Fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies

Introduction

Fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies are the ultimate indulgence, combining rich, chocolatey goodness with a luscious swirl of salted caramel. These brownies are irresistibly dense, chewy, and packed with deep chocolate flavor, perfectly complemented by the sweet and salty contrast of gooey caramel and flaky sea salt.

I first made these brownies when I wanted something decadent to share with friends, and they were an instant hit. The combination of smooth, melted chocolate and the rich caramel creates a truly heavenly dessert. The flaky sea salt sprinkled on top takes the flavor to the next level, balancing the sweetness and adding a satisfying crunch.

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a potluck, or just to satisfy your sweet cravings, these brownies are sure to impress. Their fudgy texture and irresistible flavor make them a go-to treat that everyone will love.

Perfect for:

• Chocolate lovers
• Special celebrations
• Potlucks and bake sales
• Homemade gifts
• A luxurious dessert treat

Why You’ll Love This Fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies

Here’s why Fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies will become your new go-to dessert:

• Super Fudgy Texture: These brownies are ultra-dense, rich, and fudgy, thanks to the perfect balance of butter, chocolate, and eggs.
• Deep Chocolate Flavor: Made with real melted chocolate and cocoa powder for an intense chocolate experience.
• Gooey Caramel Swirl: The homemade salted caramel adds a luscious, chewy layer that takes these brownies to the next level.
• Sweet and Salty Balance: The combination of sweet caramel and flaky sea salt creates the perfect contrast in flavors.
• Easy to Make: While they look gourmet, these brownies are simple to make and don’t require complicated steps.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 16 brownies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies:

Brownie Batter:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Salted Caramel:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)

Ingredient Highlights

• Dark Chocolate: Using real chocolate ensures a deep, rich flavor that enhances the fudginess of the brownies.
• Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and chewiness, making the brownies even richer.
• Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate for a more complex and satisfying taste.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Boosts the chocolate flavor while keeping the brownies from being overly sweet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Salted Caramel:

1. Melt the Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the granulated sugar, stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon. It will start to clump before melting into an amber-colored liquid.
2. Add Butter: Once fully melted, carefully add the butter, stirring continuously. The mixture will bubble up, so be cautious.
3. Pour in the Cream: Slowly add the heavy cream while stirring. The caramel will bubble vigorously but will smooth out as you stir.
4. Add Salt: Remove from heat and stir in the sea salt. Let the caramel cool slightly before using.

Prepare the Brownie Batter:

5. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
6. Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and melted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
7. Whisk in Sugars: Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar to the chocolate mixture, stirring until combined.
8. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract until the mixture is glossy and thick.
9. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.

Assemble and Bake:

10. Layer the Batter: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
11. Add Caramel Swirl: Drizzle half of the salted caramel over the brownie layer, then top with the remaining batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the caramel through the batter.
12. Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
13. Cool: Let the brownies cool in the pan for 15 minutes before sprinkling with extra sea salt. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve Fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies

Fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies can be enjoyed in many ways:

• With Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream.
• With Coffee or Hot Chocolate: Perfect for an afternoon treat.
• As a Dessert Platter: Pair with fresh berries and whipped cream for a more elegant presentation.
• Gift-Wrapped: Pack in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Additional Tips for Fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies

• Use Good Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer the brownies.
• Don’t Overbake: Brownies should still be slightly soft in the center for the best fudgy texture.
• Let Them Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely before cutting for the cleanest slices.
• Store Properly: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
• Make-Ahead Caramel: The salted caramel can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Recipe Variations for Fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies

Here are 10 ways to customize Fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies:

• Nutty Caramel Brownies: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Espresso Caramel Brownies: Stir in a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Double Chocolate Brownies: Fold in extra chocolate chips for even more decadence.
• Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies: Swirl in peanut butter alongside the caramel.
• White Chocolate Drizzle Brownies: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled brownies.
• Bourbon Caramel Brownies: Add a splash of bourbon to the caramel for a boozy twist.
• Coconut Caramel Brownies: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical touch.
• Dark Chocolate Raspberry Brownies: Add fresh raspberries to the batter.
• Vegan Caramel Brownies: Use dairy-free butter, coconut cream, and flax eggs for a vegan version.
• Gluten-Free Brownies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Freezing and Storage for Fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies

• Freezing: These brownies freeze well. Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies

Here are some tools that will help with making Fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies:

• Mixing Bowls – For combining wet and dry ingredients.
• Electric Mixer or Hand Whisk – To mix the brownie batter evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
• Double Boiler or Microwave Safe Bowl – For melting chocolate and butter.
• 9×9-inch Baking Pan – Ideal size for a thick, fudgy brownie.
• Parchment Paper – To line the baking pan for easy removal of brownies.
• Rubber Spatula – For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in ingredients.
• Candy Thermometer – To check the temperature of the caramel for perfect consistency.Cooling Rack – To allow brownies to cool evenly and prevent sogginess.
• Sharp Knife or Bench Scraper – To slice brownies neatly once cooled.

Frequently Asked Questions for Fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies

1. What makes fudgy brownies different from cakey brownies?
   • Fudgy brownies are denser and moister due to a higher fat-to-flour ratio, creating a rich, chewy texture, while cakey brownies are lighter and fluffier.
2. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for these brownies?
   • Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience. However, homemade caramel will add a richer flavor.
3. How do I make the caramel for the brownies from scratch?
   • To make caramel, melt sugar over medium heat until it turns golden brown, then add butter and heavy cream, and stir until smooth. Be cautious with the hot sugar!
4. Can I make these brownies without the salted caramel?
   • Yes! You can make regular brownies or use a different topping like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit instead of salted caramel.
5. How do I achieve that perfect balance of salt and sweetness?
   • Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the caramel layer before baking to enhance the sweet and salty flavor contrast.

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Conclusion

Fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies offer the ultimate dessert experience, combining rich, decadent chocolate with the smooth, buttery sweetness of salted caramel. The fudgy texture of the brownies pairs perfectly with the indulgent caramel sauce, and the sprinkle of sea salt on top adds a savory touch that makes each bite irresistible.

These brownies are great for sharing at parties, or even just as a special treat for yourself. Their rich flavor and satisfying texture are sure to please any chocolate lover!

Can’t wait to see how your Fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies turn out! Take a photo, share it on social media, and tag me—I’m excited to see your delicious creation! Happy baking!