Salted Caramel Brownie from Milk Bar features a rich, fudgy chocolate brownie layered with gooey salted caramel and topped with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, delivering a decadent blend of sweet and savory flavors with a moist, chewy texture.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Electric mixer
- Saucepan
- Silicone spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Offset spatula (optional for layering caramel)
- Cooling rack
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 8 oz (226g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (30g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar (for caramel)
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter (for caramel)
- 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt (plus more for topping)
Using high-quality bittersweet chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content enhances the rich, fudgy texture essential to the Salted Caramel Brownie. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness throughout both the brownie and caramel layers, balancing the sweet and savory flavors perfectly. Heavy cream with full fat content is critical for creating a smooth, luscious homemade caramel that pairs well with the chewy brownie base. Make sure to use flaky sea salt for the finishing touch, which provides a subtle crunch and elevates the overall taste profile. Your Salted Caramel Brownie from Milk Bar copycat will capture the signature moistness and layered caramel flavors that make this dessert iconic.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking pan with parchment paper.
- Melt 1 cup butter and bittersweet chocolate together in a saucepan, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined and slightly thickened.
- Add melted chocolate mixture into egg mixture; whisk to combine.
- Sift in flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and fine sea salt; fold with a silicone spatula until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the center is just set. Let cool completely in the pan.
- To make caramel, heat 1 cup granulated sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until melted and amber-colored.
- Carefully whisk in heavy cream (mixture will bubble). Stir until smooth.
- Stir in 6 tbsp butter and 1 tsp flaky sea salt until melted and combined.
- Cool caramel to room temperature until thickened but spreadable.
- Spread a generous layer of salted caramel over cooled brownies using an offset spatula.
- Sprinkle extra flaky sea salt evenly on top.
- Chill briefly to set caramel, then slice with a sharp knife.
- Serve and enjoy.
Substitution
Salted Caramel Brownie from Milk Bar copycat menu allows for some flexibility in ingredient substitution to accommodate what you have on hand. If bittersweet chocolate is unavailable, semisweet chocolate can be used as a substitute without drastically altering the fudgy texture. For the heavy cream required to make the caramel, you can use full-fat coconut milk, which will yield a similar creamy consistency with a slightly different flavor profile. When replacing unsalted butter, be mindful to reduce any added salt to maintain the balance of sweet and savory in the brownie. If you don't have flaky sea salt for topping, a sprinkle of kosher salt can provide an effective salty contrast.
Tips
Ensure the melted chocolate and butter mixture is only slightly cooled before combining with the egg mixture to prevent curdling, which can affect the brownie's texture. You should sift the dry ingredients to avoid lumps and gently fold to maintain the batter's aeration for a tender crumb. When cooking the caramel, watch the sugar closely to avoid burning and cautiously add heavy cream as it will bubble intensely. Use a sharp knife for slicing the chilled brownie to achieve clean edges without tearing the caramel layer.
Nutritions
Salted Caramel Brownies from Milk Bar provide a calorie-dense treat rich in fats and sugars due to ingredients like unsalted butter, heavy cream, and granulated sugar. The bittersweet chocolate offers antioxidants and some dietary fiber, while the sea salt enhances flavor without adding significant sodium content when used moderately. Your indulgence in this dessert should consider its high saturated fat and sugar levels, which contribute to energy but may impact heart health if consumed excessively. Balancing this brownie with nutrient-rich meals can help you enjoy its decadent taste as part of a varied diet.
Storage
Store your Salted Caramel Brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their moist, chewy texture. For longer freshness, refrigerate the brownies tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to a week, ensuring the caramel layer remains intact. When ready to serve, bring the brownies to room temperature to enjoy the rich fudgy chocolate and gooey salted caramel at their best.
Variation or Alternatives
You can enhance the Salted Caramel Brownie by substituting bittersweet chocolate with dark chocolate of at least 70% cocoa for a richer, slightly more intense flavor. Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour to add a subtle nutty note and increase moisture. For a quicker caramel, use store-bought salted caramel sauce instead of making caramel from scratch, ensuring to still sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for that signature finish.
Allergies
The Salted Caramel Brownie contains common allergens such as eggs, dairy (unsalted butter and heavy cream), and gluten from all-purpose flour. If you have sensitivities to chocolate or cocoa, these could also trigger a reaction. Your safest option is to avoid this dessert if you have any known allergies to these ingredients.
Why this recipe?
The Salted Caramel Brownie from Milk Bar restaurant combines rich chocolate brownie with a perfect balance of sweet caramel and a hint of sea salt, creating a unique flavor profile that delights the palate. Its fudgy texture and gooey caramel make every bite indulgent and satisfying, appealing to both chocolate and caramel lovers. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to recreate this gourmet dessert at home, saving money while customizing sweetness and salt levels to your preference. Your homemade brownie captures the iconic taste of Milk Bar's signature treat, impressing friends and enhancing your baking skills.