Meet your new favorite indulgence: Salted Caramel Brownies. These rich, decadent treats combine the deep flavor of bittersweet chocolate with the lusciousness of caramel, finished with a sprinkle of sea salt that elevates each bite. Perfect for a cozy night in or impressing guests at a dinner party!
Butter provides the rich, creamy base for our brownies, ensuring they stay moist and tender. Bittersweet chocolate delivers a deep cocoa flavor, while the combination of granulated sugar and brown sugar adds sweetness and a hint of molasses that complements the chocolate. Eggs act as a binding agent, giving structure to the brownie, and vanilla extract enhances all the flavors. All-purpose flour provides the necessary structure, and a pinch of salt balances the sweetness. The caramel sauce swirled on top adds a luscious layer of flavor, while sea salt flakes sprinkled on top offer a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
These brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a more decadent experience, drizzle a bit of warm caramel or chocolate sauce over the top. They also complement a glass of red wine or a mug of hot chocolate perfectly, making for a delightful end to any meal.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over for easy removal later. Now, grab a saucepan and melt the butter and chocolate over low heat, stirring all the while until smooth. Remove it from the heat and give it a moment to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until it's all nicely blended. Slowly add the slightly cooled chocolate mixture to the sugar and eggs, stirring constantly to keep the eggs from scrambling.
Sift in the flour and salt, and gently fold it into the mix until just combined. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top and use a knife to create gentle swirls, mixing the caramel into the batter for a marbled effect.
Pop it into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You'll know it's done when the edges are set, but the center retains a slight gooeyness. Once out of the oven, sprinkle with sea salt flakes for that final touch. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.