These Caramel Brownies are a decadent treat that combines fudgy chocolate brownies with buttery, whipped caramel and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. The result is a rich, indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion or a sweet treat after dinner. The layers of chocolate and caramel create a perfect balance of sweetness and richness, and the sea salt adds a delightful contrast.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Whipped Caramel:

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt

For the Brownie Batter:

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, chopped

• 1/2 teaspoon fine salt

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons water

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

For Topping:

• Flaky sea salt

Directions

Make the Caramel:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium to medium-high heat, adding 1/4 cup at a time. Stir occasionally until the sugar melts and turns amber in color.

2. Once the sugar is melted, slowly mix in the butter and then the heavy cream. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Let it cool to room temperature, then whip with a hand mixer for 1-2 minutes until light and thickened.

Make the Brownie Batter:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line an 8×8-inch square metal pan with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, chocolate chips, and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, oil, melted butter, water, and vanilla extract. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until combined. The batter will be thick.

4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it into an even layer. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.

5. Let the brownies cool completely on a wire rack. You can speed this up by placing them in the freezer for 30 minutes.

Assemble the Brownies:

1. Once the brownies have cooled, scoop the whipped caramel onto the brownies and spread it into an even layer.

2. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, then use a warm, sharp knife to cut the brownies into slices. Clean the knife between cuts for neat slices.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 307 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 45 g

• Protein: 3 g

• Fat: 13 g

  • Saturated Fat: 7 g

• Cholesterol: 51 mg

• Sodium: 160 mg

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 37 g

These caramel brownies are a true indulgence, combining rich chocolate and creamy caramel, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!

Whipped Caramel: The Creamy, Buttery Magic

The whipped caramel is what truly makes these brownies stand out. It’s rich and smooth, created by first melting granulated sugar until it turns a deep amber color. This melting sugar is then combined with unsalted butter and heavy cream, turning into a silky caramel sauce. Vanilla extract and salt are added for depth and balance. The whipped caramel is then beaten with a hand mixer until it becomes light and thickened—this whipped texture is key to achieving the perfect consistency for layering over the brownies.

The key to this caramel’s success is slow and careful cooking. Heating the sugar slowly allows it to melt evenly and develop a rich, deep flavor. Once combined with butter and cream, the sauce becomes smooth and silky, which makes it ideal for spreading over the baked brownies. The cooling process and subsequent whipping of the caramel give it a lightness that contrasts perfectly with the dense, fudgy brownie base.

The Fudgy Brownie Base

The brownie batter is equally important in creating this indulgent dessert. Made with a combination of granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and dark chocolate chips, this base is rich and dense—just the way brownies should be. The cocoa powder provides a deep chocolate flavor, while the melted butter and oil create a moist texture that makes each bite melt in your mouth.

The batter is thick, which is ideal for holding the whipped caramel topping once the brownies have baked. It forms a sturdy yet tender base for the caramel to rest on. After baking for 40-45 minutes at 325°F (163°C), the brownies are ready to be topped with the caramel, creating a layered dessert that’s rich and satisfying. The baking time ensures that the brownies are fully cooked but still have a slightly gooey texture inside, especially around the edges where the caramel will be placed.

Baking Tips for the Perfect Caramel Brownies

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and cream are at room temperature for both the caramel and brownie batter. This helps the ingredients combine more smoothly and creates a better texture.

2. Watch the Caramel Closely: When melting the sugar, pay close attention. The sugar can burn quickly once it begins to melt, so be sure to stir it occasionally and melt it slowly. Once it reaches a deep amber color, remove it from the heat immediately to prevent burning.

3. Don’t Overmix the Brownie Batter: While it’s important to thoroughly combine the wet and dry ingredients, overmixing the brownie batter can lead to a dense, tough texture. Stir the mixture just until the ingredients are combined.

4. Let the Brownies Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool completely before adding the whipped caramel on top. This ensures that the caramel doesn’t melt into the brownies too much, keeping the layers intact and visually stunning.

5. Use Parchment Paper for Easy Removal: Line the baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal. This helps you lift the brownies out of the pan easily and makes for cleaner slicing.

Assembling the Caramel Brownies

Once the brownies have cooled, it’s time to assemble. Scoop the whipped caramel onto the brownies and spread it into an even layer. The caramel will have a slightly fluffy texture, which adds a nice contrast to the dense brownies. After the caramel is spread, sprinkle a light dusting of flaky sea salt on top. The sea salt enhances the sweet, rich flavors of the caramel and balances the chocolatey richness of the brownies.

When slicing the brownies, use a warm, sharp knife. This will make it easier to cut through the layers without dragging the caramel or causing the brownies to crumble. Clean the knife between cuts for perfectly neat slices.

Serving Suggestions

These Caramel Brownies are perfect on their own, but you can take them up a notch by pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce. For a more decadent touch, serve them with a cup of rich coffee or a dessert wine like a port or a sweet Riesling. The combination of sweet, salty, and rich flavors pairs beautifully with a warm beverage or dessert drink.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these Caramel Brownies (approximately 3 pieces) contains 307 calories. With 17 grams of fat, including 6 grams of saturated fat, these brownies are certainly an indulgent treat. They also provide 3 grams of protein and 1 gram of fiber, contributing to the overall texture and richness. The 37 grams of sugar come from the combination of granulated sugar in the brownie batter, the whipped caramel, and the honey drizzle.

The brownies also offer 230 mg of sodium and 20 mg of cholesterol per serving. While this is a treat to enjoy in moderation, the rich combination of ingredients ensures that these brownies are satisfying and fulfilling.

Conclusion

These Caramel Brownies are a perfect dessert for any occasion. With their fudgy chocolate base, whipped caramel topping, and a sprinkle of sea salt, they offer an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. The rich, buttery caramel and deep chocolate make for a luxurious treat that is sure to please anyone with a sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner, celebrating a holiday, or simply craving a sweet indulgence, these brownies will not disappoint. Easy to make and guaranteed to impress, this decadent dessert is the perfect way to satisfy your cravings for something rich and delightful.