Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Recipe
Indulge in the rich and decadent Caramel Brownie Cheesecake, featuring a fudgy brownie base, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a luscious homemade caramel sauce drizzled on top. This dessert combines the best of chocolate and caramel in a perfectly balanced treat that’s ideal for special occasions or whenever you crave a sophisticated sweet delight.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 80 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Brownie Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- Prepare Brownie Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan or microwave, then stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to flavor the mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix: Sift together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet batter until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Bake Brownie Layer: Grease a 9-inch springform pan thoroughly. Pour the brownie batter into the pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Make Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat 16 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar, then add 3 large eggs one by one, mixing well after each. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/2 cup sour cream until the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the cheesecake mixture gently over the cooled brownie layer, spreading evenly to cover. Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 30-35 minutes, until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup granulated sugar, stirring constantly until it turns a deep amber color. Carefully add 6 tablespoons unsalted butter and stir until melted and combined. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream while stirring continuously, then add 1 teaspoon sea salt. Cook for another minute until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat.
- Finish and Chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature, then drizzle the homemade caramel sauce evenly over the top. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully chilled and set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- Do not overbake the brownie layer; it should be slightly undercooked to maintain fudginess under the cheesecake.
- Be careful when melting the sugar for caramel, as it can burn quickly; use medium heat and stir constantly.
- Use a springform pan to easily remove the cheesecake without damaging the layers.
- For a firmer cheesecake, chilling overnight is recommended.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: brownie cheesecake, caramel sauce, homemade caramel, layered dessert, chocolate cheesecake, fudgy brownie dessert