Fudgy Chocolate Swirl Brownies with Salted Butterscotch
These fudgy brownies are swirled with a rich, salted butterscotch sauce for an irresistible combination of sweet and salty. Choose from three swirling methods to achieve your desired look.
Equipment
- large bowl
- whisk
- 9x13 inch baking pan
- parchment paper
- small saucepan
- knife or skewer
- wire rack
Ingredients
For the Fudgy Brownies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder good quality makes a difference!
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks optional, but highly recommended for extra melty goodness
For the Salted Butterscotch Swirl:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed light or dark both work, dark adds more molasses flavor
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt or to taste, flaky sea salt for garnish is also lovely
Instructions
Method 1: The Classic Swirl (Easiest)
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing an overhang for easy removal.
- Whisk melted butter and granulated sugar, then beat in eggs one at a time and stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl, then gradually add to wet ingredients and fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, stir in brown sugar and heavy cream, simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat and add vanilla extract and sea salt.
- Pour ¾ of brownie batter into the pan, drizzle with butterscotch sauce, and gently swirl with a knife or skewer for distinct streaks without overmixing.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, ensuring not to overbake.
- Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before cutting.
Method 2: Layered Swirl (More Defined Swirls)
- Preheat oven and prepare the baking pan.
- Prepare the brownie batter.
- Prepare the butterscotch sauce.
- Spread half the brownie batter, drizzle with half the butterscotch, then repeat with remaining batter and butterscotch.
- Use a knife or skewer to create deep, defined swirls through both layers.
- Bake and cool as per Method 1.
Method 3: Marbled Masterpiece (Visually Stunning)
- Preheat oven and prepare the baking pan.
- Prepare the brownie batter.
- Prepare the butterscotch sauce.
- Alternate dollops of brownie batter and butterscotch sauce in a checkerboard pattern in the pan.
- Gently drag a knife through the dollops, creating elegant "S" curves or figure-eights for a marbled effect.
- Bake and cool as per Method 1.
Notes
For extra flavor, slightly toast the flours before using. For softer brownies, you can add an extra egg yolk to the batter. If you don't have sea salt for the butterscotch, regular salt will work but may need a slight adjustment to taste.