Bribe-the-Teacher Brownies
AKA Nutty Coconut Caramel Brownies.
The kids went back to school this Tuesday. With a sigh of relief and a sniff of remorse, I watched them walk timidly into their classrooms.
My daughter is in third grade and my little guy is in first grade this year. Thus far we’ve had wonderful teachers, but I have to admit, it’s nerve-racking placing my “legacy” in the care of someone else for nine months of the year.
Will the teachers create a safe haven for them everyday, free of shame, ridicule, and fear?
Will they make their lessons come alive and encourage their love for learning?
Will they be patient with them when they struggle with a concept?
Will they be an advocate against bullies on the playground?
Will they provide discipline, yet celebrate creativity?
If an “accident” occurs, will the teacher offer the Emergency Pants without a smirk?
When they are naughty, will the teachers correct them firmly, yet with tenderness?
Will they appreciate their weird sense(s) of humor?
…I think yes. I have a really good feeling about this year.
But just to be sure, I secretly plan to bribe those teachers. No mother is above bribing people on behalf of her babies.
Trust me, if anything could do it, it’s these Nutty Coconut Caramel Brownies. Rich, dense and fudgy brownies with a creamy dulce de leche caramel top and crispy coconut, toasted almonds, and chocolate chunks.
Those teachers will be putty in my hands. *wink*
You can find dulce de leche (thick creamy caramel) in the packaged milk section of the baking aisle, or sometimes in the “international” section. If you can’t find it, it’s easy to make using sweetened condensed milk. Simply remove the paper wrappers, submerge the cans in a large pot of water and simmer for 4 hours. It MUST stay under water the entire time; add water if needed. This takes a while, so boil several at once and place them in the pantry for future baking endeavors.
Nutty Coconut Caramel Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 12 ounces dark chocolate chunks divided
- 2 cans dulce de leche Nestle (14-ounce cans)
- 1/2 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Set the oven racks in the center and upper positions. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Melt the butter in the microwave, then add the sugar and mix well.
- Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. Then whisk in one egg at a time, until well combined.
- Measure out 1/2 cup chocolate chunks and reserve for later. Mix in the rest of the chocolate chunks and pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake on the center rack for approximately 20-25 minutes—until the center is set. Take the brownies out of the oven and reset the temperature to 400 degrees F.
- GENTLY spread the dulce de leche evenly over the top, being careful not to disturb the brownie crust. Sprinkle the coconut, almonds and remaining chocolate chunks over the top and press a little.
- Place on the top rack of the oven to toast the coconut and almonds for 2-5 minutes—Watch it so the coconut doesn’t burn.
- Cool completely, so the caramel sets. Cut and serve.
I plan on bribing teachers this year too….It’s hard though because we’re not “allowed” to bring in store bought treats. I’m definitely not bribing anyone with something bought from the store so I’m going to take my chances and make something anyway, it’s a gamble, but I think it will work out in my kid’s favor. :)
I am totally pro bribing people with baked goods…it’s just the right thing to do! You could totally win me over with these…too bad I’m not a teacher!
The layers in these sound amazing! As a teacher (of high schoolers, many of whom have parents no longer interested in being involved in their education), I can tell you these would definitely be appreciated :)
Such precious children! Their teachers will love them (and as a former teacher…those brownies will do wonders!) Thank you for sharing with me, my friend. I hope you are having a lovely and relaxing Sunday afternoon. I’m about to bake some blueberry and cream cookies. Much love and many blessings from Austin!
These brownies sounds amazing, loving the topping with dulce de leche. Your kids are adorable!
I am a teacher! If I received these brownies I would consider myself effectively bribed! They look amazing. :)
These look so yummy. Great name, just loving this post. Congrats on top 9.
Wow, those have all of my favorite elements. They look FANTASTIC! I thought I had a favorite brownie recipe, but it may be in jeopardy….
Aww, that “I luv you teacher” bit made me smile. Those brownies look soooo heavenly… sigh… Thanks for sharing!
If these don’t work I’m not sure WHAT will! xo
http://allykayler.blogspot.com
I’m so glad I’ve come across your website. Some true gems like these brownies here. My 2 1/2 year old starts nursery in September and although currently, I CANNOT WAIT, I’m sure I’ll be remorseful come time!
I’m salivating here.
You could probably win ANYONE over with those. me included.
I think these brownies will do the trick!
PS: Your kids are darling!
Oh my, what a delightful recipe, they look yummy, I wish I was your childrens teacher! I will be making these tomorrow. I love the way you write your articles very refreshing and warm.
Umm yeah, I’d say that these should do the trick! How could you even let them out of the house though lol They definitely look incredibly delicious =)
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Good looking brownie & great story u share… haha ha!
Tq for sharing the recipe with us! ;)
wow ! how not toe be special- coconut, cocoa, chocolate and almonds. it sure can bribe me too :) a must try- the image looks so gourmet. of gourmet standard. congrats. have a great weekend from me, wan of malaysia. do visit my blog too, would love to read a comment from you also,.