Salted Caramel Swirl Brownies: A Decadent Treat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Salted Caramel Swirl Brownies are the definition of indulgence—rich, fudgy chocolate brownies marbled with ribbons of silky salted caramel. Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with the deep cocoa flavor perfectly complemented by the buttery caramel swirl. I tried making these with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top, and it elevated the flavor to gourmet level. They’re easy to make yet look and taste like they came straight from a bakery. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, gifting to a friend, or simply treating yourself, these brownies promise pure decadence and instant satisfaction.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Unsalted butter – Provides the rich base for the brownies, adding depth and moisture. Melted butter also helps create that shiny, crackly top.

Dark chocolate – Use good-quality dark chocolate for a bold, intense flavor that balances the sweetness of the caramel.

Granulated sugar – Sweetens the brownies while helping create their chewy texture.

Brown sugar – Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor, enhancing the chocolate’s richness.

Eggs – Bind the ingredients together and give the brownies their dense yet tender crumb.

Vanilla extract – Brings warmth and enhances both the chocolate and caramel flavors.

All-purpose flour – Provides structure without making the brownies too cakey.

Cocoa powder – Intensifies the chocolate flavor and contributes to the fudgy texture.

Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.

Salted caramel sauce – The star ingredient, swirled through the batter to create ribbons of sweet-salty goodness. Use homemade or high-quality store-bought caramel.

Flaky sea salt – Sprinkled on top before baking for that signature salted caramel finish.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.

In a heatproof bowl, melt butter and dark chocolate together using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly. Whisk in granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.

Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, and salt, then gently fold until just combined. Pour two-thirds of the batter into the prepared pan. Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the batter and swirl lightly with a knife. Spread the remaining batter on top and repeat the swirl with the rest of the caramel.

Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the surface. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing for clean, fudgy squares.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 brownies. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, baking time is 35 minutes, and cooling time is 30 minutes, totaling 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months—thaw at room temperature before serving. To enjoy warm, heat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.

Variations and Customizations

Nutty Caramel Crunch – Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra texture.

Espresso Infusion – Stir in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.

Double Chocolate Swirl – Add white chocolate chunks or drizzle melted white chocolate on top after baking.

Caramel Pretzel Brownies – Sprinkle crushed pretzels on top before baking for a salty, crunchy contrast.

Bourbon Caramel Brownies – Add a splash of bourbon to the caramel sauce for an adult twist.

Peanut Butter Caramel Swirl – Mix peanut butter with the caramel sauce for a nutty-sweet upgrade.

Sea Salt & Toffee Bits – Scatter toffee pieces over the top before baking for added crunch and buttery sweetness.

Dark Chocolate Lovers’ Version – Use 70% or higher dark chocolate and less sugar for an intense, bittersweet dessert.

Cheesecake Swirl Brownies – Drop spoonfuls of cream cheese mixture along with the caramel and swirl together before baking.

Gluten-Free Option – Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, just make sure it’s thick enough to swirl without sinking into the batter.

How do I make homemade caramel sauce?

Simmer sugar, butter, and cream together until smooth, then add a pinch of salt for flavor.

What type of chocolate should I use?

Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate bars rather than chocolate chips for a smoother texture.

Can I make these brownies more cakey?

Add an extra egg or bake for a few more minutes for a lighter texture.

How do I get perfect caramel swirls?

Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl without overmixing—too much mixing will blend the caramel into the batter.

Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Yes, use flax eggs or an egg substitute for an egg-free version, though texture may vary slightly.

How can I tell when the brownies are done?

The center should be set but slightly soft; a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Should I refrigerate them before slicing?

Chilling for 30 minutes helps achieve clean, neat slices and enhances fudginess.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for about 40–45 minutes.

How do I serve these brownies?

They’re delicious on their own or served warm with vanilla ice cream and extra caramel drizzle.

Conclusion

These Salted Caramel Swirl Brownies are the perfect fusion of rich chocolate and luscious caramel, creating a dessert that’s as elegant as it is indulgent. With their fudgy texture, glossy top, and irresistible balance of sweet and salty, they’re sure to impress at any gathering—or satisfy your late-night craving. Serve them warm, chilled, or à la mode, and savor the ultimate treat that never goes out of style.