One-Bowl Salted Caramel Brownie Bars

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-30 · Updated 2026-06-30

Fudgy brownie bars swirled with homemade salted caramel, baked in one bowl for simplicity and rich flavor. This American-inspired recipe, ready in about 45 minutes, layers unsalted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 16, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup, packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup, store-bought or homemade salted caramel sauce
• 1/2 tsp, for topping sea salt flakes

The bakeware we’d bake this in → Best Bakeware Sets in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
2. Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1/2 cup unsalted butter for 45 seconds; stir in 1 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar until combined.
3. Step 3: Add 2 large eggs and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture; whisk vigorously until smooth and glossy.
4. Step 4: Sift together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/4 tsp salt; fold the dry ingredients gently into the wet mixture until no streaks remain.
5. Step 5: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and smooth evenly. Drizzle 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce over the batter, then dollop the remaining brownie batter on top.
6. Step 6: Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the caramel through the batter to create a marbled effect.
7. Step 7: Bake for 28-32 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs but no wet batter.
8. Step 8: Remove from oven and immediately drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup salted caramel sauce over the warm brownies, then sprinkle 1/2 tsp sea salt flakes evenly on top.
9. Step 9: Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before slicing into 16 bars.