SALTED CARAMEL DARK CHOCOLATE BROWNIES

These brownies have it all. A deliciously rich brownie base, a seductively sweet caramel filling, and plenty of sea salt flakes to balance it all out. 

Here's what you'll need: 

2 cups sugar
¾ cup baking cocoa (I used dark cocoa)
1 cup canola oil
4 eggs
¼ cup 2% milk or soy milk
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (I used half dark and half semisweet)
14 ounces caramels (like Kraft caramels)
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9x13-inch pan with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. This makes cleaning up much easier with the caramel. In a medium bowl combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, cocoa, oil, eggs and milk. Add the dry ingredients until blended, then fold in chocolate chips.

Spoon two thirds of the batter into the greased 9x13 inch pan. Bake for 12 minutes.

To make the caramel filling, heat the caramels and sweetened condensed milk in the microwave, stirring 30 seconds at a time until melted and smooth. You can also melt over medium heat in a saucepan.

Pour the melted caramel over the warm brownie layer. Sprinkle coarse sea salt on top.

Drop remaining brownie batter over the top of the caramel and carefully swirl the top with a knife. 

Bake for an additional 35-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Do not overbake. Allow the brownies to completely cool before serving. Can also garnish the brownies lightly with additional sea salt.

Super easy, and super delicious. Happy baking!