Turtle Brownies with Caramel Topping is a recipe originally posted back in 2010. I made Saucepan Brownies, then put together a quick small batch of easy caramel sauce which became the caramel topping. As much as we liked the brownies, what I really love is the caramel topping recipe. And for the past 13 years I've come back to this page to grab it! So I've put the caramel topping recipe in the recipe card for easy reference. You can use it for swirling through brownie batter or as an ice cream topping.
All-Clad Metal Saucepan
One of the things I mentioned back when I first posted this was how much I love my All-Clad pans, particularly the All-Clad saute pan and the lidded saucepan. The lidded saucepan is worth mentioning because it's the exact pan I use to make the easy caramel sauce.
I’m not sure I would have ever learned how to make caramel without my metal saucepan. It’s heavy, durable, conducts heat well, and I can scrape things off the bottom without worrying about damaging it. Making caramel shouldn’t involve scraping, but it does involve keeping a consistent heat, covering the caramel for a brief stint to prevent crystallization, and keeping an eye on the color of the sugar so you’ll know when it’s ready. Another advantage of metal saucepans is that you can see the color better than you can with a black pan.
Turtle Brownies with Caramel Topping
So back to the brownies. Start with a good base brownie recipe. For this, I used Saucepan Brownie Recipe. If you use this recipe, make sure to use 8 oz of good quality chocolate and not chocolate chips. Chocolate chips work, but the brownies will be slightly dryer.
Recipe
Caramel Topping
Ingredients
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 1 tablespoon water (14 grams)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted or high quality salted butter, room temp (28 grams)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream, room temp (28 grams)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- Tiny pinch of salt
Instructions
- Heat sugar and water over medium heat, uncovered, in a lidded saucepan. Swirl pan occasionally until sugar is dissolved (this will only take a minute or two).
- Cover pan and boil syrup for 2 minutes.
- Remove cover and continue boiling for another minute, swirling pan once or twice until mixture begins to turn amber. Swirl pan until it takes on a uniform amber color.
- Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smooth. Whisk in cream (it will bubble up).
- When cream is thoroughly mixed, whisk in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
- Let the caramel cool slightly or just until it is a good consistency for drizzling.
Kim Bee
These look so good. I love anything turtle related.
Anna
Hi Linda,
The caramel made just the right amount for the 8 inch pan, so you'd have plenty if you doubled it. I think if you made the caramel recipe as is without doubling, you just wouldn't have enough. Let me know how it goes!
Linda
Hi Anna,
I LOVE your website!!!
My family LOVES turtle brownies, but I hate having to unwrap all those little caramel squares. I'm anxious to try your recipe so that I can say goodbye to those little cellophane blocks forever!
I know that you like to halve recipes and I'd like to make a batch in a 9 x 13 pan, so I'm wondering if I need to double your measurements. What size baking pan does this caramel recipe cover? 8 x 8? 9 x 13?
Thanks for your help!
melissa
I love these turtle brownies. I make a version from Gourmet every holiday season to give away, and then end up eating a fair share... since they are so rich, I like to cut them into 4ths and make minis. 🙂
Louise
A lot to be said for no "hot spots" in your cookware. I've had a large collection of All Clad for thirty years. When we remodeled our kitchen three years ago and changed to an induction cooktop, I had to replace the majority of my All Clad with magnetic Stainless All Clad. Not all of their stainless is magnetic. Big expense, but there's the added benefit of it going into the dishwasher, which wasn't a concern when I got the original 30 years ago. Electrolux gave me several pieces of Chantal, which is enamel on steel. I expected it to be absolute junk, but it's actually really nice cookware and also perfect on the induction cooktop. I love all my cookware.
Anne
My teeth hurt looking at those brownies but not enough that I won't make (and eat) them! They are gorgeous! I can only add that I have the All Clad square grill pan I got at Williams Sonoma about 5 years ago. I love it. Happy cooking everybody!
Cookie Sleuth
I will have to try All-Clad. These look yummy!
Hilary Purcell
Anna: I purchased several pieces of All Clad at Sur La Table with my American Cancer Society's Holiday Shopping Card in Houston a couple of years ago and received 20% off. I know Austin has an ACS Holiday Card but not sure if the Sur La Table in Austin participates. Check it out because its a win win for ACS and happy shoppers! Congratulations on the caramel... the brownies look awesome!
Brenda
Everything is better with caramel....sweet, gooey, sinful caramel. Sudden need to make brownies...yes yes.
Katy Glass
Hi Anna,
I have a great All Clad story. I have used it for about 20 years. My nonstick pieces became really worn over time. I called the company to see if they could be refinished. They don't refinish, but they will replace the pans for free if they pass inspection and it's clear the lifetime warranty hasn't been violated (evidence of metal utensils, scouring, etc) I sent in 4 pans and they sent me 4 BRAND NEW pans. No receipt required. The retail value of the new pans was almost $1000. Another reason to love All Clad!
Judy
I buy all my All-Clad from Cookware & More. They have semi-annual sales in November and March with some very good sales.
Nikki
I have to agree with you about the All-Clad pans. Did you know they have a 'seconds' sale twice a year? I live in the Pittsburgh area, home of All-Clad, and have found some great deals on the cookware. You should consider a field trip to Western PA. I love the paella pan!
tia @ buttercreambarbie
my kitchen is has premium quality everything but pots/pans. i just find it too daunting to compare pots and pans and there are so many out there to choose from 🙁
Barbara
I'm so glad to see this recipe, Anna! Last year, someone brought some caramel brownies to a big event I went to...and I loved them, but never took the time to track down the woman who made them. Hers did not have nuts...just a super rich and chocolatey brownie with caramel.
Can't wait to try your recipe!
Mags
All my favorite flavors! Gorgeous looking turtle brownies!
MaryBeth
I see those chocolate chips on there!! lol
I can't imagine some toffee bits hurting much either. 😉
Sue
Good quality cookware makes a huge difference in a cook's life, so I don't think your comment is at all melodramatic. About two years ago we also invested in All-Clad, and we also love it.
These brownies look to die for! Now that's melodramatic! 🙂
Amy
I love my All Clad!
Katrina
I remember a roommate in college making a fabulous brownie with homemade caramel in the middle, I need to ask her for that brownie/caramel recipe. In the meantime, I need to try this and see if it compares to my memory.
Funny--I read you post as dessert island.