Hey there, fellow dessert lovers! Today, I’m super excited to share with you a recipe that’s about to become your new obsession: the Caramel Brownie Cheesecake. Imagine a rich, fudgy brownie layer topped with a creamy cheesecake, all swirled with luscious caramel. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it’s time to turn that dream into reality!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A perfect combination of textures: gooey brownie, creamy cheesecake, and sweet caramel.
- Easy to make using a brownie mix as the base.
- Impressive enough for special occasions but simple enough for a cozy night in.
- The caramel swirl adds an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Caramel Brownie Cheesecake:
- 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
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this Desserts Cheesecake masterpiece:
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). 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.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
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.
Step 3: Create the Caramel Swirl
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.
Step 4: Bake 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.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
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.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Let it cool: Resist the temptation to skip the cooling step. A cooled brownie base ensures the cheesecake layer doesn’t sink or melt into it.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the cheesecake batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cheesecake.
- Water bath: For an extra layer of protection against cracks, you can place the springform pan in a larger baking dish filled with about an inch of water.
- Quality matters: Use high-quality caramel sauce for the best flavor. You can also make your own caramel if you’re feeling adventurous!
How to Serve
This Caramel Brownie Cheesecake is a showstopper on its own, but you can elevate it even more with a few simple touches:
- Drizzle with extra caramel sauce just before serving.
- Top with fresh fruit, like raspberries or strawberries, for a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Sprinkle with sea salt for a salty-sweet combination.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-decadent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
This dessert is perfect for making ahead of time. Once baked and chilled, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. If you want to freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
And there you have it—your new go-to dessert recipe! This Caramel Brownie Cheesecake is sure to impress your family and friends. If you’re looking for more Recipes Cheesecake inspiration, be sure to check out our How to Make the Best Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake and How to Make the Best Red Velvet Cheesecake Recipe. Happy baking!
Caramel Brownie Cheesecake
Ingredients
- 1 package brownie mix use the additional ingredients as directed on the package
- 24 ounces 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan. Prepare brownie mix according to package instructions and bake. Allow brownie base to cool completely.
- Reduce oven to 325°F (160°C). Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add vanilla, eggs, sour cream, and heavy cream, mixing until smooth.
- Pour cheesecake batter over cooled brownie. Drizzle half the caramel sauce and swirl gently with a knife.
- Bake for 1 hour 15 minutes, until center is set but slightly jiggly. Cool in oven, then to room temperature.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Top with whipped cream, caramel drizzle, and chocolate shavings before serving.
