Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it layers all my favorite dessert elements—gooey brownies, smooth cheesecake, and sticky caramel—into one irresistible cake. The combination of textures and flavors feels luxurious without being overly complicated to make. It’s a crowd-pleaser that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to prepare.
Ingredients
For the brownie base:
1/2 cup unsalted butter
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Since only the brownie base ingredient is provided, here’s a general approach I follow to make Caramel Brownie Cheesecake:
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Melt the unsalted butter and mix with sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and flour to create a rich brownie batter.
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Pour the brownie batter into a prepared springform pan and bake until just set but still fudgy.
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Prepare the cheesecake layer by mixing cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
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Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked brownie base and bake again until the cheesecake is set.
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Once cooled, top the cheesecake with a generous layer of caramel sauce.
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Chill the entire dessert in the fridge for several hours before slicing and serving.
Servings and Timing
This dessert typically serves 8-10 people. Preparation and baking together take about 1.5 to 2 hours, plus chilling time.
Variations
I like to swirl some caramel into the cheesecake layer before baking for extra richness. Adding chopped nuts to the brownie batter adds a nice crunch. For a twist, I sometimes use salted caramel to balance the sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s best served chilled and not reheated to maintain the creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use boxed brownie mix for the base?
Yes, using a high-quality boxed mix is a quick alternative and still delicious.
What type of caramel sauce works best?
Homemade caramel or good-quality store-bought caramel sauce both work well.
Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Yes, I freeze it wrapped tightly for up to 2 months and thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
Baking the cheesecake gently in a water bath and allowing it to cool slowly helps prevent cracks.
Can I make this gluten-free?
I substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour or use a gluten-free brownie mix for the base.
Conclusion
Caramel Brownie Cheesecake is one of my favorite indulgent desserts that combines the best of brownies and cheesecake with the rich sweetness of caramel. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating myself to something truly special, and the layers of flavor never fail to satisfy.
PrintCaramel Brownie Cheesecake
Caramel Brownie Cheesecake is a decadent layered dessert combining fudgy brownies, creamy cheesecake, and luscious caramel sauce. This indulgent treat is perfect for special occasions or any time you crave a rich, satisfying dessert that looks impressive yet is easy to make.
- Prep Time: About 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Total Time: About 2 to 3 hours
- Yield: Serves 8-10
- Category: Dessert, Cheesecake, Brownies
- Method: Baking, Layering
- Cuisine: American, Dessert
Ingredients
½ cup unsalted butter
(Additional typical ingredients: sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, flour — see recipe card for full details)
Cream cheese
Sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
Melt butter and mix with sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and flour to create the brownie batter.
Pour batter into a prepared springform pan and bake until just set but still fudgy.
Prepare cheesecake layer by blending cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour cheesecake mixture over baked brownie base and bake until cheesecake is set.
Allow to cool, then top with caramel sauce.
Chill in the refrigerator for several hours before slicing and serving.
Notes
Swirl caramel into the cheesecake layer before baking for extra richness.
Add chopped nuts to the brownie batter for crunch.
Use salted caramel for a balanced sweet-salty flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Approx. 480 kcal
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg