caramel turtle brownies

I enjoy making anything with caramel. Since I was in the mood to make brownies this past Presidents' Day weekend, I added  caramel which brought out a different dimension to the chocolate.

These were super easy to make, especially if you have a a jar of pre-made Ghirardelli caramel. However, if you don't, caramel chews would work as well.

Caramel Turtle Brownies

Caramel layer:

4 spoonfuls or Ghirardelli 

OR

2 packages (14 ounce size) caramels - unwrapped
1 12-ounce can evaporated milk

Batter:
3/4 cup unsalted butter
4 ounces semi sweet chocolate - coarsely chopped
2 cups light brown sugar - packed
4 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup of pecans

For caramel layer, use pre-made caramel OR melt caramels and evaporated milk together over low heat, stirring often (5 to 8 minutes). Remove from heat, but keep warm.

Preheat oven to 350 F.

For batter, melt butter in a medium saucepan. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate to melt and whisk until smooth. Cool mixture then whisk in brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in flour, baking powder, pecans, and salt.

Spread half of batter in prepared pan. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Spread the caramel filling over the baked brownie layer. Spread remaining brownie layer on top.  Add 4 lines of caramel on top of the batter and create swirls with a toothpick. Bake for another 12 to 15 minutes (until top is set).

Chill well (30 minutes) before cutting.