I remember the first time I stumbled across Jamie Oliver’s Salted Caramel Brownies recipe. It was a rainy Saturday, and I was in the mood for something indulgent. I had all the basic brownie ingredients on hand, but this recipe caught my eye because of its decadent twist-salted caramel. I’m not typically one for sweet and salty combos, but something about the rich caramel, with a hit of salt, intrigued me. Long story short, it ended up being one of the most satisfying bakes I’d ever made. The brownies were moist, rich, and had a perfect contrast of flavors that kept me coming back for more.
Jamie’s approach to food is all about simplicity, creativity, and flavor. This recipe embodies that philosophy, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a favorite.
Jamie Oliver’s Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe
This recipe is pure indulgence with a touch of sophistication. It brings together two classic dessert elements-brownies and caramel-into a treat that feels like an upgrade from your average chocolate brownie. What’s great about it is that it’s easy enough for a beginner baker but impressive enough for a dinner party or family get-together.
The brownie base itself is moist and fudgy. It has a deep chocolate flavor that’s complemented by the rich salted caramel. There’s an extra layer of texture that comes from the caramel swirled into the brownie batter. The salt gives the brownies a perfect balance, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the chocolate flavor.
Ingredients Needed
Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need. I remember the first time I made this, I had to run to the store to grab a few things I didn’t have, like sea salt. But after making this recipe, I knew it would be worth the extra effort.
- Butter (unsalted) – The key to a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture in the brownies.
- Dark chocolate – I use 70% cocoa for a deep flavor, but you can adjust this depending on how rich or sweet you want it.
- Light brown sugar – Adds sweetness and a bit of molasses flavor to the brownies.
- Eggs – A critical ingredient for structure, giving the brownies that soft, gooey texture.
- Vanilla extract – This elevates the overall flavor, giving it a nice, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour – Helps bind everything together for a nice, dense consistency.
- Baking powder – Gives the brownies a little lift.
- Sea salt – This is the magic ingredient. The saltiness balances the sweetness of the caramel.
- Sweetened condensed milk – Used to make the caramel sauce creamy and smooth.
- Golden syrup (or light corn syrup) – Adds a rich sweetness to the caramel, giving it that lovely texture.
- Heavy cream – For making the caramel extra smooth.
- More sea salt for topping – To finish off the salted caramel brownie experience.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Salted Caramel Brownies
Now, let’s get to the fun part-baking these delicious brownies. I still remember the excitement I felt as the caramel bubbled up in the pan, filling the kitchen with the most amazing smell. Here’s how to make them:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease and line a baking tin with parchment paper.
- Melt the chocolate and butter together in a bowl over simmering water. Stir occasionally until smooth and melted. Remove from heat.
- Mix the sugar, eggs, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Add the melted chocolate and butter mixture, then whisk it all together until combined.
- Sift the flour and baking powder into the wet mixture. Stir until you have a smooth batter.
- Pour the batter into the tin, spreading it evenly.
- Make the salted caramel: In a saucepan, melt butter, sugar, and golden syrup. Once it’s all melted, add the condensed milk and bring it to a simmer, stirring until the caramel thickens.
- Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for that extra zing.
- Spoon the caramel onto the brownie batter in dollops, then swirl it gently into the batter with a knife.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes. The brownies should look set on top but still slightly gooey in the center.
- Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt once the brownies have cooled slightly.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
One of the coolest things about this recipe is how the ingredients interact with each other. It’s a perfect balance of science and art. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Butter and chocolate: When you melt them together, the fat in the butter helps the chocolate maintain its smooth texture. This creates the fudgy consistency in the brownies.
- Eggs: Eggs provide structure. The proteins in the eggs help the brownies hold their shape while still keeping them soft and gooey.
- Flour and baking powder: The flour provides structure, while the baking powder gives a lightness to the batter. Too much baking powder, though, and the brownies could rise too much and become cake-like, so it’s all about balance.
- Caramel chemistry: The sugar and butter create a Maillard reaction as they cook, developing a deeper flavor. The condensed milk adds richness, while the heavy cream smooths out the texture, making it velvety.
Expert Tips
- Go slow with the caramel: Don’t rush the caramel-making process. If it’s too fast, it can crystallize. Let it simmer and thicken slowly, stirring constantly.
- Use high-quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the brownie. Invest in good dark chocolate-it makes all the difference.
- Don’t overbake: Brownies are meant to be soft in the center, so check them early to avoid overbaking. A slight wobble in the center is perfect.
- Let them cool: Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing. This helps the caramel set, so it doesn’t just spill out.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is flexible and can be customized based on your taste:
- Add nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts add a lovely crunch.
- Make it extra chocolaty: Add chocolate chips to the batter for an even richer brownie.
- Swirl in other flavors: You could add a bit of espresso powder to the batter for a mocha flavor or a touch of orange zest for a citrusy twist.
Final Words
This recipe is one of those that impresses every time. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience. The rich, fudgy brownies, paired with the gooey salted caramel, create a flavor that’s absolutely addictive. Once you make them, I guarantee you’ll be making them again and again.
FAQs
How Do I Make The Salted Caramel For Jamie Oliver’s Brownies?
To make the salted caramel, melt butter and sugar in a pan until golden. Add double cream and a pinch of salt, then stir until smooth and thick.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Chocolate For Jamie Oliver’s Brownies?
Yes, you can use dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference. Just make sure it’s good quality for the best flavor.
How Do I Prevent The Brownies From Being Too Dry?
Don’t overbake the brownies. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when they are slightly fudgy in the middle.