Salted Caramel Swirl Brownies: A Decadent Treat

Salted Caramel Swirl Brownies are the ultimate indulgence—rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with luscious caramel swirls and a touch of sea salt to balance the sweetness. The gooey caramel melts into the dense chocolate base, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s both sweet and salty. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just satisfying your sweet tooth, these brownies are sure to impress with their irresistible combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ¾ cup cocoa powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Swirl:

• 1 cup caramel sauce

• Sea salt flakes for sprinkling on top

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies.

Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter

Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or on the stovetop until fully melted. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth and well combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the top of the brownie batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the caramel into the batter to create a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the top of the brownie batter for a touch of salty contrast. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The top should be set and slightly crackled.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. This helps ensure clean, even cuts.

Optional: Serve with Ice Cream

For an extra indulgent treat, serve these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 servings

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 45 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Nutty Brownies: Add chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the batter for extra crunch.

• Chocolate Lovers’ Version: Add a handful of chocolate chips or chunks to the batter for an extra chocolatey boost.

• Vegan Version: Swap the butter for dairy-free butter and use flax eggs or chia eggs in place of the regular eggs for a vegan alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

• Reheating: To enjoy the brownies warm, microwave for 15-20 seconds or place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade caramel sauce?

Yes, homemade caramel sauce will work wonderfully in this recipe! Just ensure it’s smooth and not too thick.

2. Can I substitute the cocoa powder with chocolate chips?

While cocoa powder provides a rich, deep chocolate flavor, you could try replacing it with melted chocolate chips. Keep in mind the texture might change slightly.

3. Can I make the caramel swirl ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the caramel sauce in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and warm it slightly before swirling into the brownies.

4. How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The top should look slightly cracked and set.

5. Can I freeze these brownies?

Yes, you can freeze the brownies after they’ve cooled completely. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

6. Can I add more sea salt?

Absolutely! If you love the sweet and salty contrast, feel free to add extra sea salt on top before baking or after the brownies come out of the oven.

7. Can I use a different type of salt?

Sea salt is recommended for its texture and flavor, but you can use kosher salt as an alternative. Just be sure to adjust the quantity, as kosher salt tends to be less dense than sea salt.

8. Can I use a different type of sugar?

You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor. This may alter the texture slightly, but it will add a nice richness.

9. Can I skip the caramel swirl?

You can make regular brownies without the caramel swirl, but the caramel adds an extra decadent layer of flavor that makes these brownies special.

10. How do I store the caramel sauce for leftovers?

If you have leftover caramel sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Warm it up slightly before using again.

Conclusion

Salted Caramel Swirl Brownies are a heavenly dessert that combines fudgy chocolate brownies with sweet, gooey caramel and a hint of sea salt. This decadent treat is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations. With the perfect balance of flavors and textures, these brownies will become a favorite in your dessert repertoire!

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