Description
A dense, fudgy, caramel-drenched brownie made with affordable pantry staples. This three-layer dessert features a chewy brownie base, a homemade salted caramel layer, and a smooth chocolate topping, perfect for impressing guests on a budget.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Fudgy Brownie Base:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Homemade Caramel Layer:
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For the Chocolate Topping:
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides, and grease lightly.
- In a large bowl, melt the butter. Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Whisk vigorously until smooth and glossy (about 2 minutes).
- Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges are set but center is slightly soft. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack.
- While brownies cool, make the caramel. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine butter and brown sugar. Stir until melted and dissolved (about 5 minutes).
- Pour in heavy cream, salt, and vanilla. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
- Pour warm caramel evenly over the cooled brownie base. Spread to edges and let set for 10-15 minutes until tacky.
- Sprinkle milk chocolate chips evenly over the caramel layer. If needed, place pan in oven for 1-2 minutes to melt chips. Spread chocolate smoothly.
- Let the entire pan cool completely at room temperature or refrigerate for 30 minutes until fully set.
- Lift brownies out using parchment overhang. Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
Do not rush the cooling process; cutting while warm will cause smearing. Use room temperature eggs to prevent butter from seizing. For gluten-free, swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 38
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: brownies, millionaire brownies, caramel brownies, budget dessert, make-ahead dessert, easy baking, chocolate dessert, family friendly