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To make these tasty brownies, gather the following ingredients: - 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cups granulated sugar - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips - 1 cup crushed pretzels - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Sea salt, for garnish These ingredients create a rich brownie base, sweet caramel, and crunchy pretzel bits. If you lack some ingredients, here are good swaps: - Use coconut oil instead of unsalted butter. - Maple syrup can replace granulated sugar. - Brown sugar can be swapped with coconut sugar. - For eggs, use flaxseed meal mixed with water. These swaps still give great flavor and texture to your brownies. Want to enhance your brownies? Consider these extras: - Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch. - Mix in a teaspoon of espresso powder for a deeper chocolate flavor. - Swirl in peanut butter for a nutty twist. - Top with whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent dessert. These options let you customize your brownies to your taste and mood! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for even baking. Next, take a 9x13 inch baking pan. Grease it well with butter or use parchment paper. This step helps when you remove the brownies later. In a large bowl, pour in the melted butter. Add both sugars: granulated and brown. Whisk these together until smooth. It should look shiny and well mixed. Now, crack in the eggs one by one. Mix well after each egg. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a nice flavor to your brownies. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. This helps to mix them well and removes lumps. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients. Fold them together gently. Stop mixing when you see no dry flour. Over-mixing can make brownies tough. Pour half of your brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom. Next, drizzle half of the caramel sauce over this layer. Now, carefully spoon the rest of the brownie batter on top. Spread it gently. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over this layer, too. Take a knife or toothpick and swirl the caramel into the brownie batter. This creates a pretty marbled effect. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your brownies are ready. Once done, sprinkle sea salt on top right away. Let the brownies cool for at least 20 minutes before cutting them into squares. To get the best brownie texture, focus on mixing. You want to mix until just combined. Over-mixing can make brownies tough. Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother batter. This helps your brownies rise well and stay moist. Bake until a toothpick shows a few moist crumbs. This means they are done but still gooey. Swirling the caramel makes your brownies look stunning. After pouring the second layer of batter, drizzle the caramel sauce on top. Use a knife or toothpick to swirl it gently. Aim for a marbled effect, but don’t overdo it. You want to see both brownie and caramel. This adds a rich taste and a beautiful look. When serving, place brownies on a wooden platter for a rustic touch. Drizzle extra caramel over the top and sprinkle sea salt for flair. You can cut the brownies into squares or rectangles for easy serving. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a treat. This combo makes your dessert even more special! Pro Tips Use Quality Chocolate: Opt for high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for a richer flavor in your brownies. Chill Before Slicing: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before slicing to achieve clean edges and prevent them from falling apart. Extra Caramel Drizzle: For an indulgent treat, drizzle extra caramel sauce over each brownie right before serving. Store Properly: Keep leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness. {{image_2}} You can boost flavor and crunch by adding nuts. Walnuts or pecans work well. Just chop them roughly and fold them into the batter. This adds a nice texture. You can also try adding different mix-ins. Chopped chocolate, toffee bits, or even dried fruit can add fun flavors. Just be sure not to overload the batter. Keep the balance. To make these brownies gluten-free, swap regular flour for gluten-free flour. Many brands work well in baking. You can find these easily in grocery stores. The texture may change slightly, but they will still be delicious. Always check that your caramel sauce is gluten-free too. This ensures everyone can enjoy your treats. You have options for the caramel sauce. Store-bought sauces are quick and easy. They come in many flavors, so choose what you like. If you prefer homemade, it’s simple. Just melt sugar slowly until it turns golden, then add cream. You can add sea salt or flavored extracts for a twist. Experiment with different sauces to find your favorite! Store your salted caramel pretzel brownies in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, consider refrigeration. Just make sure the container is sealed well to avoid drying out. To freeze, cut the brownies into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen brownies will stay fresh for up to three months. Label the bag with the date so you remember when you made them. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen brownies, remove them from the freezer. Let them thaw in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. If you want to warm them up, place them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This makes the chocolate chips soft and melty again. Enjoy your delicious treat! Yes, you can use crunchy pretzels. They will add a nice texture. However, crushed pretzels mix better into the batter. If you want a crunch, sprinkle some on top before baking. To make homemade caramel sauce, melt 1 cup of sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until it melts and turns golden brown. Then, add 6 tablespoons of butter and stir until melted. Finally, carefully mix in 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Let it cool before using. If you don't have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter. Just reduce the added salt in the recipe. You can also use coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free option. These brownies last about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. Keep them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, store them in the fridge for up to a week. Yes, you can make these brownies a day ahead. Just store them in an airtight container. They taste great the next day, as the flavors meld together. You learned how to make salted caramel pretzel brownies, from ingredients to storage. Use the right mixes for flavor and texture. Don't forget tips for serving and fun variations. These brownies impress and satisfy any sweet tooth. Store well for later, or freeze for freshness. Enjoy every bite of your delicious creation. Baking brings joy and tasty treats to share. These brownies are a fun way to show love, so get started!

Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies with a swirl of salted caramel and crunchy pretzels.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup crushed pretzels
  • 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • for garnish sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined and smooth.
  • Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition, followed by the vanilla extract.
  • Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  • Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and crushed pretzels gently into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
  • Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the batter.
  • Carefully spoon the remaining brownie batter over the caramel layer, and then drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce on top.
  • Using a knife or toothpick, swirl the caramel into the brownie batter for a marbled effect.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Remove from the oven and immediately sprinkle sea salt on top. Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before slicing into squares.

Notes

Serve the brownies on a wooden platter, drizzled with extra caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt for an enticing presentation. Enjoy!
Keyword brownies, caramel, dessert, pretzels