What's Up Cupcake?: Sweet Treats Saturday: Nutty Coconut Caramel Brownies

I've had a few chocolate-y recipes in the queue and was debating which to go forward with. I took a vote from my co-workers and this one came up first. The coconut/caramel combination was too much to resist.

And oh, was resistance futile. This was so delicious and a perfect combination of flavors. The coconut wasn't overpowering, but was a nice blend with the almonds and caramel.

Nutty Coconut Caramel Brownies
Recipe from A Spicy Perspective

Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp vanilla extract
4 eggs
12oz dark chocolate chunks, divided
2 - 14oz cans dulce de leche*
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup sliced almonds

*I only had one can of dulce de leche and one can of condensed milk. The dulce de leche was pretty thick on its own, so I mixed in half of the can of condensed milk before pour over the warm brownies. I made sure it was smooth and completely blended before pouring on. It was very easy to spread over the warm brownies, and didn't tear them apart. The taste was divine - so I probably would do it the same way the next time I make it.

Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Set oven racks in the center and upper positions. Spray a 9x13 pan with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Melt the butter in a microwave safe bowl. Then add the sugar and mix well.
3 Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and vanilla. Whisk until smooth. Then whisk in one egg at a time, until well combined.
4. 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.
5. Bake on the enter rack for approx. 20-25 minutes, until the center is set.
6. Take the brownies out of the oven and increase the temperature to 400 degrees F.
7. Gently spread the dulce de leche evenly over the top, being careful not to disturb the brownie crust.
8. Sprinkle the coconut, almonds, and remaining chocolate chunks over the top and press a little.
9. Place on the top rack of the oven to toast the coconut and almonds for 2-5 minutes. Watch it carefully so that the coconut doesn't burn.
10. Cool completely, so the caramel sets. Cut and serve.