Summer is all about family entertaining around my house. Lots of teenagers hanging out, lots of family cookouts, lots of fun, sun and good food. So what do you do when you want to feed a crowd something special for dessert without making a huge mess? Portion things so it can go quickly and easily, while still keeping it delicious. Which is why I love doing desserts in jars – and my brownie a la mode with salted caramel sauce is often on the menu. It’s so simple to make – and even easier to serve, because it’s all portioned out and ready to serve in no time.
Start by making your brownie mix (either from a box or from your favorite recipe) and bake them in small jars. I have found that a traditional box mix will make 12 servings (which is great because jars usually come by the dozen.) Bake them for 15-20 minutes until the brownies are done. Let cool.
While the brownies are cooling, you can make this quick and easy salted caramel sauce:
In a sauce pan, put in 1 cup of sugar and 1/4 cup of water. DO NOT STIR, but bring it to a boil and cook until the sugar mix because amber in color – but watch it so it doesn’t get too dark. Once it is the right color, take it off the heat and pour in one cup of heavy whipping cream. Add a good pinch of salt, stir it all together, then store in a jar.
When you’re ready to serve, just add a scoop of ice cream right on top of the brownie, drizzle with your caramel sauce, then you’re ready to dig in. It’s so good – yet so simple – you’ll be serving brownie a la mode in jars at every get together!
Want more ideas for summer in jars? Be sure to see my friends and check out their ideas…
The salted caramel looks wonderful. How long will it hold in a jar? Can I give them as a gift or must it be refridgerated?
Hi Marisa, They last a very long time and no, they do not need to be refrigerated 🙂
Oh Yum! This looks delicious! I sure could use one of those brownie A La Mode about now.