Salted Caramel Kahlua Recipes

If you’re a dessert lover with a penchant for rich flavors and gooey textures, Salted Caramel Kahlua Brownies are about to become your new favorite treat. These decadent brownies combine the deep, chocolatey goodness of classic brownies with the velvety sweetness of caramel, a touch of salt, and the unique coffee liqueur flavor of Kahlua. The result? A dessert that’s both sophisticated and satisfyingly indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a dinner party, a holiday gathering, or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making Salted Caramel Kahlua Brownies from scratch, including the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to ensure they come out perfect every time.

Why You’ll Love These Brownies

1. Decadent Flavor Combination: The blend of rich chocolate, sweet caramel, and a hint of coffee liqueur creates a complex and irresistible taste.

2. Perfect Texture: Fudgy, gooey, and just the right amount of chewy, these brownies are a texture lover’s dream.

3. Gourmet Touch: The addition of Kahlua and sea salt elevates these brownies to a more sophisticated level, making them suitable for special occasions.

4. Easy to Make: While they sound fancy, these brownies are surprisingly simple to prepare, even if you’re not an expert baker.

Now, let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients for Salted Caramel Kahlua Brownies

For the Brownies:

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup (60ml) Kahlua (coffee liqueur)
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1 cup (100g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder

For the Salted Caramel Sauce:

1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
6 tablespoons (90g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
1 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling on top)

Optional Garnish:

Chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
Extra sea salt for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Caramel Sauce

Making the salted caramel sauce first allows it to cool and thicken slightly before being drizzled over the brownies.

1. Melt the Sugar: Put the granulated sugar in a medium pot and heat it to medium. Using a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula, stir continuously. The sugar will clump at first, but keep stirring until it completely melts and turns a deep amber color.

2. Incorporate the Butter: Gently incorporate the butter (use caution as the mixture will boil up).. Stir until the butter is fully melted.

3. Add the Cream: Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Again, the mixture will bubble up. Continue to stir until the cream is fully incorporated.

4. Add Salt: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sea salt. While you make the brownies, let the caramel to cool somewhat.

Tip: If the caramel sauce is too thick after cooling, gently reheat it until it reaches a pourable consistency.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Use parchment paper to line a 9 x 13-inch (23 x 33 cm) baking sheet, leaving a small overhang on the sides for removal.

Step 3: Make the Brownie Batter

1. Melt the Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. This can be done in the microwave at 30-second intervals.

2. Add Sugar and Kahlua: Whisk the granulated sugar and Kahlua into the melted butter until combined.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Whisk thoroughly after adding each egg, one at a time. Add the vanilla extract and stir.

4. Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder.

5. incorporate Wet and Dry Mixtures: While swirling to just incorporate, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet components. The brownies may get very dense if you overmix them.

Step 4: Assemble the Brownies

1. Spread Batter: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.

2. Drizzle Caramel: Drizzle half of the salted caramel sauce over the batter.

3. Layer Remaining Batter: Spread the remaining brownie batter on top, smoothing it out gently.

4. Final Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top of the brownie batter and use a knife or skewer to create swirls.

5. Sprinkle with Sea Salt: Lightly sprinkle extra sea salt over the top for that perfect sweet-salty balance.

Step 5: Bake

The brownies should be baked for 35 to 40 minutes in a preheated oven. Put a toothpick in the middle to test for doneness. It should come out without wet batter, but with a few moist crumbs.

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting. This allows the caramel to set and makes slicing easier.

Tips for Perfect Salted Caramel Kahlua Brownies

1. Don’t Overbake: Brownies continue to cook slightly as they cool. Removing them while they’re still a bit fudgy ensures they stay moist and gooey.

2. Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cocoa powder and real butter for the best flavor.

3. Let Them Cool: Allowing the brownies to cool completely before cutting helps the caramel set and prevents a gooey mess.

4. Store Properly: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or refrigerate them for a longer shelf life. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.

5. Serving Suggestions: These brownies are divine on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-special treat.

Variations to Try

Booze-Free Version: If you prefer to skip the Kahlua, you can substitute it with strong brewed coffee or espresso for a similar flavor.

Nutty Delight: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a bit of crunch.
Double Chocolate: Mix in chocolate chips or chunks for an extra dose of chocolatey goodness.
Espresso Kick: Add 1 tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter to intensify the coffee flavor.

Final Thoughts

Salted Caramel Kahlua Brownies are the perfect fusion of rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and a touch of coffee liqueur. They’re indulgent, satisfying, and sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether you’re making these for a party, a special occasion, or just because, they’re bound to become a go-to recipe in your dessert repertoire.

So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to the irresistible flavors of Salted Caramel Kahlua Brownies. Happy baking!