Caramel Brownie Cheesecake
Caramel Brownie Cheesecake is a decadent, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines fudgy brownies, creamy cheesecake, and caramel swirls. This rich layered dessert recipe is perfect for any celebration or indulgent moment.
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins
Total Time 6 hours hrs
Course Cake
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings
Calories 450 kcal
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 box 18.3 oz brownie mix (or homemade recipe)
- Ingredients per brownie mix typically 2 eggs, ½ cup vegetable oil, ¼ cup water
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz 680g full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup 200g granulated sugar
- 1 tsp 5ml vanilla extract
- 1 cup 240g sour cream
- 3 large eggs
For the Caramel Topping:
- ½ cup 120ml caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
Prepare the Brownie Base
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), grease a 9-inch springform pan, and line the bottom with parchment paper. I prepare the brownie batter according to the box instructions (or my favorite homemade recipe), mixing eggs, oil, and water as needed. I pour the batter into the pan and bake for 20–22 minutes until the edges are set but the center is slightly underbaked. I let it cool slightly while preparing the cheesecake layer.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, I beat 24 oz softened cream cheese with a mixer on medium until smooth. I add 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract, mixing until combined. I incorporate 1 cup sour cream for a silky texture, then add 3 eggs one at a time, mixing on low just until blended to avoid cracks.
Add Caramel Swirl
I pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled brownie base, smoothing the top. I drizzle ½ cup caramel sauce over the filling and use a knife to gently swirl it for a marbled effect, ensuring an even surface.
Bake and Cool
I lower the oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake the cheesecake for 50–60 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. I turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake rest inside for 1 hour. I then cool it completely at room temperature before chilling in the fridge for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- Why it works: Fudgy brownie base + tangy cheesecake + buttery caramel = ultimate indulgence.
- Water bath option: Wrap pan in foil and bake in a larger pan with hot water to reduce cracks.
- Room-temp dairy: Start with room-temperature cream cheese for a smooth, creamy filling.
- Make-ahead: Prepare up to 2 days in advance; add caramel just before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate, covered, up to 5 days. Freeze slices up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge.
- Serving ideas: Drizzle extra caramel; add whipped cream or fresh raspberries.
- Variations: Salted caramel (use salted sauce + flaky salt); nutty caramel (add pecans/walnuts); chocolate chip (fold mini chips into cheesecake batter).
- Common mistakes: Overbaking cheesecake; adding caramel before fully chilling; using cold cream cheese.
- FAQs: Homemade caramel works great; use gluten-free brownie mix for GF; low-fat cream cheese is possible but full-fat yields best texture.
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Keyword Caramel Brownie Cheesecake