Brownies for my Boo
So found something out new recently... apparently, my sweet boyfriend likes brownies? ??♀️ We've only known each other close to a decade and this whole time I thought he didn't like them... who knew? He's a big fan of the gooey brownies so this year for his birthday I made him my oh so famous Salted Caramel Brownies.
True story – I've been out of town for Tyler's birthday every year for the past 5 to 6 years. So this year, I made a double batch of these babies to make up for it! Do you think it'll work? Nothing says Happy Birthday! like giving your love a little diabetes. ? If I'm being honest, the only reason I made a double batch is I wanted to take some an make some double-double chocolate brownie no-churn ice cream, and I knew Ty wouldn't want to share his b-day brownies. #recipecomingsoon
I normally keep the bragging to a minimum, but seriously, these are one of the best recipes I have in my arsenal. This is a basic brownie recipe amped up with some salted caramel goodness. The combo makes for perfectly gooey brownies with a slightly crisp edge. In order to ensure ultimate gooeyness, I bake them in a round pan.
Ooey Gooey Salted Caramel Brownies
The base for this recipe can be evolved and changed for all occasions. Check back this winter for a peppermint mocha version in honor of my favorite winter treat!
Step 1: Make the salted caramel
I buy pre-made salted caramels from Trader Joe's and add a little half and half to make it a creamy. You can make caramel from scratch, but these have so much going on, it's not necessary. Also, Trader Joe's caramels are fabulous, so why mess with a good thing?
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate – I prefer dark chocolate
You can use any kind of chocolate for this recipe. I've used milk and it's delicious! However, I really love a dark chocolate brownie it has a deeper chocolate flavor, and less of a sugar rush than the milk.
Step 3: Prep the dry ingredients
Always, always prep your ingredients when cooking/baking. It makes it easier in the long run, and you'll never forget the baking soda! Who's done that, I know I have!
Step 4: Make it sweet
You want the granulated sugar to melt in to the chocolate, so do this step right when it comes off the double boiler.
Step 5: Time for some liquids
Wait for the mixture to cool slightly before this step, you don't want to cook your eggs prematurely.
Step 6: Bring it all together
DO NOT OVER MIX, I stir it a maximum of 40 times. The more you mix, the more air you incorporate, and the less tender and gooey your brownies get.
Step 7: Make it extra fudgy
I like to add chocolate chips. It's not necessary, but it does make it extra delicious.
Step 8: Ensure the gooey factor
Save a majority of your caramel for the topping. I take about 1/3 and mix it in to the top of the browie batter pre-cooking.
Step 9: Bake it, top it and enjoy!
Don't over bake! These cook a lot after they get out of the oven. Let them cool slightly, then cover with the remaining caramel. Let it set up, then slice and enjoy!
SALTED CARAMEL BROWNIES
INGREDIENTS
8 oz. pre-made salted caramel
1 tablespoons half and half
8 tablespoons butter - cubed
8 oz. dark chocolate
2 tablespoons coffee
3 eggs
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 1/4 cups sugar
3/4 cups chocolate chips
INSTRUCTIONS
preheat oven to 350 degrees
line and butter a baking dish - either 8x8 square or 8 in round
melt caramel and half and half together until creamy and smooth - leave on low heat
in a double boiler, melt the chocolate and butter until smooth
whisk together the flour, baking powder, slat, cinnamon, and cocoa powder
add the sugar to the melted chocolate and butter, set aside
mix together the eggs and coffee
once the chocolate mixture has cooled slightly, mix in the eggs and coffee - do this a little at a time
add the flour mixture - do not over mix!
fold in the chocolate chips
spoon in to the lined and buttered baking dish
pour 1/3 of the caramel mixture over the brownie batter and swirl to incorporate
bake for 45 minutes
let cool slightly and top with remaining caramel
to add a fun/decorative touch, shave some chocolate shavings on top of the caramel
let cool, then slice and enjoy