Go Back
To make these salted caramel pretzel brownies, gather the following items: - 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 cocoa powder - 1 teaspoon baking powder - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 cup pretzel pieces (plus extra for topping) - 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Sea salt flakes for garnish If you need to make swaps, here are some ideas: - Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option. - Swap granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index. - For gluten-free brownies, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. - Brands like Ghirardelli are great for cocoa powder. - Look for high-quality caramel sauces like Torani or homemade if you prefer. Measuring your ingredients right is key for great brownies. Here are some tips: - Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugar. - Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. This avoids packing. - For sticky ingredients like brown sugar, pack it firmly into the cup for accuracy. - When measuring liquids, use a clear liquid measuring cup and check at eye level. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures even baking. Next, take a 9x13 inch baking pan. Grease it well with butter or cooking spray. Then, line the bottom and sides with parchment paper. Leave some extra paper hanging over the sides. This will help you lift out the brownies easily later. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of melted unsalted butter, 2 cups of granulated sugar, and 1 cup of packed brown sugar. Whisk these until the mix is smooth. It should look glossy. Now, add 4 large eggs, one at a time. Make sure to whisk well after each egg. This helps the batter become fluffy. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until it blends in completely. In another bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of cocoa powder, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Gradually fold this dry mix into your wet ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until you see no flour streaks. Be careful not to overmix. This keeps the brownies nice and soft. Now, gently fold in 1 cup of pretzel pieces. Save a handful for later. These add a great crunch and salty flavor! Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Now, take half of your salted caramel sauce and drizzle it over the batter. This creates a tasty layer. Next, spread the rest of the brownie batter on top, covering the caramel. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over this layer. Use a toothpick or knife to swirl the caramel into the batter. This makes it look fancy! If you saved some pretzel pieces, sprinkle them on top. Add a few flakes of sea salt for extra flavor and texture. Now, place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check if they are done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs. Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan. After they cool completely, lift them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares for serving. To get that perfect brownie texture, focus on mixing. Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently. Overmixing can make them tough. When folding in the flour, stop as soon as you see no dry bits. This keeps your brownies soft and chewy. Also, check your oven's temperature with a thermometer. An accurate temperature ensures even baking. For more flavor, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts. They add richness and texture. You can also try a touch of espresso powder. It boosts the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee. If you like a hint of spice, add a pinch of cinnamon. This small change can make your brownies stand out. Avoid using cold eggs straight from the fridge. Room-temperature eggs mix better and help create a smoother batter. Don’t skip the parchment paper; it makes removing brownies easier. Lastly, be careful not to overbake. Check your brownies a few minutes early. They should have moist crumbs on the toothpick when done. Pro Tips Use Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature before adding them to the batter. This helps create a smoother mixture and results in fudgier brownies. Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the dry ingredients just until they are incorporated with the wet ingredients. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of the desired fudgy texture. Check for Doneness Carefully: Toothpick testing is key; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it’s clean, the brownies may be overbaked. Let Them Cool Completely: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before lifting them out. This helps them set and makes cutting into squares easier. {{image_4}} You can easily make these brownies gluten-free. Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. This blend works well in most recipes. Make sure to check if the blend contains xanthan gum, as this helps with texture. Always confirm that your other ingredients are gluten-free as well. Feel free to get creative with mix-ins. You can add chocolate chips for extra sweetness. Chopped nuts also add a nice crunch. Consider using mini pretzels for a fun twist. You can even add a swirl of peanut butter for a unique flavor. Just make sure not to overmix when you add these extras. To make these brownies vegan, you can substitute butter with coconut oil. Use flax eggs or applesauce in place of the eggs. For flax eggs, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. Use plant-based caramel sauce to keep it vegan-friendly. These swaps will keep the taste rich and delicious. To keep your salted caramel pretzel brownies fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If they last longer, refrigerate them. This keeps them moist and full of flavor. You can freeze these brownies for later enjoyment. First, let them cool completely. Then, cut them into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them at room temperature. Serve your brownies with a drizzle of caramel on top. Add a sprinkle of sea salt for the perfect touch. You can also pair them with ice cream for a delightful dessert. For a fun twist, try serving them warm. This will make the caramel gooey and the brownies extra rich. Enjoy! Yes, you can make these brownies ahead of time. They stay fresh for several days. After baking, let them cool completely. Then, store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce works great in these brownies. It adds a personal touch and unique flavor. Just make sure your sauce is thick enough to hold its shape when you drizzle it. If it's too runny, it might soak into the brownies. To check if your brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center. The toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs. If it comes out wet with batter, they need more time. Bake for 25-30 minutes, but keep an eye on them as ovens can vary. In this blog post, we covered all you need for perfect brownies. We explored ingredients, including substitutes and brands, and shared tips for measuring accurately. I gave clear steps for prep, mixing, and layering flavors. We discussed how to achieve the best texture and avoid common mistakes. Variations like gluten-free and vegan options allow everyone to enjoy brownies. Finally, I shared storage tips for leftovers and answered key FAQs. With this knowledge, you can make delicious brownies every time. Happy baking!

Salted Caramel Pretzel Brownies

Deliciously rich brownies with a layer of salted caramel and crunchy pretzel pieces.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 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 cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pretzel pieces (plus extra for topping)
  • 1 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • to taste sea salt flakes for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking pan by greasing it and lining the bottom and sides with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and the sugars are fully incorporated.
  • Add the eggs to the bowl, one at a time, whisking well after each addition to ensure even mixing. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined.
  • In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix just until no flour streaks remain, being careful not to overwork the batter.
  • Gently fold in the pretzel pieces, reserving a handful for sprinkling on top if desired. This addition provides a delightful crunch and saltiness.
  • Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom. Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the batter, creating an enticing layer of flavor.
  • Carefully add the remaining brownie batter on top, spreading it evenly to cover the caramel layer. Drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce over this layer and use a toothpick or knife to create beautiful swirls for an artistic touch.
  • If you held back some pretzel pieces, sprinkle them across the top of the batter along with a few flakes of sea salt for added texture and flavor.
  • Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter.
  • Once baked, allow the brownies to cool in the pan on a wire rack. After they’ve cooled completely, use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan and cut them into squares for serving.

Notes

For a decadent presentation, drizzle additional caramel sauce over the brownies before serving, and garnish with a sprinkle of sea salt flakes for an extra touch of elegance. Serve on a rustic wooden platter for a charming appeal.
Keyword brownies, caramel, dessert, pretzel