Caramel Brownie Cheesecake is a rich, layered dessert that mixes fudgy brownie and creamy cheesecake with sweet caramel. It feels fancy but is not hard to make. This dessert works for a party or a quiet night at home. For another simple dessert idea, see this oatmeal cake recipe that is easy and comforting.
Why make this recipe
Make this recipe when you want a show-stopping dessert that most people love. It has three textures: a dense brownie base, a smooth cheesecake layer, and gooey caramel swirls. It is perfect for birthdays, holidays, or when you want to treat guests. You can make it ahead and chill it, so it is good for planning.
How to make Caramel Brownie Cheesecake
This dessert comes in two parts: bake the brownie base first, then add the cheesecake layer with caramel swirls. Work in a cool kitchen so the cheesecake layer stays smooth. Chill it well before serving so the layers set and slice cleanly. Be gentle when you swirl the caramel so you keep nice streaks.
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 the chilled cheesecake with a hot, clean knife for neat pieces. Serve each slice with a little extra caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings. This cheesecake is rich, so smaller slices work well. If you want a full meal idea, a plain side like rice can keep things simple—try this basmati rice guide for an easy dinner pairing.
How to store Caramel Brownie Cheesecake
Cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap slices well and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight 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. Warm brownie will melt the cheesecake.
- Do not overmix the caramel swirl; gentle swirls make pretty streaks.
- Bake until the center is slightly jiggly, not fully firm, to keep it creamy.
- Cool the cheesecake in the oven with the door closed for about an hour to avoid cracks.
Variation
- Add chopped nuts or sea salt to the caramel for a salted caramel version.
- Mix chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra chocolate.
- Use dulce de leche instead of caramel sauce for a deeper caramel flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a mix?
A: Yes. Use your favorite brownie recipe and bake it in the 9-inch springform pan the same way. Let it cool fully before adding the cheesecake layer.
Q: Why did my cheesecake crack?
A: Cracks happen if it cools too fast or if it is overbaked. Cool the cake slowly in the oven with the heat off for an hour, and do not overbake.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use a gluten-free brownie mix or make a gluten-free brownie base. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Low-fat cream cheese can change the texture and taste. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best creamy result.
Conclusion
For another take on this dessert, you can compare techniques with the classic Caramel Brownie Cheesecake recipe at Handle the Heat, which shows similar steps and tips. If you want more cheesecake ideas for different events, check out this list of 25 cheesecake recipes for every occasion.
Caramel Brownie Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base
- 1 package brownie mix (use the additional ingredients as directed on the package)
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 24 ounces cream cheese, softened Use room temperature for best results.
- 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)
For Garnish
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Follow the instructions on the brownie mix package to prepare the brownie batter.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake according to the package instructions.
- Allow the brownie base to cool completely.
Cheesecake Layer
- Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add the vanilla extract, eggs, sour cream, and heavy cream. Blend until completely smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled brownie base.
- Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer and gently swirl it in.
- Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool gradually in the oven with the door closed for about an hour.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Serving
- Slice the chilled cheesecake with a hot, clean knife for neat pieces.
- Serve each slice with extra caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings.