There’s something magical about a brownie that can elevate your dessert game to new heights. Inspired by a late-night baking session, I decided to experiment with an espresso infusion and a luscious sea salt caramel swirl. The result? A decadent treat that’s rich, gooey, and just the right amount of sophisticated. Let’s dive into this modern twist on a classic brownie!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon finely ground espresso beans
- 1/2 cup sea salt caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan. To create a non-stick surface, you can line the pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it as well.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter in 30-second intervals until completely melted. Let it cool slightly, then whisk in the granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, salt, and finely ground espresso beans. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in the dark chocolate chips for that extra touch of indulgence.
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Drizzle half of the sea salt caramel sauce over the batter, then use a knife to swirl it together gently. Pour the remaining brownie batter on top and repeat the caramel swirling process.
Now for the fun part! Using a kitchen torch, carefully toast the top of the brownies for a few seconds to create a slightly crispy layer. This step adds texture and a touch of elegance to your brownies.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, slice into squares and serve. For that final touch, drizzle additional sea salt caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with sea salt. These brownies are perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a cozy night in!
Enjoy your gourmet espresso infused brownies, and remember: the best desserts are those made with a sprinkle of creativity and a dash of love!