Happy Husband Pretzel & Caramel Brownies

These delicious fudge brownies are topped
with caramel, chocolate, toffee and pretzels❣️

Ingredients:

butter for greasing 

parchment paper

1/2 cup flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

2 eggs, at room temperature

1 egg yolk, at room temperature

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1/2 cup dark brown sugar

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

4 ounces dark chocolate (chips, broken or chopped)

11 ounces caramel bits*

3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup Heath toffee bits**

1 1/2 cups chopped or broken pretzels

1/3 cup unsalted butter

1 1/2 tablespoons cream or milk

Method:

Preheat oven to 350*. Line a 9 x 13 inch pan with parchment paper. Lightly grease with butter and set aside. 

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa and salt. Set aside. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs, yolk, vanilla and sugars. Set aside.

Add the butter and dark chocolate to a large microwave safe bowl or 8 cup glass measuring cup. Heat in a microwave oven for 30 seconds and then stir. Repeat until the butter and chocolate are melted and blended together. Whisk the sugar and egg mixture into the melted chocolate. Use a large fork to mix in the flour mixture, just until all of the flour is blended in.

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 25 minutes. While the brownies are baking, prepare the caramel topping: 

Melt the caramel bits, butter and cream in a glass bowl or measuring cup in 30 second intervals, stirring after each 30 seconds, until all is melted and well blended. Pour the caramel sauce over the warm brownies.

Sprinkle the chocolate chips and toffee bits over the caramel. Top with the pretzels and gently press into the the caramel and other toppings. 

Cool for 30 to 40 minutes on a cooling rack. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least one hour. Lift from the pan with the parchment paper. Cut into 42 squares. Makes 42 servings. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

*I used Kraft caramel bits, but unwrapped caramel squares may also be used.

**If you cannot find toffee bits at the store, next to the chocolate chips, chopped chocolate covered toffee bars may be used.

Notes: I created these brownies as a special treat for my husband and one of my sons. They (and the entire family) loved them!