There’s something magical about the combination of rich chocolate and gooey caramel with a hint of salt. It’s the perfect blend of indulgent and irresistible, and that’s exactly what makes Salted Caramel Brownies a Pinterest favorite this week. Whether you’re baking for a party, a cozy weekend, or just because you’re craving something sweet, this easy recipe will quickly become your go-to dessert.
Why Salted Caramel Brownies Are Trending
Salted caramel brownies are gaining popularity for a good reason—they combine two beloved dessert flavors into one decadent square. What makes them special is the contrast: the deep chocolate flavor from the brownie and the sweet, buttery richness of the caramel, enhanced with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It’s an addictive balance that keeps people coming back for more.
Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home. You don’t need any fancy baking skills or complicated tools. With a handful of pantry ingredients, you can whip up a batch in less than an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make these delicious brownies:
For the brownie layer:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the salted caramel:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for topping)
You can also use high-quality store-bought caramel sauce if you’re short on time, but making it from scratch brings a deeper, richer flavor.
How to Make Salted Caramel Brownies
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare an 8×8-inch pan by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Gently melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Take it off the heat, then whisk in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla until fully blended. Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder next, and mix until the batter is smooth and shiny.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Set the other half aside.
Step 2: Make the Salted Caramel
Place the sugar in a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Stir constantly with a heat-safe spoon or spatula. It will clump at first but then melt into a golden-brown liquid.
Once fully melted, carefully add the butter and stir until it’s melted and combined. Slowly incorporate the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 1 minute, then take it off the heat and stir in the sea salt.
Let the caramel cool for a minute or two so it thickens slightly but remains pourable.
Step 3: Layer and Bake
Drizzle the majority of the caramel over the first brownie layer, spreading it carefully without mixing. Then, drop the remaining brownie batter over the caramel and lightly swirl it with a knife or skewer to form a marbled pattern.
Reserve a small amount of caramel for drizzling on top after baking.
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center pulls out with a few damp crumbs, not raw batter.
Step 4: Cool and Finish
Let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Top with the remaining caramel and lightly sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for the ideal finishing touch.
Cut into squares and serve. Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for extended freshness.
Tips for the Best Salted Caramel Brownies
- Don’t overbake: Brownies are meant to be fudgy, so keep an eye on the oven and remove them when the edges are set but the center is still soft.
- Use quality cocoa: A good cocoa powder makes a big difference in the chocolate flavor.
- Allow the brownies to cool: While it’s tempting to dive in immediately, cooling helps the caramel firm up and makes cutting easier.
- Add texture: If you love a bit of crunch, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel layer before adding the rest of the batter.
Variations to Try
Looking to get creative with this recipe? Here are a few creative twists to try:
- Espresso kick: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the brownie batter for a mocha twist.
- Peanut butter swirl: Swap caramel with a peanut butter sauce or combine both for a double-layered treat.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these brownies suitable for those avoiding gluten.
- Vegan option: Use plant-based butter, flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), and coconut milk or oat cream in the caramel.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These brownies are everything you want in a dessert: rich, gooey, chocolatey, with just the right touch of saltiness to keep things balanced. They look impressive, taste incredible, and are easy enough for beginner bakers.
Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying one with your afternoon coffee, Salted Caramel Brownies deliver big flavor with minimal effort. No wonder they’re trending on Pinterest right now!
If you’re looking for more brownie inspiration, check out a unique twist on the classic recipe that combines the richness of brownies with the sweetness of bananas. You’ll love how moist and flavorful they turn out!