Salted Caramel Brownie Fudge – a rich, brownie flavored fudge topped with a salted caramel sauce – perfect for your next party or a holiday cookie plate.
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I have always said my Dad has a fun sense of humor. From changing lyrics of songs to cracking silly jokes, his humor is rare and classic at the same time.
I always tell the story of my first basketball – I was maybe 9 or 10 when Dad took me shopping to choose one. I recall this like it was yesterday – the basketballs are all lined up on the shelves in those half box packaging – I point to one and Dad picks it up and bounces it on the floor, box and all. I laughed all the way home, holding my new basketball in the now crushed packaging.
Visiting Dad in the hospital the other day, I brought several days worth of mail to go through. He is attached to all kinds of wires, one on his left hand. He kept holding envelopes with that hand as he opened or read them, setting off loud beeps with the machines – sometimes harmonizing the beats together. His nurse came in to check on him, resetting the machine to silence it. He wrote on his clipboard (trach = cannot talk) that “he is learning to play the vent” referring to his ventilator. His nurse said in 20+ years of working in the CICU, she has never heard anything so clever.
The joking sparkle in my dads eye makes my heart sing! Also, his nurse having 20+ years experience lets me know he is in very capable hands.
I look forward to sharing this new brownie fudge with him. Hopefully soon. As soon as I can, I will be making him healing smoothies, juices and vibrant food. The brownie fudge will follow.
This recipe name is not a mistake – I set out to make a very dense brownie, more of a fudge consistency. Jason wasn’t much of a fan, but I was happy with the result.
More for me.
Salted Caramel Brownie Fudge
dairy, wheat, soy and gluten free, vegan
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon water
3/4 cup butter (Earth Balance Soy Free)
4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup maple syrup
2 teaspoons vanilla
1/2 cup flour (gluten free all-purpose)
1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (recipe follows)
Preheat oven to 350F.
Combine chia and water, set aside to gel.
In medium saucepan, melt butter and dark chocolate over medium heat, stirring often until completely melted. Remove from heat – allow to cool slightly. Add maple syrup, vanilla, chia mixture and flour, stirring after each and stirring just enough to combine.
Pour batter into prepared (greased, floured or lined with parchment) 9×9 or similar size pan. Pour or spoon salted caramel sauce over top, swirl through with knife, sprinkle sea salt over caramel.
Bake at 350 for 30-35 minutes, or until inserted toothpick comes clean.
Salted Caramel Sauce
gluten, soy and dairy free, vegan
2 cups (packed) Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
1/4 cup coconut oil
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 teaspoons sea salt
water – adjust for desired sauce thickness
In saucepan over medium heat, combine dates, oil, syrup, and salt, stirring until dates begin to melt and mixture begins to thicken. Remove from heat, allow to cool a bit. Transfer to blender, blend and highest speed until smooth, adding water until desired sauce consistency is reached.
This makes a good quantity of caramel to use with this fudge recipe – if you prefer to use less, store remainder in airtight container in refrigerator.
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Arman @ thebigmansworld says
naw, I hope papa enjoyed this after some healing smoothies AND jack fruit magic! Fudge is one of my all time favourite sweet treats!
Kristina Sloggett says
it was fun cooking for Dad, when I could. during his surgeries (throat cancer), there were times he could not eat at all, and I know he missed food, he enjoyed it so much! I was present when he was first able to reintroduce COFFEE … oh, the smile on his face was PRICELESS. 🙂
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
You have such a heart of gold. And the fact that he was able to reintroduce coffee…oh man, RESPECT.
Nikki says
I made this last night, very unique! I like it, unexpected “texture” and very good tasting! thanks
Lori Larson says
nom nom nom!!!
Hallie says
this is the best. I already know it tastes good! (I made your version with cream cheese, I love the brownie like quality).
Carolann says
we love this – it IS very unique, but so good!!
Ben says
YUM!
Lil says
THIS IS AWESOME. thanks for such a unique recipe!
Peter says
wife made these today, WOW is all I can say! didn’t even mean to rhyme, this brownie is now the favorite of mine!!
thanx
spabettie says
ha, I love this, Peter! and thanks for letting me know you tried and like them – it’s a different recipe, that’s for sure. cheers!
Susan says
I love how the nurses joke with the patients in the hospital. I always thought that it would be taboo or something, but it’s an integral part to keeping up the spirits up in that place! It’s a good sign your dad is laughing along and joking too. The nurses at my hospital always call the IV pole my dance partner, haha. In any event, when you bring your dad the brownies, might I suggest bringing a few extra for the nurses? 😉
Lots of love your way xo
spabettie says
YES Susan!! I won’t be giving any of these to Dad for a while (he has trach and feeding tube…) but I DO bring things to nurses regularly! They are all so great and helpful to me too, so I’ve been showing appreciation as often as I can… especially in the ICU areas, they have tough jobs and they do them well! I think joking around (when appropriate, obviously) keeps the nurses mood light, as well… which is just as important.
yesterday one of the nurses was joking that when they went on their walk, she had to tell Dad to slow down! 😉
thanks, Susan – good to hear from you, and I hope you are doing well! XO
Pat @ Elegantly, Gluten-Free says
These brownie fudge squares look wonderful. I think your dad will enjoy them immensely! Hopefully that will happen very soon 🙂
spabettie says
thank you, Pat… I hope so too 😀
Dorry says
glad you’re able to find some time to cook and create in the kitchen! I know that’s enjoyable for you, and a good distraction from everything. plus you get to treat yourself to some tasty things. thinking about your everyday!
spabettie says
treating the nurses to some tasty things… 😉 it IS good (therapeutic) to be in my kitchen. sometimes I get home from the hospital late, and I’m in there at midnight. cooking. 🙂
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning says
I hope your dad gets to enjoy this soon because it looks incredible. The combo of chocolate, salt and caramel can not be beat!
spabettie says
I know, besides chocolate + peanut butter, this is my favorite!
Pure2raw twins says
Humor is the best medicine! along with love and good brownie fudge 🙂
and Dads are the greatest!
HUGS
the twins
spabettie says
thanks you guys <3
I agree, humor goes a long way in healing. I am SO happy my dad is able to remain positive.
Alta says
Gah, this looks good! Thanks for sharing the lovely story about your dad. I’m hoping he is healing well and quickly!
spabettie says
thank you, Alta. he has more and more good days in a row – things are progressing in the right direction!
Shirley @ gfe says
Well, if I were there, you would not have that amazing fudge all to yourself! No way!
Humor goes such a long way to healing and comforting … for both your dad and you! That is funny on the basketball! Don’t you love those indelible memories? 😉
xoxo,
Shirley
spabettie says
I wish I could share this with you more than virtually, Shirley! 🙂
yes, those fun memories are a treasure – I can think back on things and soon I am laughing, smiling!
XXO K