Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Recipe

The Ultimate Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Recipe for Sweet Bliss

Sweet dreams come alive with this decadent caramel brownie cheesecake that promises pure indulgence.

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

Dense brownie bottoms provide a delicious foundation for silky smooth cream cheese.

Ribbons of golden caramel weave through each luxurious bite, adding unexpected depth and complexity.

Chocolate lovers will swoon over the intense cocoa notes blending seamlessly with velvety textures.

Surprisingly simple techniques make this impressive dessert accessible for home bakers of all skill levels.

Come experience a slice of pure happiness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Deserves A Spot On Your Table

  • Savor Decadent Layers: Indulge in a luxurious dessert that combines the creaminess of cheesecake with the rich depth of brownies and chocolate ganache.
  • Impress Without Stress: This showstopping dessert looks complicated but comes together surprisingly easily, making you look like a pro baker with minimal effort.
  • Customize Your Creation: Flexible recipe allows for personal touches like extra caramel, different nuts, or additional chocolate drizzles to match your taste preferences.
  • Perfect for Special Moments: Ideal for celebrations, potlucks, or when you want to treat yourself to an extraordinary dessert that feels like a gourmet restaurant experience.

What You Need For Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

For the Crust:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs: A classic base that provides a sweet and crunchy foundation for the cheesecake.
  • Butter: Helps bind the crumbs together and adds rich flavor to the crust.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth and creamy texture of the cheesecake.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
  • Sour Cream: Enhances the richness and provides a subtle tangy flavor to the filling.
  • Eggs: Act as a binding agent and help create the smooth, custard-like texture of the cheesecake.
  • Brownie Mix: Introduces a chocolatey dimension and adds depth to the cheesecake's flavor profile.
For the Topping and Finishing:
  • Dark Chocolate Chips: Create a luxurious ganache layer that adds intense chocolate flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps melt the chocolate and creates a smooth, glossy ganache.
  • Caramel Sauce: Provides a sweet, buttery drizzle that complements the chocolate and cheesecake.
  • Pecans: Offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to contrast with the creamy cheesecake.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances the overall flavor by balancing the sweetness of the dessert.

How To Make Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Easily

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a cozy 325°F. Grab your trusty 9-inch springform pan and line its bottom with parchment paper for a smooth release.

Step 2: Create the Crunchy Base

Melt butter and mix it with graham cracker crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the pan’s bottom, creating a solid foundation that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Grab your electric mixer and transform cream cheese into a silky smooth dream. Gradually add sugar, blending until the mixture becomes irresistibly creamy and light.

Step 4: Build the Luscious Batter

Gently fold in sour cream, then add eggs one by one. Mix thoroughly after each egg to ensure a velvety-smooth texture that’ll make everyone swoon.

Step 5: Introduce the Brownie Magic

Stir in the brownie mix, mixing until it’s perfectly blended with no dry spots. This is where the real excitement begins!

Step 6: Pour and Smooth

Transfer the cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to create a perfectly smooth top that looks absolutely picture-perfect.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 55-60 minutes. You’re looking for a center that’s almost set but still has a slight jiggle. Remove and let it cool completely.

Step 8: Craft the Chocolate Ganache

Heat heavy cream and pour it over dark chocolate chips. Stir until you’ve created a glossy, decadent ganache that’ll make chocolate lovers weak in the knees.

Step 9: Drizzle the Chocolate Layer

Carefully spread the chocolate ganache over the cooled cheesecake, ensuring every inch is covered in chocolatey goodness.

Step 10: Chill and Set

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight. Patience is key to letting all those amazing flavors mingle and set.

Step 11: Add the Final Flourish

Before serving, go wild with caramel sauce drizzled across the top. Sprinkle chopped pecans and finish with a light dusting of sea salt for that perfect flavor explosion.

Step 12: Serve and Celebrate

Slice the cheesecake and serve it chilled. Prepare for a chorus of “oohs” and “aahs” as everyone takes their first bite of this incredible dessert!

Helpful Notes For Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

  • Master Low and Slow Baking: Keep oven temperature consistent at 325°F to prevent cheesecake cracking and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
  • Prevent Crust Crumbling: Press graham cracker mixture firmly and evenly into pan's base, using the back of a spoon or measuring cup for compact, stable foundation.
  • Mix Ingredients Gently: Blend cream cheese and other components at low speed to avoid incorporating excess air, which can cause surface cracks during baking.
  • Create Seamless Ganache: Heat cream until just steaming, not boiling, and pour slowly over chocolate chips, stirring from center outward for glossy, smooth chocolate layer.
  • Refrigerate for Perfect Setting: Allow cheesecake to cool completely at room temperature before chilling, which helps prevent condensation and maintains ideal texture.

Ways To Twist Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

  • Gluten-Free Brownie Cheesecake: Swap graham cracker crust with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, use gluten-free brownie mix for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake: Replace cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of dairy, substitute eggs with flax eggs, and opt for dark vegan chocolate for ganache.
  • Low-Carb Decadent Version: Create a nut-based crust using crushed almonds or pecans, use sugar substitute like erythritol, incorporate sugar-free chocolate chips, and reduce overall carbohydrate content.

What Tastes Great With Caramel Brownie Cheesecake

  • Pair Decadent Red Wine: Select a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or rich Port wine to complement the chocolate and caramel notes, cutting through the cheesecake's creamy richness and enhancing its deep, complex flavors.
  • Serve with Espresso Twist: Brew a strong espresso or cappuccino to balance the dessert's sweetness, providing a robust coffee undertone that highlights the brownie and chocolate ganache layers.
  • Match with Salted Caramel Bourbon: Choose a smooth bourbon with caramel and vanilla undertones that echoes the dessert's own caramel and sea salt elements, creating a harmonious and indulgent tasting experience.

Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Storage Tips

  • Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, placing plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent moisture and preserve freshness. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power to maintain texture. Alternatively, let slices sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly.
  • For the best flavor and texture, enjoy cheesecake directly from the refrigerator, allowing the ganache and caramel to remain perfectly set.

Answers To Caramel Brownie Cheesecake FAQs

  • Can I substitute the brownie mix with something else?

Yes, you can use cocoa powder or melted chocolate as an alternative to boxed brownie mix for similar flavor and texture.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make this cheesecake?

An electric mixer, springform pan, and parchment paper are recommended for best results, but standard baking tools can work too.

  • How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the batter, bake at a consistent temperature, and let the cheesecake cool gradually to minimize cracking.

  • Is this cheesecake suitable for people with gluten sensitivities?

Not as written, since graham crackers and boxed brownie mix typically contain gluten. You’ll need to use gluten-free alternatives for those with dietary restrictions.

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Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Recipe

Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Recipe


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4.6 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (including refrigeration)
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent caramel brownie cheesecake blends rich chocolate layers with creamy cheesecake for a dessert masterpiece. Silky smooth textures and deep caramel notes invite chocolate enthusiasts to savor each luxurious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 24 oz cream cheese
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup brownie mix

Chocolate Layer:

  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream

Caramel Topping:

  • 1 cup caramel sauce
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tbsp sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F and prepare a 9-inch springform pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. Melt butter and combine with graham cracker crumbs, pressing the mixture firmly into the pan’s base to create a uniform crust.
  3. Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese until smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating sugar until fully integrated.
  4. Gently fold in sour cream, then add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure a silky texture.
  5. Incorporate the brownie mix into the cheesecake batter, stirring until evenly distributed with no dry streaks.
  6. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly, then remove from oven and let cool completely.
  8. For the chocolate layer, heat heavy cream and pour over dark chocolate chips, stirring until a glossy ganache forms.
  9. Carefully spread the chocolate ganache over the cooled cheesecake, ensuring an even coverage.
  10. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
  11. Before serving, drizzle caramel sauce generously across the top, sprinkle chopped pecans, and finish with a light dusting of sea salt.
  12. Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the rich layers of flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Choose room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth, lump-free cheesecake batter and perfect blending.
  • Wrap the springform pan’s exterior with aluminum foil to prevent water seepage during the baking process, creating a more stable cheesecake.
  • For gluten-free variation, swap graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs and use a certified gluten-free brownie mix.
  • Prevent surface cracking by placing a shallow pan of water on the oven’s bottom rack during baking, creating a humid environment that helps cheesecake cook evenly.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 36 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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