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Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

This recipe is your ultimate guide to creating this show-stopping treat at home, proving that restaurant-quality desserts are well within your reach. It perfectly marries two beloved classics: rich, fudgy brownies and creamy, tangy cheesecake.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Chilling Time 4 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert

Ingredients
  

Brownie Base
  • 1 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder Dutch-processed for richer flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Cheesecake Filling
  • 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch salt
Caramel Sauce
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream warmed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
Optional Garnishes
  • extra chocolate chips
  • chopped pecans or walnuts
  • whipped cream

Equipment

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Large bowls
  • Electric mixer
  • Saucepan
  • - Baking Sheet
  • Wire rack
  • knife or skewer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch springform pan, or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time until well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.
    1 cup unsalted butter, 2 cups granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
    1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  4. Pour about two-thirds of the brownie batter into the prepared springform pan and spread it evenly.
  5. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, on low speed, just until incorporated. Do not overmix, as this can incorporate too much air, leading to cracks. Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt until just combined.
    3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, Pinch salt
  6. Gently pour the cheesecake filling over the brownie batter in the springform pan. Dollop the remaining brownie batter over the cheesecake filling. Using a knife or skewer, gently swirl the brownie batter into the cheesecake filling to create a marbled effect. Be careful not to over-swirl, as you want distinct brownie and cheesecake layers.
  7. Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges of the cheesecake are set and the center is still slightly jiggly.
  8. Turn off the oven, crack open the oven door, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour. This gradual cooling helps prevent cracking.
  9. Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
  10. Once cooled, cover the springform pan tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set completely.
  11. While the cheesecake chills, prepare the caramel sauce if you are making it from scratch. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Stop stirring and let the mixture simmer until it turns a deep amber color. This can take 8-12 minutes.
    1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water
  12. Immediately remove from heat and carefully whisk in the warmed heavy cream and butter. The mixture will bubble vigorously. Continue whisking until smooth. Stir in the salt. Let the caramel sauce cool completely.
    1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1/2 teaspoon salt
  13. Once the cheesecake is thoroughly chilled, carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen it. Release the springform pan.
  14. Drizzle generously with the cooled caramel sauce. Garnish with extra chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Slice and serve.
    extra chocolate chips, chopped pecans or walnuts, whipped cream

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions tightly wrapped for 1-2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired, but it is best served chilled.
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