These Caramel Brownies are a decadent treat that combines fudgy, rich brownies with a buttery whipped caramel topping and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The homemade caramel filling adds a luscious sweetness, perfectly balancing the chocolatey depth of the brownies. These are sure to be a hit at any gathering, offering a perfect combination of gooey caramel and rich chocolate flavors.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Whipped Caramel:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 6 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)

• ½ cup heavy whipping cream (room temperature)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp fine salt

For the Brownie Batter:

• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour

• ⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• ½ cup dark chocolate chips (chopped)

• ½ tsp fine salt

• 2 large eggs (room temperature)

• ¼ cup vegetable or canola oil

• ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted)

• 2 tbsp water

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish (Optional):

• Flaky sea salt

Directions

1. Make the Caramel:

   • Heat a medium saucepan over medium to medium-high heat. Gradually add 1 cup of sugar, ¼ cup at a time, stirring until dissolved. Once the sugar is fully melted and amber in color, remove the pan from heat and stir in butter. Then, slowly add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Let the caramel cool to room temperature before whipping it for 1-2 minutes until thickened and lighter in color.

2. Prepare the Brownie Batter:

   • Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch square pan.

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, and salt.

   • In a separate large bowl, combine eggs, oil, melted butter, water, and vanilla. Stir in the dry ingredients until just combined, making sure the batter is thick and smooth.

3. Bake the Brownies:

   • Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

4. Top the Brownies:

   • Once the brownies are fully cooled, scoop the caramel on top and spread it evenly. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt for extra flavor.

5. Slice and Serve:

   • Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the brownies after letting them cool. Serve at room temperature.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 307 kcal

• Fat: 13g

  • Saturated Fat: 7g

• Protein: 3g

• Carbohydrates: 45g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugar: 37g

• Cholesterol: 51mg

• Sodium: 160mg

The Perfect Brownie Base

The brownie batter for these Caramel Brownies is simple yet delicious. It features a blend of dry ingredients like granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt, which give the brownies their fudgy texture and rich flavor. The chocolate chips, when chopped, add extra pockets of melted chocolate that enhance the overall chocolatey richness of the brownies. The wet ingredients – eggs, vegetable oil, melted butter, water, and vanilla – combine to form a smooth, thick batter that holds together perfectly while baking.

Once baked, the brownies become fudgy and dense, with just the right amount of moisture. Baking them at 325°F (163°C) for 40-45 minutes ensures they cook through while maintaining their rich, gooey texture. The key is to bake them until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. This ensures they are not underbaked or overbaked, retaining that perfect brownie texture.

The Homemade Whipped Caramel

The whipped caramel is what makes these brownies truly indulgent. It starts with melting granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium to medium-high heat. As the sugar melts, it gradually turns amber in color, which indicates it’s ready to be combined with the butter. Stir in the butter and then slowly add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, creating a rich and velvety caramel sauce. This caramel sauce is allowed to cool to room temperature before whipping it for 1-2 minutes. The whipping process turns the caramel lighter in color and thickens it into a fluffy topping that spreads beautifully over the cooled brownies.

The caramel adds a sweet, buttery layer of flavor that complements the chocolatey base, making each bite irresistibly rich. The slight saltiness from the salt in the caramel and the sea salt topping enhances the sweetness, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Assembly and Finishing Touches

Once the brownies are completely baked and cooled, the whipped caramel is carefully scooped and spread evenly over the top, creating a smooth, glossy layer that looks as beautiful as it tastes. The final touch is a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, which provides a pop of flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate, adding an element of sophistication to the treat.

The combination of the fudgy brownie base, creamy caramel topping, and the touch of sea salt makes these brownies a decadent, flavorful dessert that will have your guests asking for more.

Serving and Storing

After allowing the brownies to cool completely, use a sharp knife to slice them into squares. The caramel topping will remain soft but set enough to hold its shape when cut. Serve these brownies at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.

You can store the leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigerate them for up to a week. The caramel may firm up in the fridge, so it’s best to let them come to room temperature before serving again.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these Caramel Brownies contains approximately 307 calories. With 13 grams of fat (including 7 grams of saturated fat) and 3 grams of protein, these brownies are a satisfying treat. The 45 grams of carbohydrates include 1 gram of fiber and 37 grams of sugar, mainly from the sugar in the brownies and caramel.

While the brownies are indulgent, the richness of the caramel and the depth of the chocolate make them a truly special dessert. The slight amount of salt, along with the decadent caramel topping, elevates these brownies into an unforgettable treat.

Conclusion: A Rich, Sweet, and Salty Delight

These Caramel Brownies are a perfect balance of gooey chocolate, sweet caramel, and a touch of salt. The combination of textures, from the fudgy brownies to the creamy caramel and crispy sea salt, makes each bite a heavenly indulgence. Whether you serve them at a gathering, a family dinner, or simply for an afternoon treat, these brownies are sure to delight everyone with their richness and flavor. Their ease of preparation and ability to be customized with your favorite chocolate or toppings make them an ideal dessert for any occasion.