Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

As a baker, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as blending two delicious desserts into one indulgent treat. This Caramel Brownie Cheesecake combines the rich, fudgy texture of a brownie with the creamy, smooth consistency of a cheesecake, all topped off with a decadent caramel layer. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to something special.

A Sweet Symphony of Flavors

The base of this dessert is a brownie, rich in chocolate flavor and wonderfully dense. Then comes the cheesecake layer—velvety smooth and tangy, with just the right amount of sweetness. To finish it off, a generous drizzle of homemade caramel brings a luscious sweetness that ties all the flavors together perfectly. Each bite offers a balance of textures, from the gooey, chewy brownie bottom to the silky cheesecake and the luxurious caramel top.

Whether you’re a cheesecake enthusiast or a brownie lover, this recipe is designed to satisfy both cravings in one spectacular dessert. It’s an ideal treat for a party, a holiday gathering, or even just a cozy night in. And the best part? It’s easier to make than it looks! With just a few simple steps, you’ll be enjoying this rich and flavorful dessert in no time.

Let’s dive into the next part, where I’ll share the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create this mouthwatering Caramel Brownie Cheesecake.

Ingredients for Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

To make this indulgent Caramel Brownie Cheesecake, you’ll need a mix of basic baking ingredients along with a few special touches that elevate this dessert to the next level. Here’s everything you’ll need:

For the Brownie Layer:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp baking powder

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Caramel Topping:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

How to Make Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

Creating this dessert involves two main components—the brownie base and the cheesecake topping—followed by the delicious caramel drizzle. Let’s break it down step by step.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Layer In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared springform pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.

Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Carefully pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer in the pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and the center is slightly jiggly. The brownie layer may rise up a bit, but that’s perfectly fine. Allow the cheesecake to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to the refrigerator. Let it chill for 4 hours or overnight for the best texture.

Step 5: Make the Caramel Topping While the cheesecake is chilling, you can prepare the caramel. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture starts to bubble. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Allow the caramel to cool to room temperature before drizzling it over the cheesecake.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy Once the cheesecake has chilled and the caramel has cooled, drizzle the caramel over the top just before serving. Slice and enjoy this rich, indulgent Caramel Brownie Cheesecake that’s sure to impress everyone at the table!

How Long to Bake Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

The baking time for this Caramel Brownie Cheesecake is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. Since it consists of both a brownie base and a creamy cheesecake layer, you’ll need to ensure that both are fully baked without overcooking them. Here’s a general guide:

• For the Brownie Layer – Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes at 350°F (175°C). The brownie layer should be firm, but still slightly fudgy in the center.

• For the Cheesecake Layer – After adding the cheesecake filling, bake for 50-60 minutes. The center should be slightly jiggly, but set when you tap the sides of the pan.

It’s important to avoid overbaking the cheesecake, as this can result in cracks or a dry texture. If you notice that the cheesecake is getting too brown on top, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers of this decadent Caramel Brownie Cheesecake, don’t worry—this dessert keeps wonderfully! Here’s how to store it for the best results:

• Refrigerator – Place any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold, or let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before slicing.

• Freezer – If you want to store the cheesecake for a longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag. The cheesecake can be frozen for up to 1 month. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips for Perfect Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

To ensure your Caramel Brownie Cheesecake turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

• Room Temperature Ingredients – Make sure both your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before you start making the cheesecake layer. This will ensure a smooth and creamy filling without any lumps.

• Check for Doneness – The cheesecake is done when the edges are set, but the center is still slightly jiggly. If it overbakes, it can become dry, so be cautious.

• Cool Properly – After baking, let the cheesecake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to the fridge for at least 4 hours (or overnight). This helps the cheesecake set and results in a smooth, rich texture.

• Caramel Consistency – If your caramel is too thick after cooling, gently reheat it in the microwave or on the stove with a tablespoon of water until it reaches a pourable consistency.

Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

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• Author: Lena Meeli
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

These Caramel Brownie Cheesecakes are a simple yet sophisticated dessert perfect for any occasion. The gooey, fudgy brownie base is topped with a creamy, smooth cheesecake layer, and drizzled with a decadent caramel sauce. Whether served as a rich dessert, a showstopper for a party, or just a treat to enjoy with family, this dessert is sure to impress!

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Ingredients

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• For the Brownie Layer:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 1/4 tsp baking powder

• For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened

  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/4 cup sour cream

  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

• For the Caramel Topping:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter

  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • Pinch of salt

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or line it with parchment paper.

• For the brownie layer, whisk together melted butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients. Pour into the prepared pan.

• For the cheesecake layer, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour. Pour over the brownie layer in the pan.

• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the cheesecake is set and slightly jiggly in the center.

• While the cheesecake cools, prepare the caramel by melting butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Let cool.

• Once the cheesecake has cooled, drizzle the caramel over the top before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

• For added crunch, sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds over the cheesecake before baking.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• For a different flavor profile, you can substitute the caramel with chocolate ganache or raspberry sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of crust for the cheesecake?

Yes, you can customize the crust to your liking! While the brownie base is a unique and delicious option, you can use a traditional graham cracker crust if you prefer. To make a graham cracker crust, combine 1 1/2 cups of crushed graham crackers, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom of your springform pan before adding the brownie layer.

2. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this dessert is ideal for making ahead. You can prepare the Caramel Brownie Cheesecake a day or two before you plan to serve it. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. The caramel topping should be added just before serving for the best presentation.

3. Can I substitute the caramel topping with another sauce?

Yes, you can substitute the caramel with other toppings if you prefer. A rich chocolate ganache or raspberry sauce would pair beautifully with the brownie and cheesecake layers. If you’re using chocolate ganache, simply melt together 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chocolate chips, stirring until smooth, and drizzle over the cheesecake.

4. Can I freeze the Caramel Brownie Cheesecake?

Yes, this cheesecake freezes very well! Once baked and completely cooled, wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. To serve, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy!