Tempting Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

Irresistibly Gooey Salted Caramel Brownies You’ll Crave Daily

Salted caramel brownies are a real treat for anyone who loves chocolate and sweet-salty flavors.

These rich desserts mix fudgy chocolate with a smooth caramel layer topped with just a hint of sea salt.

The blend of deep chocolate and buttery, slightly salty caramel creates an amazing taste that excites the senses.

Fans of chocolate and dessert lovers enjoy the way these flavors balance sweet and salty just right.

Both casual bakers and expert pastry makers have welcomed this new take on classic brownies.

The special charm of salted caramel brownies is how they turn a simple dessert into a fancy experience that pleases many taste buds at once.

Good Pairings For Salted Caramel Brownies

  • Indulge in Creamy Companions: Pair these decadent salted caramel brownies with complementary flavors that elevate your dessert experience.
  • Scoop Up Creamy Contrast: Vanilla bean ice cream provides a cool, silky counterpoint to the rich, warm brownie, balancing the intense chocolate and caramel notes with its smooth texture.
  • Sip Robust Harmony: Dark roast coffee or espresso cuts through the sweetness, its bitter undertones creating a sophisticated flavor dance that highlights the brownie's deep chocolate essence.
  • Complement with Nutty Elegance: Toasted almond milk or a nutty liqueur like Frangelico adds a subtle, sophisticated layer that enhances the caramel's buttery warmth and the brownie's complex profile.

Salted Caramel Brownies Mix-Ins To Try

  • Gluten-Free Caramel Brownies: Swap wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains rich chocolate flavor.
  • Vegan Salted Caramel Brownies: Replace butter with coconut oil, use plant-based chocolate, and substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce for a dairy-free alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Caramel Brownies: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of traditional sugars, reducing overall calorie content while preserving decadent taste.
  • Nutty Caramel Brownie Variation: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added crunch and nutty depth, enhancing the caramel's complexity.

Salted Caramel Brownies Q&A

  • Can I use dark chocolate instead of chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use chopped dark chocolate with similar cocoa percentage. Ensure it melts smoothly and has good quality for best brownie results.

  • How do I know if I'm overmixing the batter?

Stop mixing when dry ingredients are just incorporated and no flour streaks remain. Overmixing can make brownies tough and dense instead of fudgy.

  • Why add sea salt to caramel brownies?

Flaky sea salt enhances caramel’s sweetness, creates flavor complexity, and provides a delightful contrast between sweet and salty elements in the dessert.

  • Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Choose a blend with xanthan gum for better texture and structure.

Why Salted Caramel Brownies Taste Rich And Sweet

  • Quick and Easy Baking: Whip up these decadent brownies in under an hour with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Create a showstopping treat that will impress family and friends with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Versatile Sweet Indulgence: Enjoy as a luxurious after-dinner dessert, potluck contribution, or weekend baking project that satisfies intense chocolate lovers.

What You’ll Need For Salted Caramel Brownies

Chocolate Base:
  • Chocolate Chips: Rich, dark chocolate for deep flavor and fudgy texture, choose high-quality for best results.
  • Unsalted Butter: Creates creamy, smooth base and helps bind ingredients, use fresh, high-fat butter.
Sweeteners:
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and moisture, balance chocolate's intensity and add caramel undertones.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Structural foundation for brownies, ensures proper texture and stability.
  • Cocoa Powder: Enhances chocolate flavor, adds depth and rich color.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights chocolate flavor, use fine table salt.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Large Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind ingredients together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds complex flavor and enhances chocolate's depth.
Caramel and Finishing:
  • Caramel Sauce: Creates swirls and adds luxurious sweetness, store-bought or homemade works well.
  • Flaky Sea Salt: Adds beautiful contrast and elevates caramel and chocolate flavors.

Steps To Make Salted Caramel Brownies

Steps To Make Salted Caramel Brownies

Step 1: Melt Chocolate And Butter

Place chocolate chips and butter in a double boiler or heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir gently until completely melted and smooth. Whisk in brown and white sugars until fully incorporated. Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Brownie Base

Warm oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line with parchment paper.

Add to chocolate mixture:
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk ingredients until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Sift dry ingredients over chocolate mixture:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Salt

Fold gently until ingredients are just incorporated.

Step 3: Create Caramel Layers

Transfer half the brownie batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly.

Drizzle caramel sauce across the batter, keeping away from pan edges.

Carefully pour remaining batter over caramel layer.

Create decorative caramel swirls on top.

Sprinkle flaky sea salt across the surface.

Step 4: Bake And Cool

Slide pan into preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, rotating midway through cooking.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should have a few moist crumbs.

Allow brownies to cool completely in pan before cutting.

Step 5: Serve With Delicious Accompaniments

Cut into squares. Serve alongside vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or extra caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.

Tips To Nail Salted Caramel Brownies

  • Prevent Caramel Bleeding: Chill the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling to help it maintain distinct layers and prevent excessive mixing with the brownie batter.
  • Master the Melt: Use low, steady heat when melting chocolate and butter to avoid burning, ensuring a smooth, glossy mixture that forms the perfect brownie base.
  • Salt Selection Matters: Choose high-quality flaky sea salt like Maldon for the best flavor contrast and beautiful texture on top of the brownies.
  • Avoid Overbaking Pitfall: Check brownies a few minutes early and remove when a few moist crumbs cling to the toothpick for that perfect fudgy consistency.
  • Storage Secret: Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a week to maintain their rich, decadent texture.

How To Store Salted Caramel Brownies With Ease

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and preventing moisture loss.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 3 months to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
  • Reheat Oven Method: Warm brownies at 325°F for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they regain their soft, gooey center without becoming dry or crispy.
  • Microwave Option: Heat individual pieces for 10-15 seconds on medium power, checking to avoid overheating and preserving the rich caramel and chocolate notes.
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Tempting Pumpkin French Toast Recipe

Tempting Pumpkin French Toast Recipe


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4.9 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 16 1x

Description

Indulgent salted caramel brownies offer a delightful dance of rich chocolate and silky caramel, creating an irresistible dessert sensation. Sweet and salty layers meld perfectly, promising a memorable treat you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate and Butter:

  • 1 (11.5 ounces / 326 grams) bag 60% Ghirardelli bittersweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature

Sugars and Eggs:

  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 5 large eggs, room temperature

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

  • 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup salted caramel sauce, divided
  • Flaky sea salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Craft a smooth, velvety chocolate base by gently melting chocolate chips and butter using a double boiler, ensuring no water touches the chocolate. Whisk sugars into the molten mixture until fully incorporated and allow to cool naturally to room temperature.
  2. Prepare baking vessel by thoroughly greasing a 9×13-inch pan and lining with parchment for effortless removal. Blend eggs and vanilla into cooled chocolate mixture with minimal stirring to maintain dense texture.
  3. Delicately sift dry ingredients over chocolate base, folding gently until flour disappears completely. Avoid aggressive mixing which could compromise brownie’s signature fudgy consistency.
  4. Construct decadent layers by spreading half the batter evenly, creating a uniform foundation. Artfully drizzle caramel sauce across surface, leaving small margins around edges to prevent burning.
  5. Carefully distribute remaining batter over caramel layer, using a spatula to create smooth, even coverage. Embellish with additional caramel swirls and a light dusting of flaky sea salt for enhanced flavor complexity.
  6. Position pan in preheated oven, rotating midway through baking cycle to ensure consistent heat distribution. Check doneness by inserting toothpick – minimal moist crumbs indicate perfect consistency.
  7. Allow brownies to cool completely, permitting structural stability and intensifying flavor profiles. Cut into precise squares, revealing beautiful caramel marbling within rich chocolate landscape.
  8. Serve accompanied by complementary elements like vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, elevating this indulgent dessert experience.

Notes

  • Achieve the perfect gooey texture by slightly underbaking the brownies, ensuring they remain moist and fudgy in the center.
  • Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or a blend to customize the richness and depth of flavor.
  • Use high-quality sea salt for a sophisticated touch that enhances the caramel’s sweetness and creates a delightful flavor contrast.
  • Gluten-free option: Substitute all
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 16
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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