I still remember the first time I had salted caramel brownies. It was at a small café, tucked away in a quiet corner of the city. I took a bite, and it was like my taste buds were having a party. The salty-sweet balance, the gooey texture-everything just clicked. I was hooked. Ever since, I’ve been on a mission to recreate that perfect balance at home. That’s when I stumbled upon Jamie Oliver’s Salted Caramel Brownies recipe. It quickly became my go-to dessert when I want to impress someone or indulge myself. Let’s dive in and break it down, step by step.
Jamie Oliver’s Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe
This recipe from Jamie Oliver feels like an elevated twist on traditional brownies. It’s a layered treat with fudgy chocolate and a rich salted caramel sauce that you’ll want to put on everything. The combination of textures-soft brownies with a smooth, slightly salty caramel layer-is something that always wins over friends and family.
Ingredients Needed
Before we get into the fun part (making these bad boys), let’s talk ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to pull this off:
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Brownie Mix
- Butter
- Dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
- Sugar (caster sugar is best)
- Eggs
- Plain flour
- Cocoa powder
- A pinch of salt (this brings out the chocolate flavor)
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Caramel Sauce
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Cream (heavy cream is ideal)
- Sea salt (this is where the magic happens)
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Extras
- A little extra sea salt to sprinkle on top for that final salty kick
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Salted Caramel Brownies
I’ll walk you through it step-by-step. You don’t need to be a baking pro to pull this off.
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Prep The Brownies
- Preheat your oven to around 180°C (350°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. You’ll want a 20×20 cm (8×8 inch) tray for the right thickness.
- Melt the butter and dark chocolate together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (or microwave it carefully). Stir until it’s smooth and glossy.
- Whisk the sugar and eggs together until they’re thick and light. This is the secret to those dense, fudgy brownies.
- Fold in the melted chocolate mix, followed by the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Pour it into the baking tray.
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Bake The Brownies
- Pop them into the oven for 20-25 minutes. You want the center to be a little soft when you poke it with a skewer. It’ll firm up as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks slightly undercooked.
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Make The Caramel
- While the brownies are baking, start on the caramel. Melt the butter and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the cream slowly, being careful to stir it in as it bubbles up.
- Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until it thickens. The key here is to taste and adjust-add a little more salt if you like a stronger salty contrast.
- When your caramel reaches that deep amber color, pour it over the cooled brownies.
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Finishing Touches
- After pouring the caramel, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top. Let the brownies set for at least an hour to allow the caramel to firm up.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Every ingredient in this recipe serves a purpose:
- Dark Chocolate: Provides that deep, slightly bitter cocoa flavor. This balances out the sweetness of the caramel and sugar.
- Butter (both in the brownie mix and the caramel): Butter adds richness, creating a smooth texture in both the brownies and the caramel sauce.
- Sea Salt: Salt is the unsung hero. It elevates the sweetness, cuts through the richness, and brings the flavors into harmony.
- Sugar: For sweetness, of course! But in the caramel, sugar also goes through a chemical transformation called caramelization-it changes color, texture, and flavor as it melts.
Expert Tips
Here are a few tips to help you level up your brownie game:
- Don’t Overmix the Brownie Batter: You want a fudgy texture, so mix just enough to incorporate the ingredients. Overmixing can lead to a cakey texture, which is not what we’re going for.
- Let the Brownies Cool: Resist the temptation to cut them right out of the oven. They need time to set. The caramel will stay smoother if the brownies have cooled first.
- Use High-Quality Chocolate: Since chocolate is a key ingredient, make sure to go for a good quality dark chocolate. It makes a huge difference in taste.
- Room Temp Ingredients: Having your eggs and butter at room temperature helps the batter mix better and creates a smoother texture.
Recipe Variations
While Jamie’s version is perfect as is, here are a few twists you can try:
- Nutty Brownies: Add a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the brownie batter for an added crunch.
- Spicy Caramel: Kick up the flavor with a dash of cinnamon or cayenne in the caramel for a warm, spicy undertone.
- Boozy Brownies: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the brownie mix for a grown-up touch. The caramel can also be spiked with a little alcohol for a deeper flavor.
- Vegan Version: Substitute dairy butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a dairy-free dark chocolate to make this a vegan-friendly treat.
Final Words
Salted caramel brownies are one of those desserts that feel fancy but are surprisingly easy to make. The process itself is fun-watching the ingredients transform into something that looks (and tastes) like it came from a bakery. Every bite is a little sweet, a little salty, and full of rich chocolate goodness.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Salted Caramel Brownies Different From Regular Brownies?
The combination of rich chocolate brownie with a gooey salted caramel layer adds a sweet and salty twist that’s irresistible.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Salted Caramel Brownies Without The Caramel?
While you can skip the caramel, it’s what gives the brownies their signature flavor. You might want to try adding extra chocolate for a similar effect.
How Can I Adjust The Saltiness Of Jamie Oliver’s Salted Caramel Brownies?
If you prefer less salt, just reduce the amount in the caramel. You can always taste and adjust it before baking.