Name: Salted Caramel Brownies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter; 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar; 1 1/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 4 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade); 1 teaspoon sea salt flakes (for topping)

These Salted Caramel Brownies are the perfect combination of rich, fudgy chocolate and smooth, buttery caramel with a touch of sea salt to balance the sweetness. Each bite delivers an indulgent flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth, making them a popular treat for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These brownies stand out for their decadent texture and layered flavor profile. The rich chocolate base pairs flawlessly with the gooey caramel center, while the sprinkle of sea salt elevates the overall experience. Whether you’re baking for a party, holiday, or just a personal treat, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s also simple enough for beginners but satisfying for seasoned bakers looking for something special.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Salt
Semi-sweet chocolate chips
Soft caramels (or caramel sauce)
Heavy cream
Flaky sea salt

directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a square baking pan with parchment paper.
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated and brown sugar until combined.
Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Pour half the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
In a small saucepan, melt the caramels with heavy cream over low heat until smooth. Pour the caramel mixture evenly over the brownie batter.
Spoon the remaining brownie batter over the caramel layer and gently spread to cover.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let the brownies cool completely before slicing for clean edges.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Cooling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Variations

Nutty Twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for crunch.
Espresso Kick: Mix in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder for enhanced chocolate flavor.
Dark Chocolate Option: Use dark chocolate chips for a richer brownie.
Swirl Style: Instead of layering, swirl the caramel through the batter with a knife before baking.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.

storage/reheating

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
To reheat, microwave individual servings for 10–15 seconds for a warm, gooey texture. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.

FAQs

How do I make sure the caramel layer doesn’t sink?

Ensure the bottom brownie layer is thick enough and slightly chilled before adding caramel to prevent it from sinking.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, a thick, good-quality store-bought caramel sauce can be used in place of homemade caramel.

Do I need to use sea salt?

Sea salt enhances the caramel flavor and balances sweetness, but you can omit it or reduce the amount based on preference.

Can these brownies be made ahead of time?

Yes, they can be made a day in advance and stored tightly covered at room temperature or in the fridge.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing the brownies?

Let the brownies cool completely, then use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts.

What type of chocolate is best for this recipe?

Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips work best, but milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter version.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time to 40–45 minutes.

Is it possible to make these brownies dairy-free?

Substitute the butter and cream with dairy-free alternatives and ensure the caramel used is also dairy-free.

How do I prevent the caramel from hardening?

Use soft caramels or add enough cream to keep the caramel smooth and pliable after baking.

Are these brownies freezer-friendly?

Yes, once cooled and cut, wrap brownies individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before serving.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Brownies are a luxurious twist on the classic brownie, combining sweet, salty, and chocolatey elements into one irresistible dessert. Whether served warm or chilled, these brownies are bound to impress anyone who takes a bite. With flexible ingredients and simple steps, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.