It might only be Tuesday, BUT since it’s Halloween week, we’re keeping things sweet. Honestly, these brownies are just perfect. Everything from their taste, texture, and ease to make are so good. Asher has officially declared them the best brownies yet. And she is a die-hard for the classic crinkle top brownie. She likes to say she doesn’t like caramel, but I’m quoting her word for word here… “these are really GOOD”. These are indulgent, but come this time next week, we’ll have entered into the holiday season. And as I always say, anything goes when it’s the holidays. Especially over-the-top sweets.
The idea
This is a version of a brownie I made a while ago. I’m talking almost eight years ago. But it’s been a brownie that has been in the back of my mind for what feels like forever now. I just love the thought of an extra crinkly and very fudgy espresso hinted brownie stuffed with sweet, creamy Nutella and salted caramel. It reminds me of a fancy latte or mug of hot chocolate.
Here are the details – to make the caramel
This caramel doesn’t need any special equipment. You just need four simple ingredients…sugar, butter, heavy cream, and salt. Melt the sugar until it is amber in color, then add the butter and cream. Bring the caramel to a boil stirring until it has thickened and easily coats the back of your spoon. Next, add a pinch of sea salt. Nothing fancy, but so delicious. I like to pop the caramel into the freezer to quickly firm it up and then break it into squares.
Make the brownies
Melt the butter and chocolate together, then add sugar, Kahlua, vanilla, and instant espresso. Next, whisk in the eggs. This is the KEY to getting that extra crinkly top. The eggs should have lots of bubbles on them before you stir them into the chocolate mix. Then add flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. And done!
Now layer
One layer of brownie batter, spoonfuls of Nutella, then finish with brownie batter. Now grab those pieces of caramel and stick them into the top of the brownies. Bake until just set and the caramel is bubbling up in the brownie. As the brownies bake, the caramel melts into the batter, almost disappearing. They give the brownies a delicious salty-sweet caramel flavor. And the Nutella…it melts into pockets of deliciousness. Add a little sea salt on top and…well, you really can’t beat these brownies. They’re perfect – gooey, sweet, very chocolatey, and extra special. Everything you need to make a real crowd pleaser! Looking for other fall sweets? Here are my favorites: Salted Caramel Brûlée Latte Chai Latte Cupcakes with Caramel Brulée Frosting Chocolate Covered Brown Butter Millionaire’s Bars Lastly, if you make these Caramel Mocha Nutella Brownies be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
