Salted Caramel Brownies: A Perfect Blend of Sweet and Salty Indulgence
Introduction
There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of rich, dark chocolate and luscious, gooey caramel. Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and you’ve got yourself a dessert that tantalizes every taste bud. Enter the Salted Caramel Brownies—a treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings and Valentine’s Day celebrations to charity bake sales and simple Tuesday indulgences. This recipe promises to deliver brownies that are insanely good, so much so that they always sell out fast at market stalls. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these brownies are a must-try.
Ingredients
Before diving into the process, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Buttery baking spread or butter: 200g, plus a little extra for greasing
- Dark chocolate: 200g (we recommend using half 70% and half 50% cocoa solids)
- Carnation Caramel: 397g
- Flaky sea salt: 1 level tsp
- Caster sugar: 200g
- Eggs: 4
- Plain flour: 130g
- Cocoa powder: 50g
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) if you have a fan-assisted oven. Grease a 20cm x 30cm (8-inch x 12-inch) baking tin and line it with baking parchment. This will ensure your brownies come out easily and maintain their shape.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
Break the dark chocolate into small pieces and place it in a heatproof bowl. Add the buttery baking spread or butter. Set the bowl over a pan of simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water. Stir occasionally until both the chocolate and butter are completely melted and combined. Alternatively, you can melt them in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between each burst.
Step 3: Mix the Caramel and Salt
While the chocolate and butter mixture is cooling slightly, take the Carnation Caramel and place it in a bowl. Add 1 level teaspoon of flaky sea salt to the caramel and mix well. This salted caramel will be the star of your brownies, providing that irresistible sweet-salty flavor.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and caster sugar together until the mixture is pale and thick. This will take about 5 minutes with an electric mixer on high speed. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture leaves a trail when the beaters are lifted.
Step 5: Add the Chocolate Mixture
Gently fold the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the beaten eggs and sugar. Use a spatula to combine the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring there are no streaks of chocolate left.
Step 6: Sift and Fold in Dry Ingredients
Sift the plain flour and cocoa powder into the chocolate mixture. Carefully fold them in using a spatula, being cautious not to knock too much air out of the batter. The batter should be smooth and well combined.
Step 7: Layer the Batter and Caramel
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking tin and spread it out evenly. Dollop half of the salted caramel mixture over the batter, using a knife or spoon to gently swirl it through. Pour the remaining brownie batter on top, spreading it out evenly again. Finally, dollop the remaining salted caramel on top and swirl it through the batter.
Step 8: Bake the Brownies
Place the baking tin in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The brownies are done when the top is set and a crust has formed, but they should still be slightly gooey in the middle. A skewer inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs attached, but not wet batter.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the tin before cutting them into squares. This cooling period is crucial as it allows the caramel to set slightly, making the brownies easier to slice and serve. For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the brownies warm with fresh raspberries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips and Variations
- Chocolate Choices: While this recipe uses a mix of 70% and 50% cocoa solids dark chocolate, you can experiment with different types of chocolate. If you prefer a sweeter brownie, use milk chocolate. For a more intense flavor, opt for all 70% cocoa solids chocolate.
- Adding Nuts: For a delightful crunch, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts to the batter. Pecans or walnuts work particularly well with the flavors of chocolate and caramel.
- Alternative Caramel: If you can’t find Carnation Caramel, you can make your own caramel sauce. Simply heat sugar until it melts and turns amber, then stir in butter and cream. Allow it to cool before using.
- Double Batch: This recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger crowd. Use a larger baking tin and adjust the baking time as necessary.
- Storage: These brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—wrap them individually in cling film and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Reviews and Personal Experiences
Bella’s Market Stall Success
Bella, who runs a bustling market stall, swears by this Salted Caramel Brownie recipe. “Every time we serve these brownies, they sell out fast,” she says with a smile. Bella’s customers come back week after week, eagerly anticipating these gooey, chocolatey delights. “I’ve tried many brownie recipes over the years, but this one is the real winner. The combination of dark chocolate and salted caramel is irresistible. It’s perfect for satisfying the sweet tooth of both kids and adults alike.”
A Versatile Dessert
These brownies are not just for market stalls. They’re a fantastic option for various events and gatherings:
- Family Treats: Make these brownies for a weekend family gathering. They are sure to be a hit with everyone from kids to grandparents.
- Valentine’s Day: Surprise your loved one with a homemade dessert that’s as sweet and special as your feelings for them. Serve the brownies with a glass of red wine or a cup of coffee for a perfect end to a romantic meal.
- Sunday Pudding: These brownies make an excellent Sunday pudding. Serve them warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting and indulgent dessert.
- Charity Bake Sales: If you’re looking to contribute to a charity bake sale, these brownies are a guaranteed sell-out. Their rich flavor and beautiful presentation make them a standout item.
- Birthdays: Add a twist to the traditional birthday cake with these brownies. Stack them in a pyramid, drizzle with extra caramel sauce, and sprinkle with sea salt for a show-stopping birthday treat.
- Tuesdays: Yes, even a regular Tuesday can be made special with these brownies. Sometimes, a little mid-week indulgence is exactly what you need.
Nutritional Information and Allergens
While these brownies are undeniably delicious, it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional content and potential allergens:
- Calories: Each brownie square contains approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the exact size and ingredients used.
- Fat: Rich in fats due to the butter and chocolate, each brownie has about 12-15 grams of fat.
- Sugar: With the caramel and sugar content, these brownies are quite sweet, containing around 20-25 grams of sugar per serving.
- Protein: Each serving has around 3-4 grams of protein, mainly from the eggs.
- Allergens: This recipe contains dairy (butter and chocolate), eggs, and gluten (flour). If you have any specific dietary restrictions or allergies, consider substituting ingredients where possible, such as using gluten-free flour or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Final Thoughts
Salted Caramel Brownies are a decadent treat that perfectly balances rich chocolate with sweet and salty caramel. They are versatile, fitting seamlessly into a variety of occasions and pleasing diverse palates. The combination of ingredients and the straightforward method make these brownies an accessible recipe for both novice and experienced bakers.
As you embark on baking these delightful treats, remember that baking is as much about the process as it is about the result. Enjoy the aroma of melting chocolate, the satisfaction of swirling caramel, and the joy of sharing your creations with loved ones. Baking these brownies is more than just making dessert—it’s creating moments of happiness and indulgence that will be cherished by all who taste them.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet, skip the store-bought options and try making these Salted Caramel Brownies at home. Your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again. Happy baking!