introduction

This Caramel Brownie Cheesecake is rich, smooth, and full of sweet caramel. It has a dense brownie base and a creamy cheesecake top with caramel swirls. It works for parties, family dinners, or a simple treat. If you like comfort desserts, you can find more ideas at comfort recipes.

why make this recipe

Make this dessert when you want something that looks special but is easy to make. It mixes two favorite desserts—brownies and cheesecake—into one. The caramel adds a buttery sweetness that most people love. It makes a great celebration cake and it stores well for a day or two. For other creamy dessert ideas, see creamy and comfort.

how to make Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

You make a brownie layer first, then a cheesecake layer on top. Bake the brownie base, let it cool, add the cheesecake batter, swirl in caramel, and bake again at a lower temperature. Chill the cheesecake well before serving so it sets. Read the full steps in the Directions section below.

Ingredients :

1 package of brownie mix (use the additional ingredients as directed on the package)
24 ounces (three 8-ounce packages) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling on top)
Whipped cream
Chocolate shavings

Directions :

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the oven is hot enough to bake the brownies perfectly. Grease a 9-inch springform pan, which will make removing the cheesecake much easier once it’s ready. Follow the instructions on your brownie mix package, which will usually require mixing the brownie batter and adding any additional ingredients (such as eggs or oil). Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake it according to the package instructions. Once baked, allow the brownie base to cool completely before proceeding with the cheesecake layer. It’s important to give it enough time to cool, as the warm brownie can make the cheesecake layer melt into it, which isn’t what we want for this perfect layered effect.

After your brownie base has cooled, reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together using an electric mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. This will give the cheesecake its signature silky texture. Add the vanilla extract, eggs, sour cream, and heavy cream to the mixture and blend until it’s completely smooth. The sour cream and heavy cream will lend the cheesecake its rich, creamy texture that pairs so beautifully with the dense brownie base. This step is important because it ensures a smooth, lump-free batter that will bake evenly in the oven.

Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled brownie base. Then, drizzle about half of the caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake layer. Using a butter knife or toothpick, gently swirl the caramel into the cheesecake batter, creating a marbled effect. Be careful not to overdo it; you want to maintain some distinct caramel streaks in the batter, so don’t mix it too much. This is where the magic happens—those swirls will bake into caramelized pockets of sweetness throughout the cheesecake.

Now, it’s time to bake the cheesecake. Place your pan in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the center of the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly. It’s important not to overbake it, as the cheesecake should remain creamy and smooth. If you bake it too long, the cheesecake can become dry and cracked. Once baked, turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually inside the oven. This helps prevent cracking. After about an hour, remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature.

After your cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to set and meld together, giving you a richer taste. The caramel flavor will seep deeper into the cheesecake, making every bite a luscious experience. Once it’s chilled, garnish the top of the cheesecake with whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and chocolate shavings. These finishing touches add texture and a little extra sweetness, making the dessert even more indulgent.

how to serve Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

Slice with a hot, clean knife for neat slices. Serve chilled. Add extra caramel drizzles, a dollop of whipped cream, and chocolate shavings on top. You can also serve with fresh berries to cut the sweetness.

how to store Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze slices in a single layer on a tray, then move them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

tips to make Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

Use room temperature cream cheese so the batter is smooth and lump-free.
Let the brownie base cool fully before adding the cheesecake layer to keep layers distinct.
Don’t overmix the batter after adding eggs to avoid extra air that can cause cracks.
Bake the cheesecake until the center is just slightly jiggly; it will firm as it cools.
Chill it well for the best texture and flavor. For more about the recipe maker and site info, check about us.

variation (if any)

Salted caramel: Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel drizzle for contrast.
Nutty twist: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on the brownie layer before baking.
Chocolate swirl: Drop melted chocolate on top of the cheesecake and swirl with caramel for a double swirl look.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this without a springform pan?
A: Yes. Use a regular 9-inch pan and line it with parchment for easier removal, but a springform pan is best.

Q: Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a mix?
A: Yes. Use your favorite brownie recipe and bake it as the base. Let it cool before adding cheesecake.

Q: Why did my cheesecake crack?
A: Cracks happen from too much oven heat or too much air in the batter. Bake at the lower temperature, don’t overmix, and cool slowly in the oven with the door closed.

Q: Can I skip the sour cream?
A: You can, but sour cream adds tang and a creamier texture. You may replace it with an equal amount of Greek yogurt.

Conclusion

If you want a tested recipe and more photos, see Caramel Brownie Cheesecake. For more cheesecake ideas for every occasion, visit 25 Irresistible Cheesecake Recipes for Every Occasion – Pass Me …. For another full write-up of this dessert, check Caramel Brownie Cheesecake: A Dreamy Dessert for Every Occasion.

Caramel Brownie Cheesecake