Salted Caramel Brownie Bars the Ultimate Sweet Salty Treat
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever find yourself craving something sweet and salty ? Honestly, these Salted Caramel Brownie Bars are the answer. A gooey brownie base meets luscious salted caramel , and it's pure heaven.
Time to Pin on desserts , right?
Brief Overview
These bars are inspired by classic American brownie recipes , amped up with homemade caramel. It's a medium difficulty bake, takes about 1 hour 35 minutes total, and yields 16 bars, enough to share or hoard.
It’s a bit of effort, but it’s easy dessert recipes !
Main Benefits
Besides being utterly delicious, this recipe is perfect for potlucks or cosy nights in. The sweet and salty combo makes it a real crowd pleaser.
Honestly, making your own caramel takes these brownie bars to another level.
Let's get into the ingredients. You know, the stuff that makes the magic happen.
Getting Started: The Good Stuff
To create these delicious bars, you'll need some essential ingredients. For the brownie base, grab some butter, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, eggs, vanilla extract, and flour.
Don’t skimp on the cocoa; good quality stuff makes a difference! I remember one time using cheap cocoa and honestly, it tasted like dirt.
For that dreamy Salted Caramel , gather sugar, butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and sea salt. The sea salt is key here.
And trust me, it's worth the extra step to make your own caramel from scratch!
Making the Caramel
You'll need some standard baking equipment. An 8x8 inch pan lined with parchment paper is essential. Plus a saucepan, mixing bowls, whisk, rubber spatula and if you are like me, an offset spatula for spreading the caramel evenly.
Though it isn’t crucial to getting the job done, I find that it makes spreading the caramel easier. Consider getting a candy thermometer, but it's optional, honestly.
More ideas for Desserts!
Maybe you wanna add a bit more flare? It’s always a good idea to look into Strawberry Desserts , it might spice up your creativity when creating dessert bar ideas .
Thinking of more recipes, you could create a Cake Frosting for your Baked Strawberries , or maybe even a Candy Coating .
Now that we’ve got all our ingredients, we're ready to dive into the actual baking. Time to get our aprons on and get started!
Alright, let’s get cracking. "Pin on desserts," eh? Sounds like we need something drool worthy and Pinterest perfect. Let's make Salted Caramel Brownie Bars .
Think gooey brownie, rich caramel, a sprinkle of sea salt what's not to love? Plus, brownie bars are endlessly adaptable; just the thing for a pin.
Ingredients & Equipment
Ready to dive into the ingredients? This part's crucial, so pay attention. It's all about building that perfect sweet and salty treats combo.
Main Ingredients
Here's what you'll need for about 16 bars of pure bliss.
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
For the Salted Caramel:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling
The brownie is the foundation. For the butter, make sure it's good quality stuff. Seriously, it makes a difference. Good cocoa powder gives great flavor.
Seasoning Notes
This is where the magic happens, honestly.
We're talking vanilla for that cake frosting flavor. Salt is key for cutting the sweetness. It's a sweet and salty treat , remember?
If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of cinnamon in the brownie? Now that's something.
Equipment Needed
Don't stress, you probably already have most of this stuff.
- 8x8 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
A candy thermometer is helpful for the caramel. But if you don't have one, just watch it carefully.
So, there you have it! Get your stuff together and you'll have some great homemade brownie bars to show off.
After that you will be able to pin on desserts , which is awesome.
Salted Caramel Brownie Bars: The Ultimate Sweet & Salty Treat
Honestly, who can resist a good brownie? But salted caramel brownie bars ? Oh my gosh! That's next level indulgence.
These are the perfect balance of fudgy brownie, decadent homemade caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt. It cuts through the sweetness just perfectly.
Think classic American brownies, but elevated. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a cozy night.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Brownie Mise en Place
First, let's get organized. Measure out all your ingredients. Chop the butter into cubes so it melts evenly. Line your 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper.
Leave an overhang ; you'll thank me later when you're pulling these babies out. I do that even when I am working on my brownie recipes at my home.
Remember, melted butter can be HOT. Be careful!
Let's Get Baking: Salted Caramel Brownie Bars step-by-step
- Melt it Down : In a heatproof bowl (or microwave if you're feeling lazy like me), melt 1 cup (2 sticks, 227g) unsalted butter , 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar , ¾ cup (75g) unsweetened cocoa powder , and ½ teaspoon kosher salt . Cool slightly.
- Whisk it Good : Whisk in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth.
- Flour Power : Gently fold in ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour until just combined. Don't overmix!
- Bake Time : Pour into your prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 25- 30 minutes . You want a toothpick to come out with moist crumbs. This is very important for Strawberry Desserts!.
- Caramel Magic : Combine 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Melt it without stirring until amber. Add 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter (cubed). Remove from heat, stir in ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream . Pop it back on the heat and stir until smooth. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract .
- Cool Down : Let the caramel cool slightly before pouring over the brownie. I know, waiting is torture.
- Brownie Meets Caramel : Spread the caramel evenly over the cooled brownie base.
- Chill Out : Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon sea salt (plus more for looks). Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour. This easy dessert recipes is the best.
Pro Tips for Brownie Bar Brilliance
Don’t overbake the brownies! Slightly underbaked is the key to fudgy deliciousness. Burnt caramel is a no-no. Watch it like a hawk.
You can even Pin on desserts before serving!. If you are looking for Dessert bar ideas and are short on time, make the brownies the day before.
They can even use a simple Cake Frosting .
Honestly, this Sweet and salty treats are so addictive. My family went absolutely nuts over them. And the homemade brownie bars ? Forget about it! They disappeared in seconds.
You know, these are also amazing with Baked Strawberries , I've tried them and they tasted just like Strawberry Desserts ! Try it for yourself, or you can even drizzle Candy Coating !.
Recipe Notes: Making Your Salted Caramel Brownie Bars Amazing
Alright, so you’re ready to dive into these Salted Caramel Brownie Bars? Awesome! Let’s cover a few bits to ensure these sweet and salty treats turn out perfect.
Honestly, it's easier than you think, but a little heads-up never hurts. I swear by these brownie recipes myself!
Serving Suggestions: Show 'Em Off!
Presentation matters, right? I like to cut these homemade brownie bars into neat squares. Then arrange them on a platter, maybe with a dusting of cocoa powder.
For extra oomph, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream the cold against the warm brownie is just chef's kiss .
You can also drizzle some extra salted caramel or cake frosting on top. For drinks, coffee is amazing, but honestly, a cold glass of milk works wonders too.
You could try it with fresh strawberry desserts if your feeling creative! Want more inspiration? Pin on desserts from our Dessert bar ideas board to level up your presentation skills!
Storage Tips: Keep 'Em Fresh
These bars are the best eaten within 2-3 days. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve tried freezing them, and they’re still pretty good.
Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds, or let them thaw at room temperature. But honestly, they never last that long in my house!
Variations: Let's Get Creative
Want to change things up? You can totally do that! If you're after Easy dessert recipes you may want to look at Baked Strawberries.
- For a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. It works like a charm!
- Feeling nutty? Swirl some peanut butter into the brownie batter before baking, or use a Candy Coating of Chocolate and Peanuts
- Espresso fan? Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the caramel for a mocha kick. You can also use the Salted caramel desserts as a base and get some inspiration.
Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff (Sort Of)
Okay, let’s be real, these are brownies. Each bar is roughly 350 calories. They've got about 4g of protein, 20g of fat, and 42g of carbs.
But hey, life’s too short to skip dessert. The good news? Cocoa powder has antioxidants, so you’re basically eating health food, right? Just kidding.
.. mostly.
So, that's it! With a little practice, you'll nail these Salted Caramel Brownie Bars every time. Don't be afraid to experiment and make them your own. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Salted Caramel Brownie Bars ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, chilling them for at least an hour after adding the caramel is recommended for easy slicing. You can store them in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Just like a good cuppa, these bars are great enjoyed whenever.
Help! My caramel seized up and is grainy. What did I do wrong?
Oh dear, a caramel catastrophe! Don't worry, it happens to the best of us. Grainy caramel is often caused by sugar crystals forming. Be sure to gently swirl the saucepan while the sugar melts, rather than stirring, to prevent this. A touch of lemon juice or corn syrup can also help prevent crystallization.
If it does happen, try adding a tablespoon or two of water and gently simmering until the sugar dissolves again it might just save your caramel!
What are some easy variations I can make to these "Pin on desserts" worthy brownie bars?
Fancy jazzing these brownies up? You're in luck - brownie bars are a blank canvas! Peanut butter swirl is a classic, simply swirl some into the batter before baking. Or, try adding chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts would be lovely!) to the brownie batter or sprinkling them on top of the caramel.
A drizzle of melted chocolate after chilling is always a winner, too!
Can I freeze these Salted Caramel Brownie Bars?
Yes, you can! Wrap the cooled and sliced bars individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer safe container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
They might not be quite as gooey as fresh, but they'll still hit the spot a bit like finding a forgotten fiver in your coat pocket!
My brownies are always dry. How do I prevent that when making these bars?
Dry brownies are a baking buzzkill! The key is to not overbake them. Look for moist crumbs clinging to a toothpick inserted into the center. Also, be sure to measure your flour accurately too much flour leads to dry brownies.
Gently fold the flour into the batter until just combined; overmixing develops gluten, which can also result in tough brownies.
Is there a gluten-free option for these Salted Caramel Brownie Bars?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour in the brownie base with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to choose a blend that contains xanthan gum (or add it yourself), as it helps to bind the ingredients together and prevent the brownies from becoming crumbly.
The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so happy baking!
Salted Caramel Brownie Bars The Ultimate Sweet S
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 1g |