🎉 Introduction
If you’ve ever struggled to choose between a brownie, a cheesecake, or a caramel sundae… this dessert says, “why not all three?” This Caramel Brownie Cheesecake starts with a thick, fudgy brownie base, gets layered with creamy vanilla cheesecake, and is finished with golden caramel swirls. A drizzle of extra caramel, whipped cream, and chocolate shavings makes it look bakery-worthy.
It’s indulgent enough for birthdays, holidays, or special gatherings, yet simple enough to make at home with a box of brownie mix and a few pantry staples.
🧰 Equipment Needed
- 9-inch springform pan
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Oven
- Knife for swirling caramel
- Piping bag (optional for whipped cream garnish)
🛒 Ingredients
🍫 Brownie Base:
- 1 package brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as package directs)
🍰 Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened (3 blocks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
🍮 Caramel & Garnish:
- ½ cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1 – Bake the Brownie Base
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare brownie mix according to package instructions.
- Pour into a greased and lined 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for about 20–25 minutes — until just set but still slightly fudgy. Cool while making filling.
Step 2 – Make the Cheesecake Batter
5. Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
6. Add vanilla, sour cream, and heavy cream. Mix well.
7. Add eggs one at a time on low speed until just combined (do not overmix).
Step 3 – Assemble & Swirl
8. Pour cheesecake batter over cooled brownie base.
9. Warm caramel sauce slightly and drizzle over top.
10. Use a knife to swirl caramel into the cheesecake batter.
Step 4 – Bake the Cheesecake
11. Place pan inside a larger roasting pan; pour hot water halfway up sides for a water bath (optional, prevents cracks).
12. Bake 50–60 minutes at 325°F (163°C) until edges are set but center still jiggles.
13. Turn oven off, crack door, and let rest inside for 1 hour.
14. Remove, cool completely, then chill 4–6 hours (overnight best).
Step 5 – Garnish & Serve
15. Before serving, drizzle with extra caramel.
16. Pipe whipped cream around edges and sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 12–14 slices
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Bake Time: 1 hour
- Cooling & Chilling: 6 hours
- Total Time: ~7–8 hours
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Store covered in fridge up to 5 days.
- Freeze (without whipped cream) up to 2 months — thaw overnight before serving.
- Best enjoyed chilled — no reheating needed.
🥄 Variations
- Salted Caramel Brownie Cheesecake: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over caramel.
- Nutty Version: Add toasted pecans or walnuts into brownie base.
- Extra Chocolatey: Swirl melted chocolate with caramel before baking.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Bake in muffin tins with brownie bottoms for individual desserts.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Do I have to use boxed brownie mix?
No — you can use homemade brownie batter. - Will the brownie overbake when cheesecake cooks?
No — slightly underbake the brownie so it stays fudgy. - Do I need a water bath?
Optional, but it helps prevent cracks. - What kind of caramel works best?
Thick jarred or homemade caramel sauce. - Can I make this ahead?
Yes, cheesecake is best chilled overnight. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, tightly wrap and freeze up to 2 months. - What if my cheesecake cracks?
Cover with caramel and whipped cream — no one will notice! - Can I skip sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a good substitute. - How do I cut clean slices?
Use a hot knife, wiping between cuts. - Can I double the caramel swirl?
Yes — for a gooey, sweeter cheesecake.
🏁 Conclusion
This Caramel Brownie Cheesecake is pure dessert bliss: fudgy brownie crust, creamy cheesecake, and caramel swirls in every bite. Topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, it’s a decadent treat that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave something rich and irresistible.
Caramel Brownie Cheesecake – Decadent, Gooey & Showstopping
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare brownie mix according to package instructions.
- Pour into a greased and lined 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for about 20–25 minutes — until just set but still slightly fudgy. Cool while making filling.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add vanilla, sour cream, and heavy cream. Mix well.
- Add eggs one at a time on low speed until just combined (do not overmix).
- Pour cheesecake batter over cooled brownie base.
- Warm caramel sauce slightly and drizzle over top.
- Use a knife to swirl caramel into the cheesecake batter.
- Place pan inside a larger roasting pan; pour hot water halfway up sides for a water bath (optional, prevents cracks).
- Bake 50–60 minutes at 325°F (163°C) until edges are set but center still jiggles.
- Turn oven off, crack door, and let rest inside for 1 hour.
- Remove, cool completely, then chill 4–6 hours (overnight best).
- Before serving, drizzle with extra caramel.
- Pipe whipped cream around edges and sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
Notes
No — you can use homemade brownie batter. Will the brownie overbake when cheesecake cooks?
No — slightly underbake the brownie so it stays fudgy. Do I need a water bath?
Optional, but it helps prevent cracks. What kind of caramel works best?
Thick jarred or homemade caramel sauce. Can I make this ahead?
Yes, cheesecake is best chilled overnight. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, tightly wrap and freeze up to 2 months. What if my cheesecake cracks?
Cover with caramel and whipped cream — no one will notice! Can I skip sour cream?
Greek yogurt is a good substitute. How do I cut clean slices?
Use a hot knife, wiping between cuts. Can I double the caramel swirl?
Yes — for a gooey, sweeter cheesecake. 🏁 Conclusion
This Caramel Brownie Cheesecake is pure dessert bliss: fudgy brownie crust, creamy cheesecake, and caramel swirls in every bite. Topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, it’s a decadent treat that’s as stunning as it is delicious. Perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave something rich and irresistible.
