Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Bliss (Printable Version)

Rich fudgy brownie meets smooth cheesecake topped with buttery caramel for an irresistible layered dessert.

# What You Need:

→ Brownie Base

01 - ½ cup unsalted butter
02 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
05 - ½ cup all-purpose flour
06 - ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
07 - ¼ tsp salt

→ Cheesecake Layer

08 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
09 - ½ cup granulated sugar
10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
12 - ¼ cup sour cream

→ Caramel Topping

13 - ¾ cup soft caramels, unwrapped
14 - 2 tbsp heavy cream

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until glossy. Sift in flour, cocoa, and salt. Mix just until combined. Spread evenly in the pan.
03 - With an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well, then add vanilla and sour cream. Pour evenly over the brownie layer.
04 - Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the center is just set and edges are lightly golden. Cool completely at room temperature, then chill for at least 2 hours.
05 - In a saucepan or microwave, melt caramels with heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Pour over chilled cheesecake and spread gently.
06 - Chill an additional 30 minutes until caramel is set. Slice into bars and serve.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The brownie layer stays fudgy and dense even after baking, creating the perfect foundation
  • Cheesecake and caramel together is the kind of combination that makes people stop talking and start savoring
02 -
  • Cold cream cheese will create lumps that no amount of mixing can fix
  • Opening the oven door too early can cause the cheesecake layer to collapse
03 -
  • Run a thin knife around the edges before lifting the parchment to prevent sticking
  • For extra indulgence, drizzle with melted chocolate after the caramel sets