Description
These Chocolate Salted Butterscotch Brownies combine a rich, fudgy chocolate base with a smooth, salted butterscotch topping. The contrast of bittersweet cocoa and buttery caramelized sugar with a touch of sea salt creates an irresistible dessert perfect for chocolate and caramel lovers alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 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
Butterscotch Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the Brownie Base: In a medium saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in the granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the brownies tender.
- Bake the Brownies: Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Prepare the Butterscotch Layer: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the 1/2 cup of butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth and bubbling, around 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt to infuse flavor.
- Assemble the Brownies: Pour the warm butterscotch mixture evenly over the slightly cooled brownies. Spread carefully to cover the surface. Sprinkle additional sea salt over the top to enhance the salted caramel effect.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to let the butterscotch layer set properly. For best results, refrigerate for about 30 minutes before cutting into squares. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a deliciously rich treat.
Notes
- Do not overmix the brownie batter to ensure a tender texture.
- Use parchment paper in the baking pan for easy removal and cleaner edges.
- Refrigerating brownies after adding the butterscotch layer helps it set and makes cutting easier.
- Adjust sea salt on top to taste; it balances the sweet butterscotch flavor perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Brownies, Salted Butterscotch Brownies, Homemade Brownies, Caramel Brownies, Chocolate Dessert
