Should I add caramel to brownies before or after baking?

For the best results, add the caramel before baking by swirling it into the brownie batter. This method allows the caramel to bake into the brownie, creating rich, gooey pockets. You can also drizzle more caramel on top after baking for extra flair and flavor, especially when serving salted caramel brownies warm with ice cream.

What are salted caramel brownies?

Salted caramel brownies are a decadent dessert that combines a fudgy chocolate brownie base with swirls of salted caramel. The sweet and salty contrast enhances the chocolate flavor, creating a richer and more complex dessert experience. They’re perfect for those who love bold, layered flavors and textures.

What does salt do to caramel?

Salt cuts through the sweetness of caramel, intensifying its flavor and making it more balanced. It also brings out the richness in both the caramel and chocolate, making salted caramel brownies taste more dynamic and less overwhelmingly sweet.

Can you add caramel bits to brownie mix?

Yes, caramel bits are a convenient way to infuse brownies with caramel flavor without making sauce from scratch. Simply fold them into the batter before baking. While they won’t create swirls like a sauce would, they’ll melt slightly and create chewy, flavorful pockets throughout your salted caramel brownies.

What makes brownies fudgy or cakey?

Fudgy brownies have a higher fat-to-flour ratio and use less leavening, resulting in a dense, moist texture. Cakier brownies have more flour and sometimes include baking powder for a lighter crumb. For salted caramel brownies, the fudgy texture complements the gooey caramel best.

How do you keep brownies from getting crispy on the edges?

To avoid crispy or hard edges, bake brownies in a light-colored metal pan lined with parchment paper, and don’t overbake. Remove them from the oven when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. This ensures even cooking and maintains the soft, chewy consistency that defines well-made salted caramel brownies.

Salted Caramel Brownies – 7 Reasons This Is the Best Gooey Treat!

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter
6 oz dark chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp fine sea salt
1/2 cup homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce
Flaky sea salt, for topping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
Melt butter and dark chocolate together in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until pale and frothy.
Stir in the vanilla extract and the cooled chocolate mixture.
Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and sea salt. Fold gently until just combined—do not overmix.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter in a zig-zag pattern.
Pour the remaining batter on top and repeat the caramel drizzle.
Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the caramel into the batter for a marbled effect.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let cool completely in the pan before slicing into squares.

Notes

Let the caramel cool slightly before swirling into the batter to avoid it sinking. Don’t overbake—look for moist crumbs on the toothpick, not clean. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Author: Easy Meals
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 brownie
Calories: 275
Sugar: 23g
Sodium: 140mg
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: salted caramel brownies, chocolate, caramel, dessert, fudgy brownies