Prepare to embark on a mind-blowing culinary adventure that will revolutionize your dessert game forever! Imagine sinking your teeth into the most decadent brownies you've ever tasted - a perfect fusion of rich chocolate, crunchy caramel-coated popcorn, and salty peanuts that will make your taste buds dance with pure joy. These Caramel Peanut Popcorn Brownies aren't just a dessert; they're a sensational experience that transforms the ordinary into extraordinary, blending classic brownie indulgence with an unexpected twist that will leave everyone begging for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups popcorn
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup salted peanuts
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stovetop. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Add 2 cups of granulated sugar to the melted butter and mix until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
- Crack 4 large eggs into the bowl, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cocoa powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- While the brownies are baking, prepare the caramel popcorn topping. In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of popcorn and 1 cup of salted peanuts.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm 1 cup of caramel sauce until it is pourable. Once the brownies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 10 minutes.
- Pour the warm caramel sauce over the popcorn and peanuts mixture, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
- Spread the caramel popcorn mixture over the top of the slightly cooled brownies, pressing down gently to ensure it sticks.
- Return the brownies to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the caramel to set slightly.
- Once done, remove from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Once cooled, cut the brownies into 12 squares and serve. Enjoy your delicious Caramel Peanut Popcorn Brownies!
Tips
- Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter integration and better brownie texture.
- Don't overmix the batter - this can lead to tough, dense brownies. Mix just until ingredients are combined.
- For extra richness, use high-quality cocoa powder and real butter.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting to ensure clean, neat squares.
- If caramel sauce is too thick, warm it slightly to achieve a pourable consistency.
- Use freshly popped, slightly salted popcorn for the best flavor and crunch.
- Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
- For a gourmet touch, drizzle extra caramel sauce or sprinkle sea salt on top before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
