Miso Caramel Brownies with Flaky Sea Salt

If you’re looking to elevate your brownie game, these Miso Caramel Brownies with Flaky Sea Salt are here to steal the show. Imagine rich, fudgy brownies infused with the subtle umami depth of miso paste, layered with luscious caramel, and finished off with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt that perfectly balances sweetness and enhances every flavor note. It’s a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and savory that takes a classic dessert to extraordinary heights.

Why This Recipe is a Keeper

These brownies aren’t just another chocolate treat. The addition of miso paste adds a surprising, yet delightful complexity that makes each bite uniquely satisfying. Instead of overpowering the chocolate, the miso gently enhances its richness, creating a flavor profile that’s deep and memorable. The caramel swirl adds a gooey, buttery sweetness that contrasts with the dense, fudgy texture of the brownies, while the flaky sea salt on top provides that irresistible pop of savory crunch.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something decadent, these brownies are sure to impress friends and family alike. Plus, the recipe is straightforward and uses common pantry ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all experience levels.

Shopping List

• 1 cup unsalted butter (use a quality brand for best flavor)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons miso paste (white or yellow miso works best)
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Flaky sea salt for topping (Maldon or fleur de sel recommended)

Kitchen Gear Checklist

• 8×8 inch baking pan – ensures evenly baked brownies
• Mixing bowls – for wet and dry ingredients
• Whisk or electric mixer – to blend ingredients smoothly
• Spatula – for folding and spreading batter
• Sifter or fine mesh sieve – to aerate cocoa powder and flour
• Measuring cups and spoons – accuracy matters for baking
• Cooling rack – helps brownies cool evenly and prevents sogginess

Cook Miso Caramel Brownies with Flaky Sea Salt Like This

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix in Miso

In a medium saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter until fully liquid. Stir in the miso paste until smooth and combined. This step ensures the miso infuses evenly throughout the batter.

Step 3: Combine Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter-Miso Mixture

Slowly pour the warm butter-miso mixture into the sugar and egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent cooking the eggs.

Step 5: Sift and Fold Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be thick and fudgy.

Step 6: Pour Batter and Add Caramel Swirl

Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface. Drizzle about half of the caramel sauce over the batter. Add the rest of the brownie batter on top, then drizzle the remaining caramel. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the caramel into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect.

Step 7: Bake and Add Flaky Sea Salt

Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly over the top. This final touch adds a perfect savory crunch.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack before slicing into squares. This resting time helps the brownies set and makes cutting easier.

Nutrition-Minded Tweaks

• Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a lower glycemic index.
• Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber.
• Choose a caramel sauce made with natural sweeteners or make your own to control sugar content.
• Consider reducing the butter slightly and substituting part with unsweetened applesauce for fewer calories.
• Use dark cocoa powder (70% or higher) to boost antioxidants without sacrificing flavor.

Little Things that Matter

Getting the texture right is key to these brownies’ success. Avoid overmixing once you combine dry and wet ingredients to keep them tender and fudgy instead of cakey. The miso paste should be well incorporated with the butter before mixing with eggs to ensure smoothness. When swirling caramel, less is more — too much can make the brownies overly gooey and hard to slice.

Don’t skip the flaky sea salt topping. It’s what transforms these brownies from ordinary to extraordinary by balancing the sweetness and emphasizing the caramel’s richness. Also, using parchment paper in your pan makes cleanup a breeze and helps you lift the brownies out neatly.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave at room temperature for a few hours or warm gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

If you want to enjoy a warm brownie anytime, a quick zap in the microwave brings back that freshly baked feel, especially when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of coffee.

Your Top Questions

Can I use a different type of miso paste?

Yes! White or yellow miso are ideal for their mild flavor, but red miso can be used if you prefer a stronger umami punch. Just keep in mind that red miso is saltier and earthier, so adjust the added salt accordingly.

Is it okay to make my own caramel sauce?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce adds a wonderful personal touch. You can control the sweetness and avoid preservatives by making it yourself with just sugar, butter, and cream. Just be sure it’s cool before swirling it into the batter.

Can I substitute butter with oil?

Butter is preferred here because it adds richness and helps incorporate the miso paste smoothly. Using oil will change the texture and flavor, resulting in a less fudgy brownie. If needed, use a neutral oil like canola, but expect a slightly different outcome.

How do I prevent the caramel from sinking to the bottom?

To keep the caramel from sinking, add it in layers and swirl gently. Pour half the batter, drizzle caramel, then add the remaining batter and caramel on top, swirling lightly. Avoid overmixing after adding caramel so it stays distributed rather than settling.

More Recipes You’ll Love

• Salted Caramel Pecan Brownies – A nutty, caramel-infused brownie that complements these miso caramel delights perfectly.
• Chocolate Ganache Tart With Berries – For a sophisticated chocolate dessert that balances richness with fruity freshness.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cupcake Delights – When you want a handheld treat bursting with chocolate and peanut butter goodness.

Final Thoughts

These Miso Caramel Brownies with Flaky Sea Salt are a stunning twist on a beloved classic that will quickly become your go-to recipe when you want to impress or indulge. The unique blend of flavors – from the umami of the miso to the sweetness of caramel and the crunch of sea salt – creates a multi-dimensional dessert experience that’s hard to beat. Whether baked for a casual weekend treat or a special gathering, these brownies promise rich satisfaction with every bite. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to bake a batch of brownies that are anything but ordinary.

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