Description
Salty-sweet Pretzel Bottom Caramel Brownies combine chocolate richness with crunchy pretzel layers. German chocolate traditions inspire this delectable dessert that invites you to savor complex flavor profiles.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (about 2 cups whole) pretzels, crushed
- ½ cup butter, unsalted, melted
- ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup butter, unsalted
- 1 cup chocolate chips, semi-sweet
- 1.25 cups sugar, granulated
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 eggs, large
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup flour, all-purpose
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
- 2 tbsps heavy cream
- sea salt, flaky (optional)
Instructions
- Pretzel Crust Preparation: Pulverize pretzels into fine crumbs, blending with melted butter and brown sugar until uniformly mixed. Press the mixture firmly into a greased 9×9-inch baking pan, creating a compact base layer.
- Crust Toasting: Roast the pretzel crust in a preheated 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes until achieving a golden, crisp texture.
- Caramel Crafting: In a saucepan, gently melt butter and whisk in brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Simmer the mixture, stirring continuously until it thickens and develops a rich, glossy consistency.
- Caramel Layer Application: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce evenly over the baked pretzel crust, allowing it to settle and slightly cool.
- Brownie Batter Assembly: Mix brownie batter according to package instructions, integrating eggs, oil, and water. For an extra indulgent touch, fold in chocolate chips to elevate the flavor profile.
- Layering and Baking: Pour the brownie mixture over the caramel layer, spreading gently to ensure an even surface. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge with minimal moist crumbs.
- Cooling and Setting: Allow brownies to cool completely in the pan for 30 minutes. Refrigerate for one hour to stabilize the caramel layer and enhance the overall texture.
- Serving: Slice into precise squares and serve chilled to maximize flavor and structural integrity.
Notes
- Crush Pretzels Precisely: Use a food processor for uniformly fine crumbs, ensuring a consistent and crispy crust that binds perfectly.
- Control Caramel Consistency: Whisk continuously while simmering to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy caramel sauce with balanced sweetness.
- Check Brownie Moisture: Test doneness with the toothpick method, aiming for minimal moist crumbs to guarantee a fudgy yet fully cooked texture.
- Chill for Stability: Refrigerate brownies for at least an hour to set the caramel layer and enhance flavor melding, creating cleaner slices and richer taste profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 17
- Calories: 298
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 145 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 58 mg