Chocolate Salted Butterscotch Brownies

Featured in Sweet Treats to Satisfy Any Craving.

Rich chocolate brownies with a swirl of butterscotch, drizzled in chocolate, and sprinkled with flaky salt for the ultimate treat.

Barbara Chef
Updated on Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:11:35 GMT
Close-up of glossy chocolate brownies with caramel bits on top. Pin it
Close-up of glossy chocolate brownies with caramel bits on top. | cookwithcarla.com

I've spent countless hours in my kitchen perfecting these Chocolate Salted Butterscotch Brownies - they're my pride and joy. The mix of deep chocolate flavor with sweet, melty butterscotch hits just right. My family can smell them baking from anywhere in the house and comes running. What began as me playing around with ingredients has become the treat everyone begs me to make. That combo of fudgy chocolate base, sweet butterscotch swirls, and that pinch of sea salt works like magic.

What Makes These Brownies Stand Out

These brownies aren't your average dessert. I've made them over and over to nail down exactly what works - that gooey middle part with slightly crunchy edges, little pockets of butterscotch running through, and just enough salt to make every flavor pop. Folks who try them tell me they've given up store-bought brownies completely. It's basic comfort food turned into something you won't forget.

Getting The Timing Just Right

I've got this down pat in my kitchen now. You'll need about twenty minutes to mix everything while your oven heats up, then thirty-five minutes of baking that'll make your whole house smell amazing. After that comes the hardest part - waiting twenty minutes while they cool down. But hang in there - wait it out and you'll get that perfect brownie texture.

Foundation First

Everything starts with getting the brownie base right. I mix cocoa powder with melted chocolate to get tons of flavor. Your eggs should be sitting out beforehand so they blend smoothly with the melted butter, and using two different sugars makes everything taste better. Don't skip adding vanilla - it really brings out all the other flavors.

Butterscotch Twist

This homemade butterscotch changed my brownie game completely. You'll watch butter melt with brown sugar, then add cream at just the right second - each step counts. The sauce turns golden and smooth, ready to swirl through your brownies. When you add that splash of vanilla to the warm mixture, your kitchen will smell unbelievable.

Mixing It Together

You need a light touch when mixing brownie batter. I've made so many batches and learned that stirring too much makes them tough. Every ingredient does something important - the melted butter adds richness while the sugars help with texture. When your batter looks thick and shiny, you know good things are coming.

A square glass pan holding brownies covered with glossy chocolate topping and butterscotch chunks scattered across the surface. Pin it
A square glass pan holding brownies covered with glossy chocolate topping and butterscotch chunks scattered across the surface. | cookwithcarla.com

Whipping Up The Drizzle

Making butterscotch sauce takes time and focus. I keep an eye on the butter and sugar as they change color and smell fantastic. Adding cream works like magic - suddenly you've got this smooth, silky sauce. My kitchen smells so good during this part that my family usually wanders in hoping to get a taste.

Building The Treats

Putting these brownies together feels like making something artistic. You've got to pay attention to each part - first some brownie mix, then butterscotch drizzles, more brownie stuff, then final swirls on top. I love seeing the butterscotch make cool patterns throughout. This way, you get all those flavors in every single bite.

Watching Them Bake

You can't just set it and forget it with these brownies. I like watching through the oven door as the top gets that slight crinkle. Testing them is key - you want some moist crumbs on your toothpick, not totally clean. Waiting twenty minutes after baking seems like forever but it's worth it for that perfect texture.

Adding Last Bits

Those little extras really make these brownies pop. A bit of sea salt sprinkled on top, maybe some extra melted chocolate drizzled around - they aren't just for looks, they make everything taste better. I never get tired of seeing someone's face light up when they first see these brownies.

Ingredients Count

The stuff you put in matters big time. Good cocoa makes your brownies taste richer, and quality butter gives them the right feel. Don't skimp on the heavy cream - you need the full-fat kind for smooth butterscotch. All these things work together to make something that tastes amazing.

Smart Baking Tricks

I've learned loads from years of baking. Measuring flour the right way keeps brownies from getting too dense, gentle mixing keeps them soft, and watching the clock carefully gives you that perfect gooey middle. These little things might not seem important, but they really make a difference.

Square brownies arranged in a glass container with butterscotch pieces scattered on the chocolate surface. Pin it
Square brownies arranged in a glass container with butterscotch pieces scattered on the chocolate surface. | cookwithcarla.com

Ways To Enjoy Them

You can eat these brownies lots of different ways. Try them warm with a scoop of ice cream for something fancy, cut them small for party snacks, or stack them with whipped cream for a fancy dessert. Each way gives you a new take on these awesome flavors.

Mix It Up

My kitchen has seen all sorts of twists on this recipe. Throw in some nuts for crunch, add coffee powder to boost the chocolate taste, or try different chocolate types for new flavors. My readers share their own changes too - everyone brings something new to the table.

Keeping Them Fresh

These brownies stay good if you store them right. I wrap single pieces for the freezer - perfect when sudden chocolate cravings hit. They'll stay fresh for days in a sealed container at room temp, though they rarely last that long in my house.

Lighter Versions

Sometimes I tweak the recipe for different diets. Coconut sugar works really well, and whole wheat flour adds some nutrition without ruining the taste. You can try plant-based swaps too - it's all about keeping that amazing texture and flavor balance.

Going All Out

When I'm feeling fancy, I'll top these with extras. A spoonful of whipped cream, more butterscotch drizzle, or a handful of chocolate chips makes them even more decadent. Often the simplest additions make the biggest difference.

Texture Contrast

The mix of textures makes these brownies stand out. Sometimes I throw in chopped nuts or bits of toffee for some crunch. The way these crunchy bits work with the soft brownie and smooth butterscotch makes eating them so much better.

Great For Giving

These brownies make wonderful presents. I love wrapping them up for friends and family and seeing how happy they look when they see what's inside. They work great for any celebration or just to show someone you care.

Great Combinations

The right drink makes these brownies even better. Red wine brings out the chocolate flavors, while coffee balances the sweetness. Sometimes the easiest pairing - just a cold glass of milk - makes for the best dessert moment.

Chocolate brownies filled in a glass dish with scattered nut pieces on top, resting on wooden background. Pin it
Chocolate brownies filled in a glass dish with scattered nut pieces on top, resting on wooden background. | cookwithcarla.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why are room temp eggs better?

Warm eggs mix smoothly into the batter, giving you a soft and perfect texture.

→ Can I skip the caramel layer?

Sure, but the rich caramel taste from the butterscotch gives these brownies their unique flavor.

→ What’s special about flaky salt?

It adds a tiny crunch and makes the chocolate and caramel flavors pop.

→ How do I tell when it's ready?

If the toothpick pulls out with a few sticky crumbs, they're ready. Leave them too long, and they might dry out!

→ Is freezing these brownies okay?

Definitely! Wrap them tightly and keep them frozen for a max of 3 months. Thaw before serving.

Conclusion

Rich chocolate brownies with a swirl of butterscotch, drizzled in chocolate, and sprinkled with flaky salt for the ultimate treat.

Salted Butterscotch Brownies

Homemade butterscotch sauce swirled into fudgy brownies, sprinkled with sea salt for that ideal salty-sweet balance.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
55 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 pieces)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter.
02 Packed 1/2 cup light brown sugar.
03 Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup.
04 2 large eggs, at room temp.
05 1 tsp vanilla extract.
06 2/3 cup plain flour.
07 1/3 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened).
08 1/4 tsp salt.
09 1/2 tsp baking powder.
10 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips.
11 1/2 cup butter for making butterscotch.
12 For butterscotch: 3/4 cup brown sugar.
13 1/4 cup cream (heavy).
14 For butterscotch: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
15 Optional: 1/4 cup chocolate chips for topping.
16 Flaky sea salt to finish.

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven at 350°F and line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

Blend the wet stuff first, then mix in the sifted cocoa, flour, and baking powder with the chocolate chips.

Step 03

Cook butter, sugar, and cream for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the vanilla.

Step 04

Spread half the batter in your pan, drizzle the butterscotch, add the rest of the batter, and finish with more butterscotch swirls.

Step 05

Pop it in the oven for 30-35 minutes. A toothpick should have a few damp crumbs.

Step 06

Let it cool, drizzle melted chocolate on top if you want, and sprinkle sea salt to finish.

Notes

  1. Make sure your eggs aren't cold.
  2. Stop baking before overcooked.
  3. Can stay in the freezer for 3 months.

Tools You'll Need

  • Square pan (8x8 inch).
  • A saucepan.
  • Bowls for mixing.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy.
  • Contains eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 310
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 39 g
  • Protein: 4 g