Name: Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2/3 cup (86g) all purpose flour; 1/2 cup (50g) dutch process cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 large eggs + 1 egg yolk; 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (110g) unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp instant coffee granules; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 3.5 oz 70% cocoa dark chocolate, chopped; Flaky sea salt for sprinkling; Homemade salted caramel (recipe included in directions)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 9 reviews

If you have a sweet tooth and love the perfect combination of rich chocolate and luscious caramel, you are going to adore this Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe. These brownies are a heavenly marriage of fudgy, intense chocolate layered with pockets of gooey salted caramel that swirl through every bite. The hint of flaky sea salt on top balances the sweetness beautifully, creating a dessert that feels indulgent yet perfectly harmonious. Trust me, once you try this Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe, it will quickly become a staple for special occasions or any time you crave a remarkable treat that’s both comforting and exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up image showing a shiny, smooth, caramel-colored flat layer spread thin on a white marbled surface. On top of the caramel layer, there is a single whole brown almond resting on a silver spoon, which reflects some light. The almond has visible texture lines running along its surface, and the caramel layer appears glossy and slightly sticky. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a critical role. From the deep cocoa powder that brings that classic chocolate richness to the sharp contrast of flaky sea salt, every element adds its own special texture, flavor, and charm.

All purpose flour (2/3 cup or 86g): Provides structure to the brownies without making them cakey.
Dutch process cocoa powder (1/2 cup or 50g): Brings that bold, smooth chocolate flavor and a dark color.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate taste.
Eggs (2 large + 1 egg yolk): Bind ingredients and add richness for a fudgy texture.
Light brown sugar (1/2 cup or 100g): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup or 100g): Contributes sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup or 110g), melted: Delivers richness and moistness that melt in your mouth.
Instant coffee granules (1 tsp): Intensifies the chocolate depth without imparting a coffee flavor.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Rounds out the flavors for a warm, inviting taste.
70% cocoa dark chocolate (3.5 oz), chopped: Adds bursts of melty chocolate pockets inside the brownies.
Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling: Provides contrast and a beautiful finishing touch.

How to Make Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Make Your Homemade Salted Caramel

The caramel is where this Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe really shines. Prepare your homemade caramel first because it needs some time to chill. Once your caramel is ready, pour half into a small baking pan lined with parchment paper and place it in the freezer until firm but still pliable. Put the rest into a jar and refrigerate. This step guarantees that when you add it to the brownie batter, you get luscious swirls without losing that gooey texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease and line an 8×8 inch square pan with parchment paper—make sure to cover the sides for easy removal. Whisk together your flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a small bowl. In a larger bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs with both sugars until it lightens in color and becomes creamy; this aeration is what gives your brownies a fantastic texture. Stir in the melted butter, coffee granules, and vanilla extract for a deeper, well-rounded flavor base.

Step 3: Combine and Add Chocolate

Gently fold your dry ingredients into the wet mixture, taking care not to overmix, which will give you dense brownies rather than delightfully fudgy ones. Just before the batter is fully combined, fold in the chopped dark chocolate pieces so you get gooey pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.

Step 4: Layer the Batter and Caramel

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Retrieve your chilled caramel slab from the freezer: it should be firm but soft enough to scrape. Dollop spoonfuls over the surface of the batter, then use a butter knife to delicately swirl the caramel into the batter. This swirling step is what creates those trademark ribbons of caramel throughout the brownie.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Bake for 33–35 minutes. During baking, the caramel will melt into the brownies, leaving little pockets and craters that are pure caramel bliss. When done, let the brownies cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then drizzle the refrigerated caramel over the top to fill in those crevices beautifully. Chill for at least an hour until the pan bottom is no longer warm. Finish with a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt to heighten every flavor note.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe

The image shows a stack of three dark chocolate brownies with a rich and moist texture. Each brownie is thick and dense, almost black in color, with a rough surface that shows the cake’s crumbly texture. Golden caramel sauce is dripping down from the top through all three brownies, creating shiny, sticky streams and small puddles at the bottom on the white marbled surface. The background is plain white, making the dark brownies and caramel stand out. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt is a must for that irresistible sweet-salty contrast, but you can also add a few extra shards of dark chocolate or a light dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant look. A small dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside these brownies makes them truly irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair your salted caramel brownies with vibrant fresh berries to cut through some of the richness. Coffee or a bold black tea also complements the deep chocolate flavors perfectly, making the experience even more comforting and indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these brownies in rustic bite-sized squares skewered with decorative toothpicks for a party-friendly option. Or create a decadent brownie parfait layering chunks with whipped cream and caramel sauce for a stunning dessert glass presentation that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover salted caramel brownies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep their fudgy texture. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate them—just allow them to come to room temperature before serving to enjoy the full flavor and softness.

Freezing

This Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a couple of hours before eating.

Reheating

To revive the gooey texture, warm your brownies in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven for 5-7 minutes. You’ll get that melty chocolate and caramel feel freshly baked, perfect for satisfying last-minute cravings.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel instead of homemade?

Absolutely! While homemade caramel adds a personal touch and richer flavor, good quality store-bought caramel works well when you’re short on time. Just be sure it’s thick enough to dollop and swirl into the brownie batter.

Why add instant coffee granules to the batter?

The coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee. It deepens the richness and makes the chocolate notes more intense—a lovely secret ingredient for chocoholics!

How do I know when the brownies are perfectly baked?

Look for set edges with a slightly soft center; the caramel areas may create holes or crevices on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter.

Can I substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate in this recipe?

You can, but keep in mind that milk chocolate is sweeter and less intense than dark chocolate. The resulting brownies will be sweeter and less rich, so you might want to reduce the sugar slightly to keep the balance of flavors.

Is it necessary to chill the brownies before slicing?

Chilling helps the brownies firm up, especially with the caramel swirls, making slicing cleaner and preventing gooey messes. It also enhances the flavor contrast, making each bite delightfully decadent.

Final Thoughts

This Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe is a true treat that brings together the best of fudgy chocolate and luscious caramel with a sophisticated salty finish. It’s one of those desserts that feels special while still being accessible to make, and I promise you’ll want to whip up multiple batches once you taste it. Give this recipe a try—you’re not just making brownies, you’re making memories with every sweet, gooey bite.