Chocolate Salted Butterscotch Brownies

If you’re a dessert lover, there’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a rich, gooey brownie. But what if we took it to the next level? Enter Chocolate Salted Butterscotch Brownies: a decadent twist on the classic brownie that combines the boldness of dark chocolate with the sweet-salty allure of butterscotch and a sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect finish. These brownies boast a chewy texture, fudgy center, and a ribbon of homemade butterscotch sauce swirled through for an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a family gathering, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Ultimate Flavor Combination: The deep richness of chocolate and the buttery sweetness of butterscotch are enhanced with just a touch of sea salt, creating a flavor profile that’s both indulgent and balanced.
2. Perfect Texture: Fudgy, chewy, and slightly crisp on the edges, these brownies are a textural dream.
3. Homemade Butterscotch Sauce: Elevate your brownies with a ribbon of velvety homemade butterscotch sauce that sets this recipe apart from ordinary brownies.
4. Versatile for Any Occasion: From casual get-togethers to formal parties, these brownies are always a hit.
5. Easy to Make: Even if you’re not a baking pro, this recipe is straightforward, with detailed steps to guide you every step of the way.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 16 brownies
• Serving Size: 1 brownie

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 250
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 24g

Ingredients

For the Brownies:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

For the Butterscotch Sauce:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

Topping:

• 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Butterscotch Sauce

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the brown sugar until dissolved.
2. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 4–5 minutes until thickened.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt. Let the sauce cool to room temperature.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 3: Make the Brownie Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Sift the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt into the wet ingredients. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 4: Assemble the Brownies

1. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
2. Drizzle half of the butterscotch sauce over the batter. Use a knife or toothpick to create swirls.
3. Add the remaining brownie batter on top, spreading it evenly, and repeat the swirls with the rest of the butterscotch sauce.

Step 5: Bake the Brownies

1. Bake the brownies for 28–32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
2. Remove the brownies from the oven and sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt while still warm.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.
2. Serve and enjoy the rich, salted butterscotch chocolate goodness!

Ingredient Background

Chocolate

The quality of the chocolate greatly influences the flavor of the brownies. Opt for high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a deep, rich taste.

Butterscotch

Butterscotch is made with brown sugar and butter, giving it a caramel-like flavor with a deeper, molasses-rich profile. The addition of sea salt balances the sweetness perfectly.

Sea Salt

Flaky sea salt enhances the flavor profile, bringing out the richness of both the chocolate and butterscotch.

Technique Tips

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, emulsified batter.
2. Sifting Dry Ingredients: Sifting the cocoa powder and flour prevents lumps in the batter, ensuring a uniform texture.
3. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can lead to dense brownies. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
4. Cooling is Key: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Layered Dessert Cups: Crumble the brownies and layer them in a glass with whipped cream and extra butterscotch sauce.
2. Ice Cream Sundaes: Serve warm brownie squares topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of butterscotch sauce.
3. Brownie Stacks: Cut the brownies into rounds and stack them with layers of whipped cream for a fancy dessert option.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Line Your Pan: Parchment paper ensures the brownies lift out easily without sticking.
2. Monitor the Butterscotch Sauce: Avoid overcooking the sauce, as it can become too thick and difficult to swirl.
3. Storage Tip: Store the brownies in an airtight container to keep them moist and fresh.

Recipe Variations

1. Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the brownie batter for added crunch.
2. Espresso Brownies: Stir 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder into the batter to deepen the chocolate flavor.
3. Gluten-Free Version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.

Freezing and Storage

1. Freezing: Wrap individual brownie squares in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.
2. Reheating: To enjoy warm brownies, microwave them for 20–30 seconds after thawing.
3. Room Temperature Storage: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
2. Reduced Sugar: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or stevia to lower the sugar content.
3. Avocado Substitute: Replace half of the butter with mashed avocado for a healthier fat option.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Holiday Parties: Decorate the brownies with a drizzle of white chocolate and festive sprinkles.
2. Birthday Treats: Serve with a scoop of ice cream and a lit birthday candle on top.
3. Wedding Showers: Present in mini bite-sized squares on a tiered dessert tray.

Special Equipment

1. 9×13-Inch Baking Pan: Ensures evenly baked brownies with the perfect thickness.
2. Whisk and Silicone Spatula: For smooth mixing and scraping every bit of batter.
3. Sifter: Prevents lumps in the dry ingredients, creating a smoother batter.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought butterscotch sauce?

Yes, store-bought butterscotch sauce works in a pinch, but homemade sauce provides a fresher and richer flavor.

2. How do I know when the brownies are done?

Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, they’re ready. Avoid overbaking, as it can lead to dry brownies.

3. Can I use salted butter?

You can, but reduce the salt in the recipe by half to prevent the brownies from becoming overly salty.

4. How do I make the brownies extra fudgy?

Use less flour (reduce by 2 tablespoons) and avoid overbaking. A slightly underbaked center ensures fudginess.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients and bake in a larger pan. Adjust the baking time slightly and monitor closely.

6. Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?

Absolutely! Mix in 1 cup of chocolate chips for extra bursts of melty chocolate goodness.

7. What’s the best way to cut brownies neatly?

Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water, wiping it clean between cuts for smooth edges.

8. Can I make these brownies dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for the butterscotch sauce.

Conclusion

These Chocolate Salted Butterscotch Brownies are the ultimate indulgence, combining rich chocolate, buttery butterscotch, and a hint of sea salt for a dessert that’s as elegant as it is delicious. Whether you’re enjoying them warm with a scoop of ice cream or sharing them at a festive gathering, these brownies are sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a batch of the most irresistible brownies you’ve ever tasted!

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