Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

I adore this Caramel Brownie Cheesecake—it’s an indulgent, multi-layer dessert that marries rich, fudgy brownie, creamy cheesecake, and luscious caramel in every bite. It’s a dessert lover’s dream come true.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how each component brings something different: the dense, cocoa-rich brownie base; the tangy, velvety cheesecake center; and the sweet, gooey caramel topping. It feels decadent and gourmet, yet it’s surprisingly easy to assemble. It’s guaranteed to impress anyone I serve it to.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Brownie mix or homemade brownie batter

• Eggs, oil, and water (as required for brownies)

• Cream cheese, softened

• Granulated sugar

• Brown sugar

• Vanilla extract

• Eggs (for cheesecake layer)

• Sour cream or heavy cream

• Salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• Sea salt (optional, for finishing)

Directions

1. I preheat my oven to 325 °F (163 °C) and prepare a springform pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper and greasing the sides.

2. I mix the brownie batter according to package (or homemade) instructions, then spread it into the bottom of the pan.

3. I bake the brownie layer for about 15 minutes, just until it’s slightly set but not fully cooked—this helps the layers meld later.

4. Meanwhile, I beat the softened cream cheese with sugars and vanilla until completely smooth and creamy.

5. I add eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated, then fold in sour cream or heavy cream until the batter is silky.

6. I pour the cheesecake mixture over the partially baked brownie base, smoothing the surface gently.

7. I bake for 45–55 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly.

8. I turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for about an hour to prevent cracks.

9. I transfer it to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.

10. Just before serving, I drizzle a generous layer of caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt for contrast.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 12–14 slices

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Bake Time: 60–70 minutes (combined layers)

• Cooling Time: 1 hour at room temperature + at least 4 hours in fridge

• Total Time: Around 6 hours, plus chilling overnight if desired

Variations

• Nutty crunch: I add chopped pecans or walnuts to the brownie layer or sprinkle on top.

• Salted caramel swirl: I swirl caramel sauce into the cheesecake batter before baking for marbled effect.

• Chocolate drizzle: I melt dark chocolate and zigzag over the caramel topping for extra richness.

• Mocha twist: I add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the brownie mix for subtle coffee notes.

• Mini cheesecakes: I bake in cupcake liners or a mini muffin tin for individual-sized treats.

Storage/Reheating

I cover leftovers tightly and store the cheesecake in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s best served chilled—before serving, I let slices sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes for softer texture. I don’t reheat this dessert since it’s enjoyed cold.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

I often bake it the night before—chilling overnight enhances the texture and flavor.

How do I get clean slices?

I run a sharp knife under hot water, wipe it dry, then slice. I rinse and reheat between cuts for neat, smooth edges.

Can I use a boxed brownie mix?

Absolutely—I use boxed mixes for convenience. They pair beautifully with the cheesecake layer and save prep time.

What type of caramel sauce works best?

I use thick, pourable caramel sauce—store-bought is fine, or I whisk up a quick homemade version using sugar, butter, and cream.

How do I prevent cracks on top?

Cooling slowly with the oven door cracked for an hour helps, as does avoiding overbaking—the center should jiggle slightly when done.

Conclusion

This Caramel Brownie Cheesecake is one of my favorite decadent desserts. With its layers of fudgy brownie, creamy cheesecake, and rich caramel, it delivers a complex and satisfying experience every time. Whether I’m celebrating or craving something extraordinary, this dessert never fails to delight.

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