Fudgy salted caramel brownies

Just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of mixing can give you some of the yummiest, fudgiest, most delicious salted caramel brownies you've ever tasted.

I am very much a make-it-from-scratch kind of person, but occasionally, a shortcut is just the ticket. Especially when it allows us to enjoy an exceptionally yummy treat in under half an hour.

This recipe uses packet mix brownies and a tin of caramel (dulce de leche) to produce really delicious salted caramel brownies that you'll want to make time and time again

Here's how to make them.

Instructions

Tip the brownie mix into a bowl.

Add the water, egg and oil (if quantities on your packet mix box vary, follow the packet mix instructions). Mix well.

Tip your mix carefully into a greased and lined baking tin and level off.

Using a clean spoon, put blobs of caramel all over the top of your mixture.

Swirl with the handle of a spoon. Try going up and down across the brownies, then again at 90 degrees, then a few random swirls to create this pretty pattern.

Sprinkle with sea salt.

Bake in the oven for 25 minutes until shiny and set on top.

Place on a cooling rack to cool completely.

Carefully peel back the paper and cut into squares with a sharp knife.

Will you be trying these brownies at home?

Have fun!

Pointers, tricks and troubleshooting tips for the perfect fudgy salted caramel brownies

Are fudgy salted caramel brownies easy to make?

I think these might be one of the easiest recipes on A Mummy Too! It’s also one of the best recipes when it comes to an effort to taste ratio. With just a couple of ingredients and a single tray you can have these delicious and rather spectacular looking brownies whipped up in just a few minutes.

Will I need any special equipment for fudgy salted caramel brownies?

You shouldn't need anything that you wouldn't find outside of a standard kitchen of somebody who bakes the occasional sweet treat, but it's best to check the equipment list found at the top of the page just to make sure. 

Where can I buy caramel aka dulce de leche?

Caramel, caramel sauce and dulce de leche are slightly different things. Here’s what you need to know:

• Caramel is very chewy and made from sugar that has been heated to a particular temperature (around 170C/340F), which breaks down the molecules in the sugar. These molecules re-form into compounds with the characteristic colour and flavour of caramel.
• Caramel sauce is a thinner type of caramel, where cream is added to the mixture, which makes the end result more spreadable. It also adds the extra deliciousness that comes from the fats and sugars in the cream.
• Dulce de leche is very similar to caramel sauce, but generally uses cow's milk instead of cream and is heated very slowly, usually over the course of several hours. It's usually quite thick at room temperature with a flavour that's similar to caramel sauce but with a unique twist.

Are fudgy salted caramel brownies suitable for vegetarians?

These salted caramel brownies are suitable for vegetarians without any modification needed.

Are fudgy salted caramel brownies suitable for vegans?

These salted caramel brownies are not suitable for vegans as the brownie mixture contains one egg and the caramel sauce contains dairy.

The brownie mix I used was vegan, and you will find that many off-the-shelf mixes that aren't explicitly vegan will contain no animal products, but it’s best to check.

If you do use a vegan brownie mix you can just follow the instructions on the packet, or if you are using a more general brownie mix and want to replace the eggs any of the following should work well. Each one of these alternatives (each = 1 egg, so multiply as needed for any given recipe). My personal preference for brownies is crushed chia seeds, but all of these suggestions will work:

• 1 tablespoon of crushed chia seeds or flax seeds mixed with 2 tablespoons of water and left for 10 minutes in the fridge.
• 3 tablespoons of aquafaba (the water you get in a tin of chickpeas).
• 3 tablespoons of applesauce (bear in mind this will add sweetness).

The caramel sauce will also have to be replaced with a vegan alternative. I had trouble finding a vegan caramel sauce available off-the-shelf in the UK at the time of writing., although it is definitely possible to make your own vegan caramel sauce and there’s plenty of recipes online.

Let me know if you would like more info on how to make vegan caramel sauce, or vegan dulce de leche, and I'll have a go at whipping up a few different batches using coconut cream, different thickening agents and off-the-shelf dairy alternative products available in the UK.

Are fudgy salted caramel brownies gluten-free?

These caramel brownies are not gluten-free as the brownie mixture I used contains normal flour, which contains gluten. However, there are gluten-free brownie mixes available in the UK and in many other countries, so it would be rather simple to turn these into a gluten-free dish. 

You can of course also make gluten-free brownies from scratch, using gluten-free plain white flour and gluten-free baking powder

Are fudgy salted caramel brownies healthy?

With rather a lot of sugar these brownies are best left as an occasional indulgence rather than something you eat everyday. 

Are fudgy salted caramel brownies safe to eat while pregnant?

There is nothing in this recipe that would usually pose a risk to pregnant people as long as all the ingredients are in good condition, the brownies are cooked thoroughly and prepared and cooked hygienically. 

Egg safety and advice for pregnant and breastfeeding people can vary in different countries so please check information local to you. 

If you have any questions or concerns please speak to a health professional, A Mummy Too does not give medical advice. 

What goes well with fudgy salted caramel brownies?

These brownies are delicious on their own, but some of my family love these brownies served in a bowl with a little double cream poured on top. If you are feeling like a real treat you could use half a brownie that has been cut up and mix it with some soft vanilla ice cream.

I haven’t got dulce de leche, can I use something else?

If you can't get hold of dulce de leche (and don't feel like making it from condensed milk) then caramel sauce is a great alternative.

If neither of those are available then you can always simply leave it out or replace it with something like cubes of fudge sprinkled over the top of your brownies

Can I add extra fudge to fudgy salted caramel brownies?

If you’re feeling extra decadent you could place 16 cubes of fudge (one for each slice) into the tray, which will melt and bake into the brownies as they cook.

How should I store fudgy salted caramel brownies?

These brownies should be stored in an airtight container. If you know that you won't be eating all your brownies immediately I would suggest not cutting them up and storing them in the largest size that will fit in your container, then cutting them as and when you want to. This way they will dry out more slowly rather than have the edges of each brownie exposed.

How long does fudgy salted caramel brownies keep?

If stored in an airtight container and placed in the fridge they will last for up to a week. If frozen the brownies will last for up to three months.

Can I leave fudgy salted caramel brownies out on the counter?

As the dulche de leche in the brownies contains dairy they must be stored in the fridge and in an airtight container until ready eat. Remember to let them come up to room temperature for 15 minutes before eating.

Can I make fudgy salted caramel brownies ahead?

You can make these brownies a day ahead without any problems and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. If possible, I would cut them up up just before serving so they stay nice and moist.

Can I keep fudgy salted caramel brownies in the refrigerator?

Yes you can keep these caramel brownies in the fridge - they’ll last up to a week. Make sure to place them in an airtight container.

Can I freeze fudgy salted caramel brownies?

Brownies freeze very well and these are no exception, as dulce de leche can also be frozen. I would recommend cutting the brownies into individual servings, then spacing them out on a baking tray and freezing them. 

Once fully frozen and solid they can be put into an airtight container or freezer bag to save space in the freezer and make sure that they won't stick together.

Remember to take them out of the freezer 20 minutes or so before you want to eat them so they have time to defrost, although I would recommend trying a brownie that's still cold and not fully defrosted in the middle yet - they're surprisingly good!

Can I make fudgy salted caramel brownies in a different quantity?

You can make these caramel brownies in any quantity you wish. To get the required ingredient quantities simply use the handy slider found in the recipe card near the bottom of this page to adjust the quantities desired, which will also update the ingredient amounts.

If you're cooking your brownies in multiple batches because you are short on oven space or baking trays then be sure to thoroughly clean the baking tray in between bakes, or else they can stick to the pan.

Also, don't leave the batter at room temperature for more than half an hour or so for both food hygiene safety reasons and because it won't rise as much.

Can I make fudgy salted caramel brownies in a muffin tin? Can I use a different tin? Can I use a cake tin to bake brownies?

As long as the sides of the tray are high enough you can get away with using smaller trays, larger trays or even circular cake tins. However, do be aware that with larger trays the centre of the brownies may not cook through as quickly, so you may need to give it a couple more minutes in the oven.

If you don't have any suitable trays available you can also use muffin tins, which some people even prefer as each brown comes out with a crispy side, just like a corner piece. Just make sure to grease the tray to avoid sticking, or use muffin cases. If you do cook your brownies this way they will  take less time to cook, so check on them sooner than you normally would.

Can I make fudgy salted caramel brownies in a stand mixer such as a KitchenAid or Kenwood Mixer?

While it's pretty easy to make up the ingredients in a bowl, you can happily use a stand mixer or hand mixer with a flat whisk or beater attachment if you prefer.

How can I make sure fudgy salted caramel brownies are perfectly cooked?

Brownies are very forgiving when it comes to cooking times, so that's a question best left for you to answer. If you like them soft and squidgy you can take them out as soon as they have firmed up (a light press with you finger near the centre should tell you - but be careful to avoid and caramel as it will be very hot), or you can leave them in for a few more minutes if you prefer a brown that's got more chew to it.

Why did my fudgy salted caramel brownies turn out burned?

The most likely culprit is an oven that is too hot, or that the brownies have simply been left in for too long, so double check both.

Many home ovens can incorrectly report the temperature by up to 10C - either too hot or too cold, and almost all will have hotspots in them. This means that the temperature can vary quite a bit, so calibrating your oven with an oven thermometer every once in a while is a good idea, as is turning your tray half way through baking.

Why did my fudgy salted caramel brownies turn out undercooked?

The consistency of brownies can vary quite a bit depending on the ingredients used and your personal preference for how long they’re cooked for. Some brownies recipes only use a little flour for a rather fluffy and comparatively drier brownie when compared to the denser and more moist brownies on the other end of the scale.

Packet mix brownies tend to be somewhere in the middle, but if the batter is still uncooked it's definitely a problem!

The most likely culprit of undercooked brownies is because they simply haven’t been left to cook for long enough, so give them a few more minutes and see if they firm up.

Another possibility is that the ingredient quantities are incorrect, so double-check to make sure you have used the correct amount of eggs and oil.

Why didn’t my fudgy salted caramel brownies rise?

Brownies are meant to be soft, chewy and relatively dense. For this reason they generally contain only a little bit of leavening agent (such as baking powder) and only rise a little.

If they haven't risen at all then check that your brownie mix is still within its ‘best before’ date, as the effectiveness of the baking powder it contains will lessen over time. Also, make sure that you haven't over-mixed your batter as this will release the gases that have been given off when the baking powder in the packet mix comes into contact with the wet ingredients.

How can I add/change the flavours in these fudgy salted caramel brownies?

With their rich, delicious taste and forgiving cooking times (a few minutes too long or too little in the oven won't ruin a brownie) they are a great and quick sauce of deliciousness, while also being incredibly easy to add different ingredients to.

Here are some of my favourite ways to further enhance the humble brownie:

The batter itself

• Use coffee instead of water. A freshly brewed coffee that’s been cooled down is best, but even an instant coffee will work in a pinch.
• Mixing nuts or dried fruits into the batter is a great way of adding some extra taste and crunch/chew to your brownies. Hazelnuts are especially popular but pecans walnuts and even peanuts or I'll work really well. For dried fruit I think cranberries are an excellent choice.

Toppings to swirl into the batter

• Mix an equal amount of peanut butter and honey, golden syrup or maple syrup together and swirl as you would the dulche de leche.
• Melt white chocolate in a heat proof bowl and swirl on top before it cools.

Toppings to decorate after a bake

• Chocolate frosting, either ready made or whipped up yourself can be spread on top of a brownie.
• You can dip or drizzle each brownie in melted chocolate. Dipping has the added benefit of protecting the sides of each brownie from going stale as quickly.
• Chopped nuts or chocolate shavings work fantastically on top of frosting, especially if you use a mix of dark, milk and white chocolate.

What is the origin of brownies? What’s the origin of salted caramel?

The origin of chocolate brownies is a bit of a mystery, with a few competing theories of their creation all coming out of America. What is certain is that by the start of the 20th century they were a well recognised and established treat that would go on to conquer much of the world .

Salted caramel has a more definitive origin, being invented in 1977 by pastry chef Henri Le Roux in Quiberon, Brittany. Le Roux’s original creation was salted butter caramel with crushed nuts (caramel au beurre salé) - delicious!

Print this salted caramel brownie recipe

If you'd like to make these for yourself, here's the recipe again in a printable format.

Pin these salted caramel brownies

More great chocolate desserts to try

If you enjoyed this fudgy salted caramel brownies recipe, why not try these?