Jack Daniel’s Salted Caramel Fudge Brownie

Jack Daniel’s Salted Caramel Fudge Brownies are the ultimate combination of rich chocolate, smooth caramel, and a smoky hint of whiskey. These indulgent brownies are soft, fudgy, and topped with a luscious caramel drizzle, finished with a sprinkle of salt for that perfect sweet-and-salty balance. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a holiday dessert, or simply craving something extraordinary, this recipe is easy to make yet tastes like a gourmet bakery treat.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 11.5 ounces milk chocolate chips
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup Jack Daniel’s whiskey
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra for dusting
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 5.5 ounces vanilla caramels (half of an 11-ounce package), unwrapped – half quartered
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and chocolate chips together. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add sugar, whiskey, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Add eggs and whisk until fully incorporated.
5. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until combined, without overmixing.
6. Pour batter into the prepared baking dish.
7. Sprinkle quartered caramels evenly over the batter.
8. Bake for 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining caramels with heavy cream in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
10. Drizzle caramel sauce over cooled brownies and sprinkle with kosher or pretzel salt.
11. Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

• For an extra-indulgent treat, serve warm brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.
• Pair with a cup of strong coffee or a glass of Jack Daniel’s for a bold, adults-only dessert experience.
• Cut into bite-sized squares for party trays or dessert buffets.
• Dust lightly with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for a decorative finish.

Storage Tips

• Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 7 days to maintain freshness; allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• For longer storage, wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw frozen brownies at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave for a freshly baked taste.

variations

1. Dark Chocolate Whiskey Brownies

• Replace milk chocolate chips with semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense cocoa flavor.
• Keep the Jack Daniel’s amount the same, but consider adding 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to enhance the chocolate depth.
• Perfect for true dark chocolate lovers who want a bolder, less sweet brownie.

2. Nutty Caramel Whiskey Brownies

• Stir 1 cup of chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds into the batter before baking.
• Toast the nuts beforehand for an extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Nuts add a satisfying bite that pairs beautifully with the gooey caramel.

3. Mocha Jack Daniel’s Brownies

• Replace 1/4 cup of Jack Daniel’s with strong brewed coffee for a coffee-chocolate fusion.
• Add 1 teaspoon of coffee extract or espresso powder to intensify the mocha profile.
• Ideal for coffee lovers who still want that whiskey kick.

4. Peanut Butter Caramel Brownies

• Swirl 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter into the brownie batter before adding the caramel pieces.
• Top baked brownies with a drizzle of peanut butter sauce along with the caramel drizzle.
• This version turns the recipe into a salty-sweet, nutty indulgence.

5. Double Boozy Brownies

• Use 1/4 cup Jack Daniel’s in the batter and add 1 tablespoon to the caramel sauce before drizzling.
• Intensifies the whiskey flavor for those who really want to taste the bourbon notes.
• Best for adults-only gatherings.

6. Sea Salt Pretzel Brownies

• Crush 1 cup of salted pretzels and sprinkle half over the batter before baking.
• Use the remaining half on top after drizzling with caramel sauce.
• Creates a sweet, salty, and crunchy contrast that’s irresistible.

7. White Chocolate Caramel Brownies

• Replace the milk chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a creamier, sweeter base.
• Use blonde caramel for the drizzle to match the lighter chocolate.
• Great for those who prefer a more mellow, buttery flavor profile.

8. Spiced Holiday Brownies

• Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
• Swap half of the Jack Daniel’s for spiced rum for a warm, festive twist.
• Perfect for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or winter gatherings.

FAQs

1. Can I substitute Jack Daniel’s whiskey with another type of alcohol?
Yes, you can use other bourbons, whiskies, or even spiced rum. Each will add a slightly different flavor, but Jack Daniel’s is recommended for its smooth, smoky profile.

2. Can I omit the alcohol for a non-boozy version?
Absolutely. Replace the whiskey with an equal amount of milk or vanilla extract to keep the flavor rich without the alcohol content.

3. What type of caramel works best for this recipe?
Soft vanilla caramels, like Kraft or any similar brand, work best because they melt smoothly and create those gooey caramel pockets throughout the brownies.

4. How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
Insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. Be careful not to overbake to maintain fudginess.

5. Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, these brownies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

6. Can I freeze Jack Daniel’s Salted Caramel Brownies?
Yes, wrap individual brownies tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before serving.

7. What can I serve with these brownies?
They’re delicious alone or served warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce.

8. Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate?
Yes, swapping milk chocolate for dark chocolate chips will give a richer, less sweet flavor, which pairs nicely with the whiskey.

9. Is it necessary to use kosher salt for dusting?
Kosher salt is preferred for its coarse texture and clean flavor, but pretzel salt or sea salt flakes also work well.

10. Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, simply double all ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust baking time accordingly, checking for doneness after 30 minutes.

These Jack Daniel’s Salted Caramel Fudge Brownies are a true dessert masterpiece – rich, indulgent, and perfectly balanced with smoky whiskey notes and sweet caramel. They’re ideal for special gatherings, gifting, or simply satisfying a chocolate craving in style. Make them ahead, store them easily, and enjoy a bakery-quality treat at home every time.

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