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There’s something undeniably satisfying about biting into a fudgy brownie, especially when it’s laced with rich salted caramel. One afternoon, as I rummaged through my pantry, the allure of creating something decadent sparked a culinary adventure. That’s when I decided to merge two of my favorites: the deep, dark chocolate of brownies with the buttery sweetness of homemade caramel.

Picture this: fresh brownies, warm from the oven, sprinkled with a touch of flaky sea salt, ready to be devoured. Not only do these Fudgy Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownies come together with ease, but they’re also a guaranteed hit for gatherings or a cozy night in. The best part? This recipe is special enough to impress your guests while being simple enough to fit seamlessly into your weekend routine. Dive in with me as we craft these irresistible treats, perfect for the chocolate lover in all of us!

Why are Fudgy Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownies irresistible?

Indulgence, these brownies are truly a chocolate lover’s dream with their decadent fudgy texture. Salted caramel adds a sweet and salty surprise that elevates the classic brownie experience. Easy to make, you can whip up these treats in under an hour, impressing family and friends without the stress. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy night or a vibrant gathering, they’re sure to disappear quickly. Versatile options allow you to mix and match toppings or serve with ice cream, ensuring every bite is a delightful adventure!

Fudgy Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownie Ingredients

For the Caramel
• Granulated sugar – for creating that rich, buttery caramel flavor.
• Unsalted butter – adds creaminess to the caramel blend.
• Kosher salt – enhances the sweet notes of the caramel.
• Heavy cream – helps achieve a smooth and luscious consistency.

For the Brownie Batter
• Unsweetened chocolate – the deep chocolatey base that makes these fudgy brownies sing.
• Granulated sugar – balances the bitterness of the chocolate for sweetness.
• Large eggs – provides structure and moisture to your brownies.
• Vanilla extract – infuses a warm, comforting flavor throughout.
• Kosher salt – just a pinch enhances all the rich flavors beautifully.
• All-purpose flour – forms the base of our fudgy brownies for that delightful texture.
• Flaky sea salt – to sprinkle on top for that irresistible sweet and salty finish, making these Fudgy Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownies truly special!

For Topping
• Caramel bits – added for more gooey caramel goodness bursting in every bite!

How to Make Fudgy Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownies

Prepare the Pan: Line a small pan or plate with parchment paper and butter it or spray with cooking spray. This will help the caramel release easily. Set it aside for later.
Melt Sugar: In a medium, dry saucepan, melt the granulated sugar over medium heat. Avoid stirring at first—let it sit and watch it turn to a beautiful amber color in about 5 minutes.
Stir Until Smooth: Once the sugar is mostly melted, give it a gentle stir to break up any large clumps until it is fully melted and has reached a copper hue.
Add Butter and Cream: Lower the heat and stir in the butter, followed by the heavy cream. Stir continuously until everything is fully incorporated, creating a velvety caramel.
Cook the Caramel: Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the caramel reaches 240°F, or use the water test if you prefer. You’re looking for that perfect gooey consistency!
Chill the Caramel: Remove the caramel from heat and pour it onto the parchment-lined pan. Pop it in the freezer for about 30 minutes until solid.
Preheat the Oven: While the caramel sets, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and grease it well with butter or cooking spray.
Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, add 1-2 inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Set a heatproof bowl over the pan and add the 8 tablespoons of butter, allowing it to melt slowly.
Melt Chocolate: Stir in the roughly chopped unsweetened chocolate. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes, then stir until it’s perfectly smooth and glossy.
Mix in Sugar: Remove the bowl from heat and whisk in 1 cup of granulated sugar until fully combined, creating a sweet, chocolatey mixture.
Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add Flavors: Stir in the vanilla extract and the ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, infusing all those lovely flavors into your batter.
Combine with Flour: Gently add the ⅔ cup of all-purpose flour and mix until everything is fully incorporated, creating that rich batter.
Chop Caramel: Remove the chilled caramel from the freezer and chop it into 1-inch pieces.
Fold in Caramel: Gently fold ⅔ of the caramel bits into the brownie batter, ensuring the pieces are evenly distributed.
Pour Batter: Pour the delectable brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Add More Caramel: Sprinkle the remaining caramel pieces on top of the batter, followed by a generous pinch of flaky sea salt to boost the taste experience.
Bake Brownies: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check to see if a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean for that fudgy texture.
Cool Down: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before cutting. You can also chill them in the refrigerator for easier cutting!

Optional: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Fudgy Salted Caramel Brownies

Perfect Caramel: Monitor the caramel temperature closely with a thermometer to prevent burning; you want it to reach precisely 240°F for ideal consistency.
Brownie Texture: Avoid overmixing the brownie batter after adding flour, as this can lead to tough brownies; mix just until incorporated for that fudgy texture.
Chill for Clean Cuts: For perfectly sliced brownies, chill them in the refrigerator after cooling; this will make cutting cleaner and simpler.
Storage Secrets: Keep any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days; if longer, store them in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Taste Variation: Experiment with toppings like crushed nuts or chocolate chips for a unique twist on these Fudgy Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownies!

What to Serve with Fudgy Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownies?

Treat yourself to a delightful dessert experience that pairs perfectly with these rich, fudgy brownies.

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream beautifully balances the rich chocolate and salty caramel, creating a heavenly contrast. Scoop up a bite and enjoy the delightful melting of flavors.
Fresh Berries: Bright, tangy berries such as raspberries or strawberries add a refreshing bite that cuts through the richness of the brownies, enhancing each mouthful.
Espresso: A bold shot of espresso elevates the experience—its deep flavors complement the chocolate and caramel while providing a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling warm chocolate ganache over the brownies enhances the indulgence and adds a glossy finish that invites you to take a bite.
Mint Cream: Whip up a light mint cream and dollop it on the side, providing a fresh and invigorating contrast to the fudgy richness, making each bite feel new.
Caramel Sauce: For true caramel lovers, drizzling extra homemade caramel sauce over the top adds an extra dose of sweetness and decadence, making these brownies even more irresistible.

Explore these pairings to create a heartwarming dessert spread that will leave everyone longing for just one more bite!

Fudgy Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownie Variations

Customize your brownies to match your cravings and dietary needs with these enticing ideas!

Nutty Flourish: Add ½ cup of toasted walnuts or pecans to the batter for a lovely crunch. The nuts’ rich flavor complements the chocolate beautifully.
Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil and heavy cream with coconut cream for a vegan-friendly brownie. They’ll still be luscious and fudgy!
Spicy Kick: Mix in ¼ teaspoon of cayenne or chili powder for a spicy twist that plays off the sweetness of the caramel. It adds a surprising heat you’ll adore!
Minty Freshness: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract into the batter for a delightful mint chocolate experience, perfect for the holiday season.
Rich Espresso: Blend in 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the batter; this intensifies the chocolate flavor, making them truly decadent!
Sundae Upgrade: Top your brownies with a scoop of ice cream, hot fudge, and crushed nuts for an indulgent sundae that’s hard to resist.
Fruit Fusion: Add ⅓ cup of raspberries or cherries into the batter for a fruity burst that pairs wonderfully with dense chocolate.
Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to create fudgy brownies that everyone can enjoy, no one will even notice the difference!

How to Store and Freeze Fudgy Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownies

Room Temperature: Keep brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days—they stay wonderfully fudgy and delicious!

Fridge: For extended freshness, store the brownies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to prevent drying out.

Freezer: Freeze these decadent brownies in a single layer, wrapped tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating: To enjoy your brownies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked feel, perfectly complementing the rich salted caramel flavor!

Make Ahead Options

These Fudgy Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the caramel up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its luscious consistency. Additionally, the brownie batter can be mixed and kept uncovered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to avoid overmixing after resting to preserve that fudgy texture. When you’re ready to bake, fold in the prepped caramel bits, pour the batter into the prepared pan, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll have a scrumptious treat ready to indulge in with minimal effort on busy weeknights!

Fudgy Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownies Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right chocolate for my brownies?
Absolutely! When selecting chocolate for your Fudgy Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownies, I recommend using high-quality unsweetened chocolate. Look for brands that have a rich cocoa content, typically around 70% or higher for intense flavor. Avoid baking chocolates that contain added sugars or artificial flavors, as they can affect your brownies’ overall taste.

How should I store my brownies to keep them fresh?
For the best taste, store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep them longer, transferring them to the refrigerator will extend their freshness to about 5 days. Just make sure they’re well-wrapped to keep that delightful fudginess intact!

Can I freeze Fudgy Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownies?
Yes! Freezing these brownies is an excellent way to enjoy them later. Start by cutting them into individual squares once cool. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or allow them to come to room temperature on the counter for about an hour.

What can I do if my caramel hardens?
Sometimes, caramel can be a little temperamental! If your salted caramel hardens, don’t worry; it can often be saved. Place the hardened caramel in a small saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to help rehydrate it. Stir continuously until it melts back into a smooth, pourable consistency. If it’s too thick, continue adding a bit more liquid until you achieve your desired texture.

Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Very! If you have allergies to dairy or eggs, there are substitutes available that work well. For dairy-free options, use plant-based butter and unsweetened cocoa powder. You can also try using flax eggs or applesauce as a substitute for eggs in the brownie batter. These adjustments can help ensure that everyone at your gathering can enjoy these delicious Fudgy Salted Caramel Chocolate Brownies!