Instructions

Make the caramel

1. In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. Use a spatula to occasionally stir the sugar, getting to the bottom of the pan. At first the sugar will be lumpy, but will soon melt and start turning a brownish color. Don’t stir too often, just enough to keep everything evenly cooking.
2. After 5 minutes, the sugar should become fully melted. Once it becomes a dark amber hue, remove from heat immediately and stir in butter. The mixture will violently bubble. You’re doing it right.
3. Use your spatula to stir the butter and sugar until they melt together completely. This can take 1-2 minutes.
4. Next, pour in the heavy cream and sea salt. You can use 1 to 1½ teaspoons, depending on how much saltiness you like. Use your spatula to stir until everything is combined. Place back on the stove for about 30 seconds, stirring the whole time. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 15 minutes.

Make the brownies

1. While the caramel is cooling, preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8″x8″ baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a microwave-safe mixing bowl, melt the butter. Stir in sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, salt, and optional coffee. Once combined, fold in cocoa powder and flour. If using, toss in bittersweet chocolate disks. It’s that easy, can you believe it?!
3. Pour a little over half the brownie batter into the baking dish, spreading evenly to the edges. Pour ¾ of a cup salted caramel over the brownie batter, again spreading evenly but not quite to the edges. Spoon the rest of the brownie batter over the top, sealing as much of the caramel in as you can! If a little pops out, that’s OK.
4. Bake for roughly 40 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center of the brownies comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely (about 1 hour). Cut into 9 squares and eat your little hearts out!