Salted Caramel Brownies

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of chocolate and caramel. It’s rich, indulgent, and comforting all at once. Growing up, brownies were always a weekend treat in our house. My mom would whip up a big batch, and the smell of chocolate wafting through the kitchen was our unofficial signal that Saturday had officially begun. But when she started adding a swirl of caramel and a touch of sea salt? Game over. Suddenly, this humble treat became something special—like the kind of dessert you’d sneak seconds (or thirds) of when no one was looking.

Salted caramel brownies feel like the perfect balance between nostalgia and indulgence. They’re cozy enough to make you think of home and impressive enough to serve at a holiday party or dinner with friends. That sweet and salty combo brings a whole new level of flavor, and the fudgy texture of the brownie makes every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to a little weeknight dessert, this recipe is one of those that never fails to wow.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Rich, fudgy brownies with gooey caramel swirls and a touch of sea salt
• Super easy to make—no fancy equipment or complicated steps
• Perfect for birthdays, bake sales, or a cozy night in
• Can be made ahead and still taste amazing the next day (if they last that long!)
• Ideal for chocolate lovers who crave that extra layer of flavor and texture

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 (11 oz) bag of caramel bits or soft caramels, unwrapped
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Flaky sea salt, for topping

HOW TO MAKE SALTED CARAMEL BROWNIES:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the Oven & Prep Your Pan
   Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easier cleanup. I always recommend parchment if you’re after those clean-cut brownie squares!
2. Melt the Butter & Combine the Wet Ingredients
   In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter until just melted—don’t overheat it. Then stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. This creates a thick, glossy base that smells like heaven already.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is well combined and the batter is rich and smooth.
4. Pour Half the Batter Into the Pan
   Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to get a nice, even layer.

1. Make the Caramel Layer
   In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the caramel bits and milk. Stir constantly until the caramels are fully melted and smooth. This part smells like pure comfort—warm, buttery caramel that you’ll want to taste-test (go ahead, I won’t tell).
2. Add Caramel Swirls
   Pour the melted caramel over the first layer of brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the caramel into the batter. It doesn’t need to be perfect—those ribbons of caramel will look gorgeous and taste even better once baked.
3. Top with Remaining Batter
   Carefully spread the remaining brownie batter over the caramel layer. This can get a little messy, but using a spoon to dollop the batter and then gently spreading it with a spatula works like a charm.
4. Bake & Finish with Sea Salt
   Bake for about 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. As soon as they come out of the oven, sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt. That final touch makes the chocolate pop and balances the sweetness beautifully.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Don’t overbake! The brownies will continue to set as they cool, so take them out while they’re still fudgy in the middle.
• Use a warm knife to slice clean squares—just run it under hot water and wipe dry between cuts.
• Make it your own: Want more crunch? Add a handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the batter.
• For easier cleanup, parchment paper is your best friend. Just lift the cooled brownies right out of the pan.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 24 brownies
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

NOTES:

• If you’re using soft caramels instead of caramel bits, be sure to unwrap them and melt them slowly with the milk. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
• The brownies will firm up more as they cool, so let them rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing—if you can wait that long!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per brownie – based on 24 servings)
Calories: ~230
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Sugar: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fiber: 1g

Note: Nutrition info may vary slightly depending on exact ingredients used.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, they taste even better the next day once the flavors have melded together. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Can I freeze salted caramel brownies?
Absolutely. Let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.

What kind of salt should I use on top?
Go for a flaky sea salt—it adds just the right crunch and saltiness without overwhelming the flavor. Avoid regular table salt, which can be too fine and salty for this purpose.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the caramel and other ingredients you’re using are gluten-free, too.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them to keep the caramel fresh and gooey. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months—perfect for those emergency chocolate cravings.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other chocolatey delights:

• Chewy and Fudgy Mochi Brownies
• Decadent Caramel Brownie Cheesecake
• S’mores Brownies
• Dark Chocolate Brown Sugar Cookies

CONCLUSION

Salted caramel brownies are more than just a treat—they’re a mood, a memory, and a little slice of comfort all baked into one pan. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or sneaking a bite straight from the tray (no judgment), they’re the kind of dessert that leaves a lasting impression. So grab your mixing bowl, turn on some cozy tunes, and let these brownies bring a little warmth and sweetness into your day.

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