Description
Delight in rich, fudgy Turtle Brownies topped with a luscious homemade caramel sauce, chocolate chips, and crunchy pecans. These brownies feature a perfectly balanced combination of cocoa, coffee granules for depth, and a signature caramel topping, making them an indulgent treat for any dessert lover.
Ingredients
Scale
Brownies
- 10 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp instant coffee granules
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 2 whole large eggs, cold
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips, plus more for topping
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, plus more for topping
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 or 8×8 inch baking pan with aluminum foil, then lightly grease with butter or spray with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and cook, stirring often, until it turns a light brown caramel color and gives off a nutty aroma, about 5-10 minutes. Be cautious to prevent burning. Using a light-colored pan helps monitor the color.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Pour the browned butter into a large bowl. Add granulated sugar, light brown sugar, cocoa powder, salt, instant coffee granules, and baking powder. Stir to combine, then let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to cool slightly.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Stir in the cold eggs and vanilla extract until the batter develops a glossy sheen.
- Incorporate Flour: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep brownies tender.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Pecans: Fold in semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped pecans evenly into the batter.
- Bake the Brownies: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Brownies: Remove from oven and allow brownies to cool completely in the pan before removing them.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan, combine light brown sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Cook over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens, about 8 minutes. If thickening slows, increase heat slightly and whisk continuously to prevent burning. The sauce will thicken further as it cools.
- Finish Caramel Sauce: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Transfer to a container and refrigerate to firm up and cool.
- Assemble Topped Brownies: Drizzle the cooled caramel sauce evenly over the cooled brownies. Sprinkle additional pecans and chocolate chips on top.
- Set and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled brownies for at least 30 minutes to allow the caramel to set. Slice into 9 squares, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Use a light-colored saucepan for browning butter to better monitor color and avoid burning.
- Instant coffee granules enhance the chocolate flavor but do not create a strong coffee taste; omit if sensitive to caffeine.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before adding caramel to prevent melting and soaking.
- Refrigerate brownies after assembly to set the caramel layer firmly.
- Brownies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For a nut-free version, omit pecans and increase chocolate chips.
