Salted Caramel Brownies

Salted caramel brownies with milk

What do you get when you take your absolute favorite brownie recipe and add caramel and sea salt to it?

ingredients for salted caramel brownies
You get a masterpiece, I’m saying a brownie lovers dream. These brownies are not your typical cake-like brownies, they’re more fudge-like in consistency, but fudge-like in a good way, like mouthwatering lick your fingers and plate sort of way.  I absolutely love these brownies, hence the name, Robert’s absolute best brownies.  Zoe and I have been talking about making caramel and sea salt brownies for sometime, so I decided to surprise her one day after school. I didn’t research another brownie recipe because these are our family’s favorite recipe, so why re-invent the wheel, right? I’m so glad that I added the caramel and sea salt, because not only do we have one favorite brownie recipe, but we now have two. I must warn you that these brownies are not low in calories and they’re not for the faint of heart.  These brownies are decedent, rich, and oh so fudgey, but so worth the indulgence. You will be licking your fingers, plate and fork after eating not one, but possibly two of these brownies.

Salted caramel brownies

salted caramel brownies:

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped – I used two 4-ounce bars of Ghirardelli 60% bittersweet cacao   
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 large (or extra large eggs), at room temperature – FYI, I always use extra large eggs
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose-flour
  • 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips – I used my favorite 60% bittersweet chocolate chips from Ghirardelli 
  • 4 tablespoons caramel, you want a true caramel sauce here, not one that has a lot of milk or cream in it – I used Frans (see photo below), and for those of you that are local, you can get it at Paradise Foods
  • few pinches of Maldon or flaky sea salt crystals – I used Baleine coarse sea salt crystals

ingredients for salted caramel brownies
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line the inside of an 8-inch (I used my 8-inch glass baking dish) or 9-inch square baking pan with 2 lengths of foil or parchment paper, positioning the sheets perpendicular to each other and allowing the excess to extend beyond the edges of the pan.  Then lightly butter the foil or parchment paper.  I always butter the bottom piece so that the top piece sticks to it.  

Parchment paper in a pan
Chop up and measure out your chocolate. I love using these Ghirardelli bars because they’re each 4-ounces, (8-ounces total) so I don’t have to measure anything.

baking chocolate bars

These bars are also thin enough to break apart with my hand so I don’t have to actually chop them up with a knife. I break them apart in little pieces (I’m strong like bull) right over the heatproof bowl that I’m going to melt the butter and chocolate in (I do this before I set the bowl over the simmering water). It saves me a cutting board and knife to clean up. If you don’t have thin chocolate bars like these, then chop up your chocolate using a serrated knife. I always place some parchment paper on top of my cutting board when chopping up chocolate, as it helps make clean up easier and you can always just lift and pour those small pieces of chocolate into your pan.  

chopped baking chocolate
Placed the chopped chocolate and butter into a heatproof bowl.  Set the bowl over a pan of simmering water, (make sure that the bowl doesn’t touch the water) and melt the butter and chocolate together, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula, until melted and smooth.

chocolate and butter on stove

melted chocolate on stove
Immediately remove the chocolate from the heat and pour the chocolate mixture into a large bowl (unless the bowl you’re using to melt the chocolate in is large).  Make sure you use a spatula here so you can get all the chocolate goodness into the bowl. Add the 3/4 cup sugar and the 1 teaspoon vanilla to the melted chocolate, and using a whisk, mix until combined.

adding sugar and vanilla to chocolate mixture
Using a whisk, add in the eggs 1 at a time until combined.

adding egg to chocolate mixture
Add the 1/4 cup flour, and using a whisk, stir the batter energetically for 1 minute until the batter loses it graininess, becomes smooth and glossy, and pulls away a bit from the sides of the bowl.  The batter will also lighten up a bit in color.

adding flour to chocolate mixture
Note: This is a very important step!  Make sure that your stir vigorously for 1 full minute or a bit more.  I suggest timing yourself as I did.  By doing this step you will end up with a batter that’s rich, thick, satiny smooth, and glossy as can be and brownies that are rich and fudge-like.

I’m going to warn you that you are going to have one tired arm after stirring vigorously for a minute, believe me!  You can always switch arms halfway through the process.

timing the mixing
Using a spatula, gently fold in your chocolate chips.

chocolate chips in mixture
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan using a spatula to make it even on top.

Spreading batter into pan

smoothing mixture into pan
Bake until the center feels almost set and the edges are a bit firm, about 30-35 minutes.  Do not over bake.  In my oven, my brownies are done around 32-33 minutes. Note:  Ovens vary in temperature and baking times, so get to know your oven and know how long it takes to bake things.  If your oven tends to cook things faster, then check it before 30 minutes etc. 

baked brownies in pan
The first time I baked these, I honestly thought they were underdone, as they were soft and gooey in the center when I cut them, but that’s the way they are supposed to be. They are truly more of a fudge-like brownie than cake-like one.  They will also firm up as they sit and cool.

When the brownies are almost done cooking, measure out 4 tablespoons of caramel into a liquid measuring cup or small microwaveable safe bowl.  It’s easier to use a measuring cup with a pour spout, because you’re going to be pouring the caramel over the brownies.  Make sure you have some little helpers around to lick the spatula and the measuring spoon. My kids are my spoon and bowl lickers.

caramel in mixing cup
As soon as the brownies are out of the oven, place the caramel in the microwave and heat for about 20 seconds, or until it’s pourable. Give it a quick stir. Drizzle the caramel over the brownies in a zig zag up and down pattern until all of the caramel is gone.

pouring caramel over baking brownies
Sprinkle on some sea salt and let the brownies cool completely (for about an hour or so) in the pan before lifting the foil or parchment paper and the block of brownies out of the pan.  The brownies need to set, and if you cut into them too early then they will be gooey.

caramel on the top of the brownies
When the brownies have cooled, peel down the parchment paper and using a sharp knife, cut the brownies into squares, and store in an airtight container.  See how rich and gooey they are.

finished salted caramel brownies
What’s great about these brownies is that they stay moist for a few days and don’t dry up like other brownies.  The brownies will get firmer as they sit. Pair these with a cold glass of milk or a side of vanilla bean ice-cream.

Salted caramel brownies with milk
Note:  My ZipList is acting up and centering all of the directions.  Please know that when your print the instructions, they will be aligned to the left.

With love Jackie

Salted Caramel Brownies

Recipe by Jackie
0.0 from 0 votes

    Ingredients

    • 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

    • 8 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped – I used two 4-ounce bars of Ghirardelli 60% bittersweet cacao

    • ¾ cup sugar

    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

    • 2 large (or extra large eggs), at room temperature – FYI, I always use extra large eggs

    • ¼ cup all-purpose-flour

    • 1 cup bittersweet chocolate chips – I used my favorite 60% bittersweet chocolate chips from Ghirardelli

    • 4 tablespoons caramel, you want a true caramel sauce here, not one that has a lot of milk or cream in it - I used Frans (see photo below), and for those of you that are local, you can get it at Paradise Foods

    • few pinches of Maldon or flaky sea salt crystals - I used Baleine coarse sea salt crystals

    Directions

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

    • Line the inside of an 8-inch (I used my 8-inch glass baking dish) or 9-inch square baking pan with 2 lengths of foil or parchment paper, positioning the sheets perpendicular to each other and allowing the excess to extend beyond the edges of the pan. Then lightly butter the foil or parchment paper. I always butter the bottom piece so that the top piece sticks to it.

    • Chop up and measure out your chocolate. I love using these Ghirardelli bars because they're each 4-ounces, (8-ounces total) so I don't have to measure anything.

    • These bars are also thin enough to break apart with my hand so I don't have to actually chop them up with a knife. I break them apart in little pieces right over the heatproof bowl that I'm going to melt the butter and chocolate in (I do this before I set the bowl over the simmering water). It saves me a cutting board and knife to clean up. If you don't have thin chocolate bars like these, then chop up your chocolate using a serrated knife. I always place some parchment paper on top of my cutting board when chopping up chocolate, as it helps make clean up easier and you can always just lift and pour those small pieces of chocolate into your pan.

    • Place the chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a pan of simmering water, (make sure that the bowl doesn't touch the water) and melt the butter and chocolate together, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula, until melted and smooth.

    • Immediately remove the chocolate from the heat and pour the chocolate mixture into a large bowl (unless the bowl you're using to melt the chocolate in is large). Make sure you use a spatula here so you can get all the chocolate goodness into the bowl.

    • Add the ¾ cup sugar and the 1 teaspoon vanilla to the melted chocolate, and using a whisk, mix until combined.

    • Beat in the eggs by hand, 1 at a time until combined.

    • Add the ¼ cup flour, and using a whisk, stir the batter energetically for 1 minute until the batter loses it graininess, becomes smooth and glossy, and pulls away a bit from the sides of the bowl. The batter will also lighten up a bit in color.

    • Note: This is a very important step! Make sure that your stir vigorously for 1 full minute or a bit more. I suggest timing yourself. By doing this step you will end up with a batter that’s rich, thick, satiny smooth, and glossy as can be and brownies that are rich and fudge-like.

    • Using a spatula, gently fold in your chocolate chips.

    • Scrape the batter into the prepared pan using a spatula to make it even on top.

    • Bake until the center feels almost set and the edges are a bit firm, about 30-35 minutes. Do not over bake. In m oven, my brownies are done around 32-33 minutes. Note: Ovens vary in temperature and baking times, so get to know your oven and know how long it takes to bake things. If your oven tends to cook things faster, then check it before 30 minutes etc.

    • The first time I baked these, I honestly thought they were underdone, as they were soft and gooey in the center when I cut them, but that's the way they are supposed to be. They are truly more of a fudge-like brownie than cake-like one. They will also firm up as they sit.

    • When the brownies are almost done cooking, measure out 4 tablespoons of caramel into a liquid measuring cup or small microwaveable safe bowl. It's easier to use a measuring cup with a pour spout, because you're going to be pouring the caramel over the brownies.

    • As soon as the brownies are out of the oven, place the caramel in the microwave and heat for about 20 seconds, or until it's pourable. Give it a quick stir. Drizzle the caramel over the brownies in a zig zag up and down pattern until all of the caramel is gone.

    • Sprinkle on some sea salt and let the brownies cool completely (for about an hour or so) in the pan before lifting the foil or parchment paper and the block of brownies out of the pan. The brownies need to set, and if you cut into them too early then they will be gooey.

    • When the brownies have cooled, peel down the parchment paper and using a sharp knife, cut the brownies into squares, and store in an airtight container.

    • What's great about these brownies is that they stay moist for a few days and don't dry up like other brownies. The brownies will get firmer as they sit. Pair these with a cold glass of milk or a side of vanilla bean ice-cream.

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      23 thoughts on “Salted Caramel Brownies”

      1. I’ve been waiting all my life for these! 🙂 They look so amazing. Love your photography!
        Hope you have a good day – still have this darn cold but I’m trying not to let it slow me down too much. Working today a bit and then running errands. Talk to you soon! xoxo, Sharon

      2. They look incredible, as do the brownies in your other post, but this post is an enhanced version 🙂 That layer of caramel poured over them is just the best. I love caramel and love that you used it! It’s funny we both posted caramel brownies this week! If I hadnt made the brownie base I chose, yours was next! In writing the post and the recipe, I was cross referencing it against the Robert’s recipe of yours. In the end went with cocoa rather than melted choc/butter after years of debating about just doing it. lol Great, drool-worthy images on these, too! 🙂

        1. Yes, Averie this is definitely an enhanced version. I had to make these three times to get the shot I liked. I think the bright white background really helped. Someday I will get you to make the Robert’s brownies, just kidding, you have enough brownie and cookie recipes to choose from. I can’t wait to make up those peanut butter and chocolate cookies today. 🙂

      3. this is exactly EXACTLY the kind of something sweet I need right now! Like as in right this very moment I am headed to the kitchen to bake these for my kids and husband! heck- who am i kidding- if they touch these brownies i will hurt them:)))))))) Love that you added in sea salt. I truly think salt brings out the flavor of chocolate! YUMMMMMM!

        1. You’re hilarious Jessica! These are strangely addicting. I find myself sneaking bites of these throughout the day. My kids come home and wonder why there are less brownies under the cake dome than when they left in the morning. Hmmmmm…. I just stay silent and shrug my shoulders 🙂

      4. I may or may not have just drooled while reading this recipe. I need to get my hands on some caramel sauce so I can make these. We have friends moving back on Saturday and these would be the perfect welcome home treat!

        1. Yes, Michelle, make them and your friends will be happy they moved back to a great friend like you 🙂 I have given these to many friends to sample and everyone has loved them, especially now that I added the carmel and salt. 🙂

      5. i love fudgy brownies. love…if they were cakey then i feel like i should just eat a cake…and boy do i wish i were local to get a container of that Fran’s caramel..I will have to check out a few of our stores to see what I come up with. I bet your daughter was so pleasantly surprised to come home from school and have these as a treat…can’t wait to make these for my kiddos!!!

        1. Hi Angela. I feel the same way when it comes to brownies. I like them fudgey and full of rich chocolate flavor. I’m sure if you can find another caramel thats just as good as Frans. That just happened to be the caramel that my neighborhood grocery store carried. I’m sure there are other ones that are just as tasty. Yes, Zoe was totally happy as well as Eli. I wish I took a picture! xoxo, Jackie

      6. OMG! These were the best brownies ever! I made up a batch today and I have to tell you that they’re almost gone. They’re so rich and fudgey! This is my new go-to brownie! Sarah

      7. Awesome Sarah! I’m so glad you loved these and that you found a new go-to brownie recipe. This is by far my favorite brownie recipe ever! Thanks for letting me know how they turned out for you! xoxo, Jackie

      8. I saw this recipe on foodgwaker and had to make it. These brownies are the BOMB! I made them yesterday for my family and they’re now gone! I’m going to make up another batch this weekend. Thanks for a great recipe. 🙂

        1. Awesome! I love hearing comments like yours! I’m so glad you liked them and that you’re making them again! Whoo hooo! xoxo, Jackie

      9. Well I was going to make brownie bites but then someone mentioned salted caramel brownies and I found your recipe and brownie bites aren’t going to cut it anymore. I will be stopping by the shop tonight and I will definitely be making these brownies this weekend.

        1. Hi Sandy! I think you will like these brownies so much better than brownie bites as they are super rich and fudgey. I hope you enjoy 😉 xoxo, Jackie

          1. I made them last night! They were definitely rich and delicious. Though I think because our house is so hot they won’t firm up properly so they are extra gooey but no ones complaining ^_^. Thank-you for the recipe, this was my first time making brownies with actual chocolate instead of just cocoa powder (definitely a big improvement).

            1. Hi Sandy! These brownies are very fudge-like in texture, but still firm enough to cut into squares and eat with your hands. Maybe next time you may want to cook them a bit longer if they are too gooey. It always takes me a couple of time to gage the cooking time on a particular recipe in my ovens. Sometimes just 1-2 minutes more makes all the difference and also the time of year as well. I’m glad your first batch of brownies were a tasty hit! Thanks for letting me know how they turned out for you. Also, how tired was your arm after whisking the brownies for 1 minute straight? That always tires my arm out 🙂 xoxo, Jackie

              1. Hi Jackie,

                Thanks for the tip :). I’ll try leaving the brownies in longer next time. My arm definitely got a work out with the whisking but I suppose that just means I can have an extra slice ;). Oh and they are definitely fudge like, I took a small square with me to work and placed it in the fridge and when I bit into it afterwards, it was just like a piece of fudge.

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