I remember the first time I tried making salted caramel brownies. The idea came from a trip to a bakery where I picked up a slice of their famous treat. It had that perfect blend of sweet, salty, and chocolaty, and I was hooked instantly. So, I set out to replicate it at home, and after several attempts, I found that Jamie Oliver’s recipe hit the mark. His approach is straightforward yet incredibly satisfying, making it a go-to in my kitchen whenever I want to impress guests or indulge in a homemade treat.
Jamie Oliver’s Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe
This recipe combines two of my favorite things: rich brownies and decadent salted caramel. The balance of gooey chocolate and that slight saltiness creates a flavor explosion. Jamie Oliver’s version makes the process approachable, with clear instructions and no unnecessary steps. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone just starting, this recipe is a keeper.
Ingredients Needed
- Butter: This adds richness and moisture, helping create that perfect chewy texture.
- Dark Chocolate: I always use good quality dark chocolate. It balances the sweetness and makes the brownies rich.
- Cocoa Powder: Enhances the chocolatey flavor and gives the brownies their deep, dark color.
- Sugar: The sweetness base for the brownie batter. I use a mix of light brown sugar and granulated sugar for flavor depth.
- Eggs: These act as the binder, giving structure and helping everything come together.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of warmth and rounds out the flavors.
- Salted Caramel: The heart of the recipe! This is what brings that sweet-and-salty magic.
- Flour: Provides structure and helps create the fudgy, dense texture that’s so beloved in brownies.
- Sea Salt Flakes: These are sprinkled on top to intensify the salty contrast to the caramel and chocolate.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Salted Caramel Brownies
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Start With The Salted Caramel
- In a pan, melt sugar until it’s golden brown. Watch it carefully because it can burn quickly.
- Add butter and cream once the sugar is melted. Stir constantly until smooth and silky.
- Add a pinch of sea salt and set the caramel aside to cool.
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Prepare The Brownie Batter
- Preheat your oven and grease a baking pan.
- Melt dark chocolate and butter together. This is the base of your brownie batter, so go slow to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture to the eggs, mixing until fully combined.
- Fold in flour and cocoa powder. Don’t overmix, just enough to incorporate.
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Assemble The Brownies
- Pour half the brownie batter into your prepared pan.
- Add a generous layer of salted caramel on top.
- Add the remaining brownie batter over the caramel.
- Use a skewer or knife to swirl the caramel through the batter, creating that marbled effect.
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Bake
- Bake for around 25-30 minutes. The brownies should be set on the edges but slightly gooey in the center.
- Let them cool before cutting into squares.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
- Butter and Chocolate: These fats are key in giving the brownies their rich, fudgy texture. Butter offers moisture and flavor, while the chocolate provides the distinct chocolaty depth.
- Eggs: They’re the glue that holds everything together. The proteins in eggs help set the brownies as they bake, creating that perfect dense texture.
- Cocoa Powder: This adds to the flavor profile by intensifying the chocolate taste. It also deepens the color, making the brownies look as good as they taste.
- Salted Caramel: The salt in the caramel actually enhances the sweetness. It tricks your taste buds, making the caramel taste even sweeter and the brownies more complex. It also cuts through the richness of the chocolate and balances the overall flavor.
Expert Tips
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, stir gently. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough brownies.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your butter, eggs, and other ingredients come to room temperature before mixing them. This ensures a smoother, more consistent batter.
- Swirl the Caramel: Don’t just dump the caramel in. Swirl it lightly through the brownie batter. This creates those pockets of gooey, caramel goodness.
- Check for Doneness: Brownies continue to cook in the pan after they come out of the oven, so underbake slightly. The center should be soft but not liquid.
Recipe Variations
- Nutty Brownies: Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
- Dark and Milk Chocolate Combo: Use half dark chocolate and half milk chocolate for a slightly sweeter, more balanced flavor.
- Spiced Brownies: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even chili powder for a twist.
- Vegan Option: Swap butter for coconut oil and use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. The salted caramel can be made with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
Final Words
Making Jamie Oliver’s salted caramel brownies is a real treat, both in the kitchen and at the table. The layers of rich chocolate and the gooey caramel offer a mouthwatering contrast that will have your guests asking for the recipe. It’s not overly complicated, and the ingredients are easy to find.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Salted Caramel Brownies Different From Regular Brownies?
The addition of rich salted caramel gives these brownies a unique sweet and salty flavor combo that regular brownies don’t have.
Can I Use Store-bought Caramel Sauce For Jamie Oliver’s Recipe?
Yes, you can, but homemade caramel will give you a deeper flavor and a more satisfying texture.
How Do I Prevent The Salted Caramel From Becoming Too Hard In The Brownies?
Make sure to monitor the caramel closely as it cools. Don’t let it set too much before mixing it in with the brownie batter.