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Ina Garten Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe

Ina Garten Salted Caramel Brownies

Salted Caramel Brownies are a rich chocolate dessert featuring layers of gooey caramel and flaky sea salt within a fudgy brownie base. Ina Garten’s version includes high-quality chocolate, butter, and a touch of espresso powder to enhance the flavor, creating a perfect balance of sweet and salty.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Brownies:

  • 1/2 pound (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
  • 3 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons instant espresso powder
  • 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Salted Caramel:

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

  • Melt the chocolate and butter: In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, melt the butter, semisweet chocolate chips, and unsweetened chocolate, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
  • Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, espresso powder, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until thick and smooth.
  • Add the chocolate mixture: Stir the melted chocolate into the wet ingredients until well combined.
  • Mix the dry ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then fold them into the wet mixture until just combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Salted Caramel

  • Melt the sugar: In a small saucepan, heat the granulated sugar and water over medium heat, swirling the pan (do not stir) until the sugar is melted and turns amber in color.
  • Add cream and butter: Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the heavy cream and butter. Stir until smooth, then mix in the flaky sea salt. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Brownies

  • Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
  • Pour the batter: Spread half of the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan.
  • Add caramel: Drizzle the salted caramel over the batter, leaving some for topping.
  • Layer the rest of the batter: Spread the remaining brownie batter on top, gently smoothing it out.

Step 4: Bake the Brownies

  • Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

  • Add extra caramel: Drizzle the reserved salted caramel over the brownies and sprinkle with more flaky sea salt, if desired.
  • Slice and serve: Cut into squares and enjoy.