they’re always a hit at gatherings. These brownies never fail to impress, whether I’m baking for family, friends, or just to treat myself.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Combines three irresistible flavors: chocolate, caramel, and sea salt.
• Fudgy, gooey texture with a stunning marbled appearance.
• Sweet and salty balance makes it addictive.
• Simple ingredients with an impressive result.
• Perfect for gifting, entertaining, or self-indulgence.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35–40 minutes
• Total Time: 55–60 minutes
• Servings: 16 brownies
• Calories: ~300 per serving
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert, Snack

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
• 8 oz (225g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ tsp salt

For the Caramel Swirl:

• 1 cup (300g) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ tsp flaky sea salt (plus more for topping)

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Make brownie batter.
2. Pour half into pan, add caramel swirl, then top with remaining batter.
3. Swirl extra caramel on top and sprinkle with sea salt.
4. Bake until fudgy but set.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

1. Melt butter and chocolate together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave. Stir until smooth.
2. Whisk in granulated and brown sugar.
3. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each. Stir in vanilla.
4. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Fold until just combined.

Step 3: Layer and Swirl

1. Spread half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan.
2. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter and sprinkle with sea salt.
3. Spread remaining brownie batter on top.
4. Drizzle remaining caramel over the top and use a knife to swirl it into the batter.
5. Sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.

Step 4: Bake

• Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly fudgy. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs.

Step 5: Cool & Slice

• Let brownies cool completely before cutting into squares for clean slices.

How to Serve

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Pair with a cappuccino, espresso, or hot chocolate.
• Garnish with extra caramel drizzle for presentation.

Additional Recipe Tips

• Don’t overbake—brownies should be fudgy, not cakey.
• Use high-quality chocolate for the richest flavor.
• If using store-bought caramel, choose a thick one that won’t run.
• For cleaner swirls, slightly warm the caramel before drizzling.

Variations

• Nutty Salted Caramel Brownies: Add chopped pecans or walnuts.
• Dark Chocolate Version: Use bittersweet chocolate for a more intense flavor.
• Espresso Brownies: Add 1 tsp espresso powder to enhance the chocolate.
• Peanut Butter Caramel Brownies: Swirl in peanut butter with caramel.
• Double Caramel: Add caramel chips to the brownie batter.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.
• Refrigeration: Keeps for 1 week, slightly firmer texture.
• Freezing: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 20 seconds before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9x13-inch baking pan
• Heatproof mixing bowl
• Whisk and spatula
• Parchment paper
• Knife (for swirling)

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Brownies are a dessert lover’s dream—rich, fudgy, gooey, and elevated with sweet-salty perfection. They’re indulgent enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight baking. With just one bite, you’ll understand why this dessert is a must-try and why it quickly becomes a family favorite.