Flourless Salted Caramel Brownies

Preheat oven to 350 F. Prepare an 8×8 baking pan by lining it with a sheet of aluminum foil. Spray generously with cooking spray. Leave a few inches of foil overhang on the sides to allow for easy removal. Set aside.

Set a small saucepan over low heat and add butter, chocolate chips, and coffee granules. Stir until the butter and chocolate have fully melted. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

In the bowl of a stand mixer (using the whisk attachment) beat together eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract for 2 minutes. Add melted chocolate mixture and mix thoroughly. Scrape down the bowl.

With the mixer on low, add cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Mix until well combined. You may need to scrape down the bowl and mix again.

Pour half of the batter into prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a greased spatula. Bake for 10 minutes minutes or until top has just set in the center. Remove from oven. Evenly pour caramel over the brownies. Top with remaining brownie batter (see note). Sprinkle the top with the semi sweet chocolate chips.

Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until center is set. Because of the caramel and chocolate chips, you just need to eyeball it. If you use a toothpick, know that you might be hitting a caramel or chocolate chip. Remove from oven and let it cool completely in the pan.

Cover with foil and place in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or until the brownies are completely cold. Lift brownies out of the pan using the foil overhang and slice (see note). Serve immediately or enjoy later! Store brownies in an airtight container in the fridge.

Notes:
1. Topping the caramel with the second layer of brownie batter can be a little tricky. Use a spoon to dollop the batter evenly over the caramel layer. Use your finger to gently spread the batter as best as you can!
2. The caramel is sticky and delicious and does tend to stick to the foil. My suggestion for removal: use the foil to remove the brownies from the pan. Flip the brownies over (so the bottom/foil is facing the ceiling) and gently peel off the foil. Then flip them back over and slice and serve!