Salty and sweet are an irresistible combination – just think of chocolate covered pretzels or chocolate covered potato chips. But when you really have a dessert craving and need to take things to the next level, there’s no better answer than salted caramel. And, this salted caramel brownie recipe is the ultimate winner. The rich dark chocolate brownie base is enhanced further by gooey caramel and a sprinkling of sea salt. It’s a must-have for any chocolate lover.

 Decadent Salted Caramel Brownies

Image Via: Flourishing Foodie 

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Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 24 brownies

Ingredients:

For Salted Caramel:

2 cups granulated sugar

12 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into pieces

1 cup heavy cream, at room temperature

1 tablespoon fleur de sel (or any other flaky sea salt) 

For Brownies:

6 ounces dark chocolate

1/3 cup butter, cut into pieces

2 tablespoons milk

1 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 teaspoon salt

Image Via: 1.bp.blogspot.com

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Start the caramel sauce by sprinkling the sugar in an even layer across the bottom of a heavy saucepan.
3. Heat the sugar over medium-high heat, whisking until there are no more clumps and all the sugar has melted.
4. Continue cooking the sugar, stirring occasionally, until the sugar turns a rich caramel color and releases a toasted aroma.
5. Once you’ve reached your desired coloring, add all the butter into the caramel at once, whisking until everything is combined. (Note: Be careful with this step. The caramel will bubble up.)
6. Remove the pan from the heat and slowly add in the cream, whisking to combine. (Note: Again, the mixture will bubble. Proceed cautiously.)
7. Once all the milk has been incorporated and a cohesive caramel has formed, add in the sea salt and whisk to distribute it evenly.
8. Allow the caramel to cool for 10-15 minutes before using.
9. While the caramel cools, start the brownie mixture by chopping the chocolate and butter into small chunks.
10. Create a double boiler by setting a glass bowl over simmering water. Combine the chocolate, butter, and milk in the double boiler. Stir everything constantly until it melts together into a smooth chocolate sauce.
11. Take the chocolate mixture, add in the eggs and sugar and stir until smooth.
12. When combined, add in the flour, vanilla, and salt. Stir everything together into a cohesive batter forms.
13. Pour half the brownie batter into a greased baking pan. Use a spatula to distribute the batter evenly.
14. Drizzle half the caramel mixture on top of the batter and spread it evenly.
15. Cover that with the remaining batter. Then do a final layer with the rest of the caramel.
16. Bake the brownies for 35-40 minutes or until they are firm in the center. Let cool before serving.

Depending on how much caramel you like, you may not use all of the sauce for this recipe. If you have any leftover, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This salted caramel sauce would be delicious over everything from vanilla ice cream to baked apples.  Or, take it as an excuse to make this salted caramel brownie recipe a second time. Trust us, it will be very tempting!

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