Indulge in the rich and sweet layers of these Decadent Salted Caramel Peanut Brownie Bombs. This delightful treat combines fudgy brownies with luscious salted caramel filling, all enveloped in a chocolate coating and topped with crunchy peanuts. Perfect for parties, celebrations, or simply as a decadent dessert, these brownie bombs are sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
To create these Salted Caramel Peanut Brownie Bombs, gather the following ingredients:
For the Brownies:
- 120g (1/2 cup) white sugar: Provides sweetness to balance the rich chocolate flavor of the brownies.
- 110g (1/2 cup) brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle molasses flavor, making the brownies richer and chewier.
- 85g (6 tablespoons) melted butter: Contributes to the fudgy texture and enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture and richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet aroma that complements the chocolate and caramel.
- 75g (3/4 cup) cocoa powder: The main ingredient that gives the brownies their chocolate flavor; unsweetened cocoa is preferred.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the sugars.
For the Caramel:
- 150g (3/4 cup) sugar: Serves as a base for the caramel, creating that gooey, rich texture when heated.
- 45ml (3 tablespoons) light corn syrup: Helps prevent crystallization and ensures a smooth caramel.
- 57g (4 tablespoons) butter: Adds richness to the caramel and contributes to its smoothness.
- 60ml (1/4 cup) heavy cream: Provides creaminess to the caramel, making it luscious and indulgent.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor profile of the caramel, adding depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Adds that signature salted taste, balancing the sweetness of the caramel.
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 225g (1 1/2 cups) chocolate chips or chopped chocolate: Provides a rich coating to envelop the brownie bombs.
- 30g (1/4 cup) chopped salted peanuts: Adds crunch and a nutty flavor to the outer layer of the brownie bombs.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan lightly with butter or cooking spray to ensure the brownies can be easily removed once baked.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter. Beat using an electric mixer until well combined and creamy. Next, add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking together until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This should take about two minutes.
In a separate bowl, sift together the cocoa powder and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a smooth batter forms. Ensure there are no lumps and that the batter is well combined.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the edges look set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Allow the brownies to cool slightly in the pan.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel
While the brownies are baking, prepare the salted caramel. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture turns a deep caramel color. This may take around 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and immediately stir in the butter. Once melted, carefully add the heavy cream while stirring continuously to combine. If any clumps form, return the mixture to heat until smooth. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Allow the caramel to cool in the refrigerator until set.
Step 5: Assemble the Bombs
Once the brownies have cooled slightly but are still warm, cut them into squares. Using your hands, gently squish each square into a ball shape. Make an indentation in the center using your thumb, and fill each ball with a spoonful of the cooled caramel. Carefully seal the brownie around the caramel, rolling it back into a round ball shape. Place each bomb on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Chill the Brownie Bombs
Transfer the assembled brownie balls to the freezer and chill for about 20 minutes or until firm.
Step 7: Coat in Chocolate
While the brownie bombs are chilling, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the chopped salted peanuts into the melted chocolate to combine.
Next, take each brownie ball out of the freezer and dip it into the chocolate mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Return the coated bombs to the parchment-lined sheet, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off. For quicker setting, you can place the tray back in the freezer until the chocolate hardens, or let them sit at room temperature.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chocolate has fully set, your Decadent Salted Caramel Peanut Brownie Bombs are ready to be served! You can present them on a decorative platter or in individual cupcake liners for a delightful treat that is sure to impress.
Tips for Success
- Brownie Consistency: Ensure not to overbake the brownies. They should be fudgy in texture for the best results.
- Cooling Caramel: Allow the caramel to cool completely in the refrigerator before using it to fill the brownie balls; this will prevent it from oozing out.
- Chilling Time: Chilling both the brownies and the completed bombs is essential to ensure they hold their shape and make coating easier.
- Smooth Coating: When melting chocolate, make sure not to overheat it to avoid seizing. Stir to evenly distribute the heat.
Variations
- Nutty Delight: Mix chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the brownie batter for added crunch.
- Flavored Caramel: Experiment with different flavored extracts, such as almond or hazelnut, to customize the caramel filling.
- Different Coatings: Try using white chocolate or dark chocolate for the outer coating for a different taste profile.
- Add Sprinkles: Before the chocolate hardens, add colorful sprinkles on top for a fun and festive touch.
FAQs
Can I make these brownie bombs ahead of time?
Yes! These brownie bombs can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Is there a way to make these without corn syrup?
You can substitute corn syrup with honey or agave syrup, but this may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the caramel.
Can I freeze the brownie bombs?
Absolutely! They freeze very well. Just ensure they are well-wrapped or stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Can I use store-bought caramel?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making it from scratch. Just make sure to chill it before using.
Conclusion
These Decadent Salted Caramel Peanut Brownie Bombs are a luxurious treat that will satisfy any sweet tooth. They combine the richness of chocolate brownies with a gooey, salted caramel center, all encased in a chocolate shell and topped with crunchy peanuts. Perfect for any occasion, these delightful bites are sure to impress and become a favorite among family and friends. Enjoy whipping up these delicious treats, and don’t forget to share them with loved ones—it’s hard to resist eating them all yourself!