DIY: Salty Caramel Pumpkin Brownies

Once upon a time, on a gloomy fall day, I was invited to a quaint cottage nestled in the heart of Northshore.

As soon as I walked in the door, my senses were filled with the delicious aroma of pumpkin spice lattes, salted caramel, and candy apples. The house was dimly lit and everyone's favorite movie, The Holiday, was playing in the background. As you can imagine, it was the most soothing atmosphere.

Luckily, I had the best job that afternoon as I declared myself the ultimate taste tester.

As you can see I tasted MANY treats; however, my ultimate favorite was the Salty Caramel Pumpkin Brownie.

Thanks to Charisma's friend and baker, Riley Holland, you can "Wow!" everyone with this incredibly delicious and simple recipe!

What you'll need:

• 1 box of brownies

• 1/2 cup of caramel sauce (homeade or canned)

• Sea salt to sprinkle over caramel Pumpkin Cookie Layer:

• Half a stick of butter, melted

• 1/4 cup of sugar

• 1/8 cup of brown sugar

• 3 tablespoons of pumpkin

• 1 cup of flour

• Pinch of salt

• Pinch of baking powder

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon OR pumpkin pie spice

Steps:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees

2. Line 8x8 pan with parchment paper & use nonstick spray. Criss cross the parchment paper so it's hanging over the outer rims of the pan.

3. Prepare boxed brownies and spread in pan. **Bake only 15 mins or until barely set

1. Prepare the pumpkin mixture by combining ingredients into a large bowl and stir until mixed. Set aside to use for later.

1. Remove brownies from oven.

2. Spread caramel layer and sprinkle with sea salt, to your liking.

3. Spoon the pumpkin cookie dough mixture over brownies to resemble a "crumb" topping.

1. Bake brownies and pumpkin cookie layer at 350 degrees for an additional 30 mins or until toothpick comes out clean.

2. Let cool in pan for 1 hour (if you can stand it!)

1. Remove by parchment tabs, cut into bars, and VOILA!

A note from the baker:

My encouragement is to make this recipe your own! Don't like pumpkin? Use your favorite cookie recipe. Don't have chocolate chips? Use white chips! Just get in the kitchen and have fun!

This recipe is guaranteed to make you the star of your next get together. Try it out, share with your friends, and let us know what you think.

Riley Holland is a professional baker with a concentration in culinary arts. She enjoys recreating meals and treats from local restaurants and putting her own spin on them. Riley encourages everyone to get in the kitchen and have fun despite their cooking abilities! For custom orders and decorated sugar cookies, email Riley at Rcholland311@gmail.com.

Randi Vasquez// photos by Randi Vasquez Photography

#lifestyle