Posted Oct 21, 2022, Updated Oct 05, 2024 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 and caramel popcorn– yum! These caramel brownies have shiny tops with gooey caramel centers and are topped with flaky sea salt “chefs kiss.”
Caramel Brownies: Ingredients & 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. Also, try these Nutella brownies – yum! Heavy cream. You can use evaporated milk, if desired. However heavy cream is definitely our preference.
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. Transfer the caramel to a class measuring cup or bowl, set aside to cool slightly.
Make the Brownies
Begin by combining the dry ingredients in a medium bowl, then set them aside to use later. Next, melt the butter and chocolate together. This can be done in one of two ways: Set the melted butter/chocolate mixture aside to cool slightly while you mix up the rest of the batter. 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. Once the eggs are beaten, add the granulated sugar and beat for an additional 30-60 seconds, until the sugar is dissolved. Next, add the melted and cooled chocolate/butter mixture and vanilla and stir on low speed until batter is smooth and homogenous (uniform throughout). Then, add the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until just incorporated and there are no lumps.
Assemble & Bake
Evenly spread 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 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. Once cooled, cut the salted caramel brownies into 9 or 16 squares and serve.
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. If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!
