Description
These Decadent Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies combine rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a salty crunch of pretzels and a luscious layer of caramel sauce. Perfectly gooey and indulgent, they offer a delightful balance of sweet and salty flavors that will satisfy any dessert craving.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Batter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (dark preferred)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (high-quality)
- 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Layers
- 2 cups pretzels (regular or chocolate-covered)
- 3/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the room temperature butter with the granulated and brown sugars until smooth and well combined, creating a rich base for the brownies. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a uniform batter.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to remove lumps and evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet batter, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender brownie texture.
- Layer batter, pretzels, and caramel: Spread half of the prepared brownie batter evenly in the baking pan. Layer the pretzels over the batter and drizzle the caramel sauce generously on top, creating a gooey, crunchy middle layer.
- Top with remaining batter: Pour the remaining brownie batter over the layered pretzels and caramel, spreading gently so as not to disturb the layers beneath.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out slightly sticky but not wet, ensuring the brownies remain fudgy.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan to let the caramel set slightly before cutting into squares and serving.
Notes
- Using room temperature butter helps to incorporate the sugars properly for a smooth batter.
- Do not overmix after adding flour to avoid tough brownies.
- You can use regular or chocolate-covered pretzels for variation in flavor and texture.
- For homemade caramel, a simple salted caramel sauce complements the salty-sweet contrast well.
- Allow brownies to cool fully to make cutting easier and prevent caramel from oozing out.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
