Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Bliss (Printable version)
Fudgy brownie layered with smooth cheesecake and topped with warm caramel for the ultimate indulgent dessert.
# What You'll Need:
→ Brownie Base
01 - ½ cup unsalted butter
02 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
05 - ½ cup all-purpose flour
06 - ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
07 - ¼ tsp salt
→ Cheesecake Layer
08 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
09 - ½ cup granulated sugar
10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
12 - ¼ cup sour cream
→ Caramel Topping
13 - ¾ cup soft caramels, unwrapped
14 - 2 tbsp heavy cream
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until glossy. Sift in flour, cocoa, and salt. Mix just until combined. Spread evenly in the pan.
03 - With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well, then add vanilla and sour cream. Pour evenly over the brownie layer.
04 - Bake for 45–50 minutes or until the center is just set and edges are lightly golden. Cool completely at room temperature, then chill for at least 2 hours.
05 - In a saucepan or microwave, melt caramels with heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Pour over chilled cheesecake and spread gently.
06 - Chill an additional 30 minutes until caramel is set. Slice into bars and serve.
# Expert advice:
01 -
- The brownie bottom stays fudgy even days later, thanks to the cheesecake layer locking in moisture
- Caramel and cream cheese were always meant to be together, and this dessert proves it beautifully
02 -
- The center will still look slightly jiggly when you take it out of the oven. This is correct. It firms up during chilling and overbaking makes the cheesecake dry and crumbly.
- If your caramel seizes or turns grainy, add another teaspoon of cream and keep stirring. Sometimes it just needs a little more liquid to smooth out again.
03 -
- Run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between cuts for the cleanest slices. The caramel will thank you.
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel while it is still warm for a salted caramel variation that looks professional and tastes extraordinary.