If you’re craving the ultimate indulgence, Salted Caramel Brownies are your ticket to dessert heaven. Imagine irresistibly fudgy brownies swirling with generous ribbons of salted caramel, topped off with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that perfect sweet-meets-savory bite. These classic crowd-pleasers are as impressive to serve as they are easy to make—ideal for bake sales, dinner parties, or simply spoiling yourself with a truly decadent treat.

Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather just a handful of classic pantry staples and a high-quality caramel, and you’re halfway to baking nirvana! Each ingredient plays its part to create Salted Caramel Brownies with deep chocolate flavor, moist texture, and gorgeous, glossy swirls.

Unsalted butter: Melts down to bring a rich flavor and ultra moist texture to every brownie bite.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps achieve that signature crackly top.
Large eggs: Bind everything together and make the brownies wonderfully fudgy.
Vanilla extract: A splash enhances both the chocolate and caramel flavors for a bakery-quality finish.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the brownies their deep, intense chocolate flavor.
All-purpose flour: Just the right amount for structure while keeping them dense and chewy.
Salt: A pinch in the batter balances the sweetness and brings out the richness of the chocolate.
Semi-sweet chocolate chips: Folded in for melty chocolate pockets throughout.
Thick salted caramel sauce: The star of the show, creating gooey swirls and that crave-worthy sweet-salty kick.
Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top for a crunchy, eye-catching finish and a pop of flavor.

How to Make Salted Caramel Brownies

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Set the stage for easy brownie release by lining a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang for simple lifting later. This little step helps keep all that caramel from sticking and makes slicing a breeze. Preheat the oven to 350°F so it’s perfectly ready when your batter is done.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Mix the Sugar

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s smooth and fully liquefied. Remove the pan from heat, then whisk in the granulated sugar while the butter is still warm. This combo creates a shiny brownie top and helps the sugar dissolve just right.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Whisk in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Drop in the vanilla extract and give everything a good mix. This step sets up that luscious, dense texture unique to Salted Caramel Brownies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gently stir in the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Don’t overwork the batter—mix until just combined so the brownies stay tender and fudgy. This is also the moment when your kitchen will start smelling irresistible!

Step 5: Add the Chocolate Chips

Fold in those semi-sweet chocolate chips for melty bites throughout the brownies. They’ll melt just enough during baking to create pockets of gooey chocolate goodness.

Step 6: Layer and Swirl the Caramel

Spoon half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it into an even layer. Dollop the salted caramel sauce across the top and use a knife to gently swirl it into the batter—don’t overmix so you get those beautiful caramel ribbons. Top with the remaining brownie batter and smooth it out gently.

Step 7: Bake and Finish

Slide your pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, just until the center is set and a toothpick emerges with a few moist crumbs. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting them out using the parchment overhang. Drizzle with extra caramel and shower with flaky sea salt—these Salted Caramel Brownies are now ready to slice and enjoy.

How to Serve Salted Caramel Brownies

Garnishes

Dress your Salted Caramel Brownies to impress! A final drizzle of caramel sauce makes them glossy and decadent, while a sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds crunch and a sparkle that hints at the flavor inside. For extra elegance, a dusting of cocoa powder or a few chocolate curls can make these brownies party-ready.

Side Dishes

Turn your brownie moment into a full dessert experience by serving these treats with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a tart contrast, while a dollop of whipped cream looks and tastes amazing when paired with the gooey brownie texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping finish, cut the Salted Caramel Brownies into fun shapes using cookie cutters, stack them in a tier for a buffet display, or skewer cubes onto sticks for a brownie pop. Wrap squares in parchment and tie with twine for thoughtful homemade gifts—or create a decadent sundae bar where brownies are the main attraction.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Salted Caramel Brownies stay moist and fudgy for days! Store tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. Just be sure to keep them well wrapped to prevent the caramel from drying out.

Freezing

These brownies freeze beautifully. Slice and layer them between parchment in an airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months—perfect for those emergency chocolate cravings! Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you adore that fresh-baked warmth, zap a brownie square in the microwave for about 15 seconds. The caramel will get gooey and the chocolate will melt just enough for the ultimate treat. They’re just as delightful chilled for a firmer, ultra-rich bite!

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Absolutely! Choose a thick, high-quality salted caramel sauce for the best swirls and flavor. If you’re short on time, store-bought works beautifully—just avoid runny sauces, which can seep into the brownies instead of creating lovely ribbons.

What’s the secret to perfectly fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies?

The trick is to underbake ever so slightly, then let the brownies cool completely—or even chill them before slicing. This keeps them dense, moist, and gooey with every bite. Don’t overmix the batter to avoid cake-like brownies.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Certainly! Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts pair deliciously with the caramel and chocolate, adding crunch and depth. You can even experiment with peanut butter chips or a swirl of espresso for an extra twist.

How do I prevent the caramel from sinking to the bottom?

Swirl the caramel into just the middle layer, using a thick sauce, and don’t mix too aggressively. Keeping the caramel on top of a first layer of batter before covering it with more batter helps keep it suspended throughout the brownies.

Can I make Salted Caramel Brownies gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. The texture will remain rich and fudgy—no one will even notice the difference.

Final Thoughts

If you love that magical blend of salty and sweet, you simply have to try these Salted Caramel Brownies. Whether you’re a baking pro or just starting out, this recipe promises decadent results that’ll make any chocolate lover swoon. Go ahead, treat yourself—these brownies are totally worth it!