Salted Caramel Pumpkin Brownies – Irresistible Dessert

Spread the love

Have you ever wondered how the combination of pumpkin and chocolate can create a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent? If you’re looking for a treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth while embracing the flavors of fall, then our Salted Caramel Pumpkin Brownies are the answer! These brownies blend the rich essence of pumpkin with the decadence of chocolate and the delightful sweetness of salted caramel. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this irresistible dessert!

Ingredients List

To whip up these scrumptious Salted Caramel Pumpkin Brownies, gather the following ingredients:

  • For the Brownies:
    • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 1 cup packed brown sugar
    • 4 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
    • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger)
  • For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
    • 1/2 cup heavy cream
    • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Substitutions:

  • Butter: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
  • Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
  • Pumpkin: Sweet potato puree can work as a tasty alternative.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
  3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Pumpkin

  1. Fold in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice until evenly distributed. This will give your brownies a moist texture and a hint of fall flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Brownies

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
  2. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the butter until melted.
  3. Gradually add the heavy cream, continuing to whisk until smooth. Stir in the sea salt.

Step 6: Assemble

  1. Once the brownies are baked and cooled, drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the top.
  2. Allow the brownies to set for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content per serving (1 brownie):

  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 20g
  • Protein: 3g

Nutritional Insights:

  • Rich in antioxidants from cocoa and pumpkin.
  • Contains healthy fats from butter and optional coconut oil.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to lighten up this recipe without sacrificing flavor, consider these substitutions:

  • Use Whole Wheat Flour: Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat for added fiber.
  • Reduce Sugar: Cut the sugar by 25% or use a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit.
  • Add Nuts: Incorporate walnuts or pecans for healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.

Serving Suggestions

These Salted Caramel Pumpkin Brownies are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways:

  • À la Mode: Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
  • With Whipped Cream: Serve with freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
  • Garnished: Drizzle with extra salted caramel and sprinkle with chopped nuts for added texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Overmixing the Batter: This can lead to dense brownies. Mix just until combined.
  2. Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precision.
  3. Skipping the Cooling Time: Allow the brownies to cool for the best texture and flavor.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

To keep your brownies fresh and delicious:

  • Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Refrigeration: For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

Conclusion

In summary, these Salted Caramel Pumpkin Brownies are a must-try dessert that combines rich flavors with a delightful texture. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to try it out, and share your feedback in the comments below! Subscribe for more delicious recipes and updates!

FAQs

Q1: Can I make these brownies gluten-free?

A: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Q2: How can I make the caramel sauce vegan?

A: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan butter instead of regular butter.

Q3: What can I use instead of pumpkin puree?

A: Sweet potato puree or even applesauce can work as great alternatives.

Salted Caramel Pumpkin Brownies

Salted Caramel Pumpkin Brownies
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Brownies:
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree (canned or fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger)
  • For the Salted Caramel Sauce:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

    Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth.
  3. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Incorporate Pumpkin

  1. Fold in the pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice until evenly distributed. This will give your brownies a moist texture and a hint of fall flavor.

Step 4: Bake the Brownies

  1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Make the Salted Caramel Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color.
  2. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in the butter until melted.
  3. Gradually add the heavy cream, continuing to whisk until smooth. Stir in the sea salt.

Step 6: Assemble

  1. Once the brownies are baked and cooled, drizzle the salted caramel sauce generously over the top.
  2. Allow the brownies to set for about 10 minutes before slicing into squares.
© Lily Cooking