Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Recipe

The Perfect Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Indulgence

Sweet dreams come true when you whip up this decadent caramel brownie cheesecake that promises pure indulgence.

Layers of rich chocolate and creamy filling create a dessert masterpiece.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over the intense flavors dancing across their taste buds.

Silky smooth textures blend perfectly with gooey caramel ribbons threading through each delightful bite.

Crafting this showstopper requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Chocolate and caramel enthusiasts, prepare to experience a dessert that will become your new obsession.

Dive in and savor every incredible moment of deliciousness.

Why Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Is A Dreamy Combo

  • Create Stunning Layers: Impress friends and family with a visually striking dessert that combines creamy cheesecake, rich brownie, and gooey caramel in one spectacular treat.
  • Master a Show-Stopping Dessert: Elevate your baking skills by crafting a complex-looking dessert that's actually manageable for home bakers with basic cooking experience.
  • Indulge in Ultimate Chocolate Decadence: Enjoy an over-the-top dessert that satisfies intense chocolate cravings with its double chocolate profile from brownie and chocolate shavings.
  • Customize with Elegant Finishing Touches: Personalize the cheesecake with optional caramel drizzle, chocolate shavings, and crunchy pecans for a professional bakery-style presentation.

Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Ingredient Breakdown

Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Butter, Melted: Helps bind the crumbs together and creates a rich, golden crust.
  • Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the graham cracker base.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that gives the cheesecake its smooth, creamy texture.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling and balances the tangy cream cheese.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help the cheesecake set properly.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic essence.
  • Sour Cream, Heavy Cream: Add richness and contribute to the silky, luxurious texture of the filling.
Brownie Layer:
  • Flour, Cocoa Powder, Salt: The dry ingredients that create the rich, chocolatey brownie base.
  • Butter: Adds moisture and helps create a fudgy brownie texture.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps achieve a glossy brownie surface.
  • Eggs, Vanilla Extract: Bind the brownie ingredients and add depth of flavor.
Topping:
  • Caramel Sauce: A decadent drizzle that adds sweet, buttery notes to the dessert.
  • Pecans, Chocolate Shavings: Provide extra crunch and visual appeal to the finished cheesecake.

How To Make Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Step-By-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Station

Warm up the oven to a cozy 325°F. Grab a 9-inch springform pan and line its bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Crust

Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl until the mixture looks like damp beach sand. Press this delightful mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating a solid foundation.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until they transform into a silky smooth mixture with zero lumps. Add eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a perfect blend.

Step 4: Enhance the Cheesecake Filling

Gently fold in vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream. Stir until the filling becomes uniform and incredibly silky.

Step 5: Craft the Decadent Brownie Layer

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Salt

Step 6: Prepare the Brownie Mixture

Melt butter in a saucepan and remove from heat. Stir in sugar until well combined. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until the batter becomes glossy and smooth.

Step 7: Combine Brownie Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet brownie mixture, creating a rich chocolate batter that’s pure indulgence.

Step 8: Layer the Cheesecake

Pour the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 9: Create a Marbled Masterpiece

Carefully layer the brownie batter on top of the cheesecake filling. Use a knife to create beautiful swirling marbled patterns.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. Look for a center that’s almost set with a slight wobble.

Step 11: Cool and Set

Remove from the oven and let the cheesecake cool completely at room temperature for about 2 hours.

Step 12: Refrigerate

Chill the cheesecake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure it sets perfectly.

Step 13: Add the Finishing Touches

Before serving, drizzle generously with caramel sauce. Sprinkle chopped pecans and chocolate shavings over the top for extra texture and visual appeal.

Step 14: Serve and Enjoy

Slice the chilled cheesecake and savor the decadent layers of brownie, creamy cheesecake, and luscious caramel.

Pro Tips For Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Perfection

  • Prevent Cracking: Bake cheesecake in a water bath to maintain steady, gentle heat and prevent surface cracks during baking.
  • Achieve Smooth Texture: Beat cream cheese at room temperature to ensure a velvety, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly.
  • Master Marbling Technique: Use a knife to gently swirl brownie batter into cheesecake layer, creating beautiful marble patterns without overmixing.
  • Control Moisture Balance: Allow cheesecake to cool slowly at room temperature, then refrigerate overnight to develop rich, dense texture and prevent separation.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast pecans before sprinkling to release natural oils and intensify nutty, caramel-complementing flavor profile.

Flavor Ideas For Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

  • Salted Caramel Brownie Cheesecake: Add sea salt flakes to the caramel drizzle and incorporate salted caramel pieces into the brownie batter for an enhanced sweet-salty flavor profile.
  • Chocolate Hazelnut Brownie Cheesecake: Replace pecans with chopped hazelnuts and swirl Nutella into the brownie layer for a rich, nutty chocolate experience.
  • No-Bake Brownie Cheesecake: Create a chilled version using gelatin-stabilized cheesecake filling and a refrigerated brownie base, eliminating the need for oven baking.

Perfect Pairings For Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

  • Pair Smooth Red Wine: Select a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich chocolate and caramel flavors, balancing the dessert's intense sweetness with smooth tannins.
  • Serve with Espresso Shot: Match the decadent cheesecake with a small, robust espresso that cuts through the creamy texture and enhances the deep chocolate notes, creating a classic dessert pairing.
  • Garnish with Candied Pecans: Top with homemade candied pecans to add a crunchy, caramelized element that echoes the caramel sauce and provides a delightful textural contrast to the creamy cheesecake layers.

How To Store Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Properly

  • Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it in an airtight container to preserve freshness for up to 5 days.
  • Carefully place the whole cheesecake or individual slices in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking, where it can be stored for 1-2 months.
  • Never leave the cheesecake at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety.
  • Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator 24 hours before serving, allowing it to slowly defrost while maintaining its creamy texture and structural integrity.

Common Questions About Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

  • Can I use a different type of chocolate for the brownie layer?

Yes, you can substitute dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate depending on your preference. Just ensure it’s high-quality baking chocolate for the best flavor.

  • How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Use room temperature ingredients, avoid overmixing, and bake in a water bath. Also, let the cheesecake cool gradually to minimize surface cracks.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs and use gluten-free flour in the brownie layer. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

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Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Recipe

Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Recipe


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4.5 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours and 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Luxurious caramel brownie cheesecake merges rich chocolate layers with creamy cheesecake perfection. Silky caramel swirls and intense chocolate create an irresistible dessert you’ll crave from first decadent bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Cheesecake Filling:

  • 24 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Brownie Layer:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Caramel Topping:

  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup chocolate shavings

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl, mixing until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, creating an even, compact base.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
  5. Gently incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
  6. Fold in vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream until the filling is uniform and silky.
  7. For the brownie layer, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
  8. Melt butter in a saucepan, then remove from heat and stir in sugar until well combined.
  9. Add eggs and vanilla to the butter mixture, mixing until the batter is glossy and smooth.
  10. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet brownie mixture, creating a rich chocolate batter.
  11. Pour the cheesecake filling over the graham cracker crust, spreading evenly.
  12. Carefully layer the brownie batter on top of the cheesecake filling, creating a marbled effect with a knife.
  13. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is almost set with a slight wobble.
  14. Remove from the oven and let cool completely at room temperature for about 2 hours.
  15. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
  16. Before serving, drizzle generously with caramel sauce.
  17. Sprinkle chopped pecans and chocolate shavings over the top for added texture and visual appeal.
  18. Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the decadent layers of brownie, cheesecake, and caramel.

Notes

  • Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Use a water bath during baking to prevent cracks and create a silky, even cheesecake surface.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cheesecake light and prevent a dense, tough consistency.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 552
  • Sugar: 41 g
  • Sodium: 314 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 7 g
  • Cholesterol: 128 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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