Jamie Oliver Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe [Tips & Tricks]
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I remember the first time I tasted a salted caramel brownie – it was like a sweet and salty explosion in my mouth. The rich chocolate met with the gooey caramel and that tiny pinch of salt? Pure magic. When I stumbled across Jamie Oliver’s recipe, I knew I had to try it. Jamie’s recipes always feel like a warm invite to my kitchen. They’re simple, thoughtful, and packed with flavor. This salted caramel brownie? It’s no exception.
- It’s not just a brownie; it’s a whole experience.
- Rich, chewy, gooey, and with just the right saltiness.
- Perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself on a lazy afternoon.
If you love desserts that hit all the right notes, this recipe is a must.
Jamie Oliver’s Salted Caramel Brownies Recipe
Jamie’s approach to these brownies is straightforward but clever. He balances intense chocolate with a homemade salted caramel layer that melts into the batter as it bakes. The result? A chewy, fudgy base with pockets of caramel and that addictive hint of salt.
- The caramel isn’t store-bought; it’s made fresh with sugar, butter, and cream.
- The salt is sprinkled at the end to bring out all the flavors without overpowering.
- It’s about layering textures and flavors in one perfect bite.
You don’t need to be a pro baker to nail this. Jamie’s instructions guide you every step of the way.
Ingredients Needed
Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need:
-
For The Brownie Base
- Dark chocolate (Jamie prefers 70% cocoa for depth)
- Unsalted butter
- Caster sugar (for that perfect sweetness)
- Eggs (large, room temperature)
- Plain flour (for structure)
- Cocoa powder (to boost the chocolate flavor)
-
For The Salted Caramel
- Granulated sugar (the base for caramel)
- Butter (adds creaminess)
- Double cream (makes caramel rich and smooth)
- Sea salt flakes (to finish and balance the sweetness)
-
Optional
- Vanilla extract (to enhance the caramel)
- Chopped nuts (if you want some crunch)
Simple, accessible, but high-quality ingredients work best here.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Salted Caramel Brownies
This is the fun part! Here’s the step-by-step that Jamie recommends:
-
Make The Caramel
- Melt sugar gently in a pan until golden and smooth.
- Stir in butter and cream slowly.
- Cook a bit longer until thickened.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
-
Prepare The Brownie Batter
- Melt chocolate and butter together until silky.
- Whisk sugar and eggs until pale and fluffy.
- Fold in the melted chocolate mix.
- Sift in flour and cocoa powder, fold gently.
-
Assemble
- Pour half the brownie batter into the tin.
- Drizzle the salted caramel over it.
- Add the rest of the brownie batter on top.
- Swirl slightly with a knife to create a marbled effect.
-
Bake
- Bake in a preheated oven at around 180°C (350°F) for 20-25 minutes.
- The brownies should be slightly underbaked inside for that fudgy texture.
-
Finish
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes on top while warm.
- Let cool before slicing.
The key is to watch the caramel – don’t rush it, and don’t burn the sugar!
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Have you ever wondered why caramel has that silky texture? It’s all chemistry, really.
- Sugar caramelization: When sugar heats up, it melts and breaks down into simpler compounds that taste nutty, sweet, and rich.
- Butter and cream: These fats add moisture and smoothness, preventing caramel from hardening like candy.
- Salt: It amplifies sweetness by balancing bitterness and richness, making flavors pop.
On the brownie side:
- Cocoa powder adds intense chocolate flavor without extra fat.
- Eggs bind everything and add moisture, helping the fudgy texture.
- Butter provides richness and keeps the brownie tender.
Understanding this mix helps you tweak the recipe if you want. Science is delicious!
Expert Tips
Jamie’s recipes are great, but here’s what I’ve learned from making salted caramel brownies a dozen times:
- Use good-quality chocolate. It really makes a difference in flavor and texture.
- Don’t overbake – the brownie should wobble a bit when you take it out. It’ll set as it cools.
- Make the caramel slowly; patience is key to avoid bitterness.
- Use flaky sea salt for the final sprinkle – the crunch and flavor are worth it.
- Let the brownies cool completely before slicing to avoid a messy cut.
These tips take your brownie from good to unforgettable.
Recipe Variations
Feeling adventurous? Try these tweaks:
- Nutty twist: Add toasted pecans or walnuts to the batter.
- Chocolate chips: Fold dark or white chocolate chunks into the batter for extra gooey pockets.
- Spiced caramel: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder to the caramel for a warming kick.
- Vegan version: Swap butter for coconut oil and eggs for flax eggs. Use dairy-free cream in caramel.
- Salted caramel sauce drizzle: Make extra caramel and drizzle on top when serving.
Mix and match to find your perfect combo.
Final Words
Making Jamie Oliver’s Salted Caramel Brownies is more than baking; it’s a journey of flavors and textures that will wow anyone lucky enough to try them. The balance of sweet and salty, soft and gooey, makes these brownies unforgettable. Whether you bake them for a party or a quiet night in, they’ll always deliver joy.
FAQs
What Makes Jamie Oliver’s Salted Caramel Brownies So Special?
The combination of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a touch of sea salt makes these brownies irresistible!
Can I Use Dark Chocolate Instead Of Milk Chocolate?
Yes! Dark chocolate will give your brownies a deeper, richer flavor.
How Do I Make The Salted Caramel For These Brownies?
To make the caramel, melt sugar until golden, then mix in butter and cream, and finish with a pinch of sea salt.
Can I Use A Different Type Of Salt If I Don’t Have Sea Salt?
You can, but sea salt adds a nice crunch and flavor. Regular salt is fine in a pinch.
How Do I Know When The Brownies Are Fully Cooked?
A toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
Can I Freeze These Salted Caramel Brownies?
Yes! You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
Can I Use Pre-made Caramel For This Recipe?
You could, but homemade caramel really adds something special to these brownies.
What Can I Serve With These Brownies?
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs perfectly!
How Do I Store Leftover Salted Caramel Brownies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the flour for a gluten-free flour blend.
