Bourbon Salted Caramel Frosted Brownies

Preheat oven to 350 F and spray or grease a 9×13 baking dish.

Pour the contents of the brownie mixes into a large bowl. Add the eggs, water, and oil and stir using a rubber spatula until all ingredients are well mixed and most of the lumps are smoothed out. Pour into the prepared dish, smooth the top, put it into the oven and bake for 20-23 minutes. One finished remove dish from oven and set it on a rack. Allow brownies to completely cool.

To prepare frosting: In a medium sized bowl, beat together the cream cheese and butter until well blended. Add the vanilla extract and salt and mix to combine. Then blend in the powdered sugar. The mixture will appear very thick. Now add the salted caramel and bourbon. Mix until well mixed. The frosting should be silky and smooth. Use a spreading knife and spread evenly across the cooled brownies. Allow to sit for 20-30 minutes so the icing can set. Then you are ready to serve.

For the salted caramel sauce:

1. Bring the water and sugar to a boil on medium heat in a medium-sized saucepan. Stir the mixture until it reaches an amber color, about 12-15 minutes.

2. Remove from heat and slowly pour and whisk in the whipping cream until smooth. It will get bubbly as you add in the cream. Once the caramel is smooth add the butter, vanilla, and sea salt and stir until smooth. Pour into mason jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure that the caramel is completely cooled before you add it into the frosting mixture for the brownies.

Salted Caramel Recipe adapted from Recipe Girl.