Caramel Brownies
Ingredients:
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
- 8 ounces semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Caramel Layer:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the brownies out easily.
2. Prepare the Brownie Base:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chopped chocolate over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, whisking continuously until smooth.
- Add the flour and salt, and fold in gently with a spatula until just combined.
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
3. Prepare the Caramel Layer:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let the mixture cook until it turns a deep amber color.
- Remove from heat and carefully add the butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Let the caramel cool slightly, then pour it over the brownie layer in the pan, spreading it evenly.
4. Add the Remaining Brownie Batter:
- Carefully spread the remaining brownie batter over the caramel layer, covering it completely.
5. Bake the Brownies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
6. Serve:
- Once cooled, lift the brownies out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang and cut into squares.
Enjoy your Caramel Brownies! These rich and decadent treats combine the gooey goodness of caramel with the fudgy delight of brownies, making them a perfect indulgence.
