Salted Caramel Brownies

Brownies have a storied history that dates back to the late 19th century. While the exact origin is somewhat debated, many food historians trace the first brownie recipe to a cookbook published in 1896. This simple yet decadent dessert quickly gained popularity and became a staple in American households. Today, brownies are enjoyed worldwide, and their appeal is evident in various cultural adaptations—from the fudgy, dense versions of the United States to the lighter, cake-like interpretations found in other countries.

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with decadent salted caramel brownies that will satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings. This recipe elevates classic brownies with a delicious layer of gooey, sweet-salty caramel. Learn how to make these rich, fudgy treats from scratch, perfect for any occasion. Whether paired with vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on their own, these brownies promise to bring joy and delight to your dessert table. Discover the art of baking and create an irresistible flavor combination that everyone will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

For the brownies:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the salted caramel:

1 cup granulated sugar

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon sea salt (more for sprinkling)

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Prepare the brownie batter:

- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.

- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.

- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined (do not overmix).

Bake the brownies:

- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing it out to create an even layer.

- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

Make the salted caramel:

- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the granulated sugar. Stir continuously until it melts and turns a deep amber color.

- Once melted, carefully add the cubed butter and stir until completely melted.

- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring (the mixture will bubble aggressively). Once combined, remove from heat and stir in the sea salt.

Assemble the brownies:

- Once the brownies have baked for 20 minutes, remove them from the oven. Pour the salted caramel evenly over the brownie layer, then dollop the remaining brownie batter on top of the caramel in spoonfuls.

- Use a knife to gently swirl the batter and caramel together for a marbled effect.

Finish baking:

- Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and serve:

- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. Once cool, sprinkle additional sea salt on top for garnish, cut into squares, and enjoy!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 1 hour | 12 brownies