Irresistibly Fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies: Your Ultimate Homemade Dessert Guide
Prepare to indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these irresistible salted caramel brownies. These are not just any brownies; they are a symphony of rich, intensely fudgy chocolate layers embracing a luscious, thick center of gooey, melt-in-your-mouth caramel. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of sweet and salty, making them utterly decadent and truly unforgettable. While phenomenal on their own, serving them warm in a brownie sundae with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of hot fudge takes them to a legendary status!
My passion for brownies runs deep, as evidenced by the extensive collection of brownie recipes on my site. There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming a classic into a new masterpiece by simply adding a delightful filling. If you adore the concept of stuffed brownies, you absolutely must try my peanut butter stuffed brownies next – they’re another fan favorite that will impress your taste buds.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Adore These Salted Caramel Brownies
- Essential Ingredients for Salted Caramel Brownies
- Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Salted Caramel Brownies
- Expert Tips and Delicious Variations
- Storing Your Homemade Salted Caramel Brownies
- Explore More Delicious Brownie Recipes
- Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe Card
As a devoted brownie enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share with you what I consider to be the absolute best salted caramel brownies recipe. These brownies boast a supremely dense and fudgy chocolate base, generously studded with chocolate chips, and feature a remarkably easy-to-create gooey caramel core. For the caramel filling, we streamline the process by using convenient pre-made caramels – simply unwrap and melt for that perfect, buttery, sweet, and slightly salty middle. And if you’re looking to elevate this dessert to an even higher level of indulgence, follow my lead and serve these caramel brownies warm, topped with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of homemade hot fudge sauce. Trust me, you will not regret this ultimate dessert experience!
Why You’ll Adore These Salted Caramel Brownies
These aren’t just any brownies; they’re a carefully crafted indulgence designed to deliver maximum flavor and an unbelievably satisfying texture. Here’s why these salted caramel brownies will become your new go-to recipe:
- Unbelievably Extra Fudgy Brownie Base. The foundation of this recipe is my all-time favorite homemade brownie. What makes it stand out? We opt for melted unsweetened or semisweet chocolate over cocoa powder, which contributes to a deeper, richer chocolate flavor and a more luxurious, dense texture. Furthermore, using oil instead of melted butter helps create an even fudgier crumb, as oil stays liquid at room temperature, contributing to a moist, chewy brownie. For those moments when time is short, you can certainly use a quality store-bought or homemade brownie mix, though the homemade base truly elevates this dessert.
- Luxuriously Filled with Gooey Caramel. I simply cannot get enough of the exquisite flavor and texture of these salted caramel brownies. The star of the show, the thick, gooey caramel layer, transforms these into an extraordinary treat. It’s like a richer, more decadent version of my popular caramel layer bars, but with the added depth of a chocolate brownie base. This caramel is rich, buttery, and incredibly easy to prepare, melting into a luscious stream that perfectly complements the chocolate. The hint of sea salt sprinkled on top cuts through the sweetness, enhancing every single flavor.
- Surprisingly Easy to Make. Despite their sophisticated appearance and taste, these brownies are remarkably simple to bake. You won’t even need an electric mixer! The entire process, from mixing the ingredients to assembling the layers, can be accomplished with just a single bowl and a spatula. This makes them a perfect baking project for any skill level, guaranteeing perfect, decadent brownies with minimal fuss.
Essential Ingredients for Salted Caramel Brownies
Understanding your ingredients is key to successful baking. Here are some detailed notes to familiarize you with the components of this incredible salted caramel brownies recipe. For the complete list of precise amounts and full recipe details, please remember to scroll down to the printable recipe card after this section.
- Chocolate – For the brownie base, we use unsweetened or semisweet chocolate, which is melted to create a deep, intense chocolate flavor. Since the caramel layer adds considerable sweetness, using a less sweet chocolate for the brownie helps achieve a balanced flavor profile. Chopped chocolate (from a bar) generally melts more smoothly and evenly than chocolate chips, resulting in a silkier brownie batter.
- Oil – A neutral-flavored vegetable oil, such as canola oil, is ideal for these brownies. Oil contributes to a very moist, fudgy texture and helps keep the brownies tender for longer, complementing the rich caramel center without adding competing flavors.
- Eggs, Sugar, and Flour – These are your fundamental baking staples. Eggs provide structure and richness, sugar contributes sweetness and moisture, and all-purpose flour gives the brownies their desired texture. A pinch of salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the chocolate flavors. I recommend using all-purpose flour and granulated sugar (or light brown sugar for a subtle molasses note) for consistently perfect results.
- Chocolate Chips – I find it almost impossible to resist folding extra chocolate chips into the brownie batter. They melt into delightful, gooey pockets throughout the baked brownies, adding another layer of chocolatey goodness and textural contrast. You can customize this by using semisweet, dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips, or get adventurous with peanut butter chips or butterscotch morsels. If you prefer a pure chocolate brownie experience without additional add-ins, feel free to omit them.
- Soft Caramels – For the luscious filling, you’ll need soft, chewy caramels. These can be the individually wrapped variety (which you’ll unwrap) or the convenient caramel bits found in the baking aisle. They melt down beautifully with a bit of milk to create a smooth, rich, and gooey caramel center.
- Sea Salt – This ingredient is vital for the “salted” aspect of our salted caramel brownies. I specifically recommend sea salt because its larger crystals and milder, briny flavor perfectly contrast and enhance the sweet caramel, rather than simply making it taste salty. Any good quality salt will work, but sea salt offers that extra gourmet touch.
- Milk – Used to help melt and smooth out the caramels, making them pourable. Whole milk is highly recommended as its higher fat content contributes to a richer, creamier, and more luxurious caramel sauce.
Butter vs. Oil in Brownies: The Fudgy Debate
While both butter and oil are fats commonly used in brownie recipes, they behave differently and impart distinct characteristics. Many brownie recipes call for butter, which contributes a wonderful richness and depth of flavor. However, I often find that butter can sometimes produce brownies that feel a bit greasier, and it can also lead to a slightly cakier texture if not used carefully. For this particular salted caramel brownie recipe, I specifically opt for oil. Why? Oil, being 100% fat (compared to butter which contains about 20% water), helps create an exceptionally moist and fudgy brownie. It also remains liquid at room temperature, contributing to that desirable chewy, dense texture that pairs perfectly with the soft, gooey caramel. The neutral flavor of canola oil ensures that the rich chocolate and sweet caramel flavors are the true stars of this decadent dessert.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Salted Caramel Brownies
Creating these ooey-gooey, utterly delicious salted caramel brownies is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a truly decadent treat in no time. For detailed, printable instructions, exact measurements, and the full recipe card, please refer to the recipe card located further down the page after this post.
- 1. Prepare Your Pan & Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking dish, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This step ensures easy removal of your brownies once baked and cooled.
- 2. Craft the Salted Caramel Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine your unwrapped soft caramels (or caramel bits) with the milk. Heat this mixture in the microwave using short 45-second intervals, making sure to stir thoroughly after each interval. Continue this process until the caramel is completely melted and beautifully smooth, resembling a thick sauce. Once achieved, set the caramel aside to cool slightly while you prepare the brownie batter.
- 3. Mix the Fudgy Brownie Batter: Next, melt the unsweetened chocolate in a separate microwave-safe bowl, using the same 45-second interval method, stirring until smooth. Once melted, combine this rich chocolate with the canola oil. Then, vigorously whisk in the granulated sugar and eggs until the mixture is fully incorporated and smooth. Gently stir in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Finally, fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter – these will create delightful pockets of melted chocolate in the finished brownies.
- 4. Assemble the Decadent Layers: Now it’s time to layer! Carefully spread half of the prepared brownie batter evenly into the bottom of your greased and floured (or parchment-lined) 8-inch baking dish. Once the first layer is spread, pour the slightly cooled melted caramel mixture directly over the brownie layer, spreading it gently into an even, luxurious coating. Immediately after, sprinkle the sea salt evenly over the caramel – this is key for that signature salted caramel flavor. Lastly, dollop the remaining brownie batter over the salted caramel layer. Don’t worry if the caramel peeks through a bit; it creates a beautiful marbling effect and ensures a gooey center.
- 5. Bake to Perfection: Place your assembled salted caramel brownies into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. The brownies are ready when the top is set, and a toothpick inserted into the brownie (away from the caramel center) comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this is crucial for maintaining their ultra-fudgy texture.
- 6. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven. The most challenging part is waiting, but it’s essential! Allow them to cool completely in the baking dish before attempting to slice them. Cooling allows the caramel to set slightly and the brownies to firm up, making for clean cuts and the perfect gooey caramel experience. Once cooled, slice and enjoy!
Expert Tips and Delicious Variations
Mastering these salted caramel brownies is easy with a few extra tips and ideas to customize them to your liking:
- Experiment with Different Brownie Bases. While this recipe uses my go-to fudgy brownie base, you have the flexibility to use any brownie recipe you prefer for the chocolate layers. Whether you lean towards fudgy brownies, cakey brownies, or something in between, the caramel layer will shine. This recipe would also be absolutely delicious with my double chocolate brownies, which are made with cocoa powder for an intense chocolate flavor.
- Cocoa Powder Substitution. If you don’t have unsweetened chocolate on hand, don’t fret! Cocoa powder can certainly work as a substitute in this caramel brownie recipe. Generally, for every 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate, you can substitute 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder plus 1 tablespoon of butter or oil. Always check the back of your cocoa powder container for specific substitution ratios, as brands can vary.
- The Essential Role of Salt. Do not skip the sea salt! The salt sprinkled over the caramel layer isn’t meant to make these brownies overtly salty. Instead, it plays a critical role in balancing the intense sweetness of the chocolate and caramel, enhancing and boosting all the flavors, creating that addictive sweet-salty contrast. If you’re a true fan of that pronounced sweet-salty dynamic, feel free to add a bit more salt to taste after the initial sprinkle.
- The Toothpick Test for Doneness. Accurately testing for doneness is vital for fudgy brownies. When you insert a toothpick into the center of the brownie (making sure to avoid the caramel layer), it should come out with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. This indicates that your brownies are perfectly baked, retaining their desired fudgy texture.
- The Golden Rule: Don’t Overbake! This is my number one, most important tip for baking any type of brownie or fudgy baked good! Overbaked brownies will inevitably turn dry, crumbly, and lose their signature fudginess. If a toothpick inserted into your baked brownies comes out completely clean and dry, they are already overdone. Always begin checking for doneness at the earliest suggested baking time to ensure maximum fudginess.
- Turtle-Inspired Twist. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding a “Turtle” inspired variation. Fold 1/2 to 1 cup of crushed pecans or walnuts into the brownie batter along with the chocolate chips. This adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the chocolate and caramel beautifully, reminiscent of classic Turtle brownies.
- Serving Suggestions. These brownies are absolutely divine served warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel or hot fudge. For a celebratory touch, a dollop of whipped cream is always a welcome addition.
- Perfect Slices. For the cleanest cuts, ensure your brownies are completely cooled before slicing. You can also lightly grease your knife with non-stick spray or run it under hot water and wipe it clean between each slice.
Storing Your Homemade Salted Caramel Brownies
Proper storage ensures your delicious salted caramel brownies remain fresh and enjoyable for as long as possible:
- On the Counter. Just like traditional brownies, these salted caramel brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain wonderfully fresh and fudgy for up to 4 days. It’s important to note that the caramel layer tends to harden when refrigerated, so if you do store them in the fridge, make sure to let the brownies come back to room temperature (or gently warm them in the microwave for a few seconds) before serving for the best gooey caramel experience.
- Freezing for Longer Enjoyment. You can easily freeze these brownies to enjoy them later. For optimal freshness, double-wrap individual brownies or the entire slab in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 1 month. To serve, simply thaw them at room temperature. You can also warm them slightly in the microwave for a freshly baked feel.
Explore More Delicious Brownie Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with these salted caramel brownies, you’re in for a treat! My site is packed with a diverse collection of brownie recipes to satisfy every craving. Here are some more decadent brownie creations you might enjoy:
- Grasshopper Brownies: Minty, chocolatey, and incredibly refreshing.
- Lunch Lady Brownies: A nostalgic, classic chocolate brownie with a smooth, rich frosting.
- Cosmic Brownies: Fun, colorful, and fudgy, just like your childhood favorite.
- Nutella Brownies: Rich chocolate brownies swirled with the irresistible hazelnut spread.
- Banana Brownies: A unique twist, combining the moistness of banana bread with decadent brownies.
- M&M Brownies: Colorful and fun, loaded with everyone’s favorite candy-coated chocolates.
Salted Caramel Brownies
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Ingredients
- 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, melted
- 1/3 cup canola oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 11 ounces caramels or caramel bits, unwrapped
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350º F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8 inch (20 cm) baking dish, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides for easy removal.
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In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and milk. Microwave for 45-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the caramels are completely melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.11 ounces caramels or caramel bits, 2 Tablespoons milk
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In a separate bowl, melt the unsweetened chocolate in the microwave using the same 45-second interval method until smooth. Combine the melted chocolate with canola oil. Beat in the granulated sugar and eggs until thoroughly incorporated. Stir in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined. Gently fold in the chocolate chips.2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, 1/3 cup canola oil, 2 large eggs, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2/3 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup chocolate chips
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Pour and spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish, creating a thin, consistent layer.
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Pour the melted caramel mixture over the first brownie layer and gently spread it into an even layer. Immediately sprinkle the sea salt generously over the caramel. Carefully dollop the remaining brownie batter over the caramel mixture. Spread it gently to cover the caramel as much as possible; it’s perfectly fine if some caramel remains visible.1 teaspoon sea salt
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the brownie (away from the caramel layer) comes out with a few moist crumbs. Do not overbake to ensure fudgy brownies.
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Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving. This allows the caramel to set for clean cuts.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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