Imagine a dessert that combines three of the most beloved indulgences—rich brownies, creamy cheesecake, and luscious caramel. The Caramel Brownie Cheesecake is the ultimate fusion of textures and flavors. Each bite delivers a harmony of fudgy chocolate, velvety cream cheese, and silky caramel drizzle that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or simply to satisfy a craving, this recipe guarantees a show-stopping dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes. Best of all, making it at home is easier than you might think—with careful steps and attention to detail, you’ll master this luxurious treat in no time.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, at room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)

Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until combined.
- Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir gently until a thick, glossy batter forms—avoid overmixing, which can make brownies dense.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 15–18 minutes, just until the edges are set but the center remains slightly soft. Set aside to cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides to remove lumps.
- Add the sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the eggs, one at a time, blending well after each addition.
- Add the vanilla extract, sour cream, and flour, then beat on low speed just until combined. The batter should be silky and lump-free.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake
- Pour the cheesecake batter gently over the cooled brownie base, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Place the springform pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50–60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center jiggles slightly when shaken.
- Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula until it melts into an amber-colored liquid.
- Carefully add the butter (it will bubble vigorously). Stir until fully melted.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Stir in the salt (if using) and let the caramel cool for about 15 minutes before using.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Once the cheesecake has chilled, remove it from the pan and drizzle generously with caramel sauce. For an extra touch, you can swirl some caramel into the top before serving or sprinkle with chocolate shavings or crushed pecans.
Conservation and Storage
Proper storage ensures your cheesecake retains its rich texture and flavor:
- Refrigeration: Cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Caramel Sauce: Store leftover caramel in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently in the microwave or over low heat before using.
Variations
- Salted Caramel Brownie Cheesecake: Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel layer to balance the sweetness with a savory touch.
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup (60 g) of chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for added crunch.
- Mocha Twist: Mix 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder into the brownie layer to intensify the chocolate flavor.
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Replace the caramel topping with melted white chocolate for a creamy, elegant finish.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners for individual servings—bake brownies for 10 minutes, then add cheesecake batter and bake for 20–25 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled slices drizzled with extra caramel and a dollop of whipped cream.
- Garnish with toasted nuts, chocolate curls, or crushed toffee bits for a gourmet presentation.
- Pair with a cup of espresso or hot chocolate to complement the rich flavors.
- For a festive touch, add fresh berries on top—the tartness balances the sweetness perfectly.
Conclusion
The Caramel Brownie Cheesecake is the embodiment of dessert luxury—each layer contributes something special: the brownie adds fudgy depth, the cheesecake brings creamy richness, and the caramel ties everything together with buttery sweetness. Its versatility allows you to experiment with flavors and textures while maintaining a stunning presentation fit for any occasion. Whether served at a family gathering, a dinner party, or as a self-indulgent treat, this dessert never fails to impress. With a bit of patience and the right technique, you’ll create a masterpiece that’s as delightful to behold as it is to devour.
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Caramel Brownie Cheesecake: A Decadent Dessert Worth Every Bite
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Caramel Brownie Cheesecake unites three decadent layers—fudgy brownies, velvety cheesecake, and buttery caramel sauce—into a single indulgent dessert. Perfect for celebrations or cozy nights in, this treat delivers rich flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes every bite unforgettable.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base
1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup (40 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Cheesecake Layer
16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup (80 ml) sour cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Caramel Sauce
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream, at room temperature
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (optional, for salted caramel)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Whisk melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla; mix well.
Sift in cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until a glossy batter forms.
Spread batter evenly in the pan. Bake 15–18 minutes, until edges are set. Cool.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
Beat cream cheese until smooth.
Add sugar; beat until fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.
Blend in vanilla, sour cream, and flour until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour cheesecake batter over cooled brownie base. Smooth top.
Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50–60 minutes, until edges set and center jiggles slightly.
Let cool in oven with door slightly open for 1 hour.
Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
Heat sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until melted and amber-colored.
Add butter; stir until melted.
Slowly add cream; let boil for 1 minute.
Stir in salt; cool for 15 minutes before use.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Remove cheesecake from pan. Drizzle caramel generously over top.
Garnish with nuts, chocolate shavings, or extra caramel drizzle.
Notes
For a salted caramel finish, sprinkle sea salt on top.
Prevent cracks by cooling gradually and avoiding overbaking.
Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest texture.
Store caramel separately and drizzle before serving for a glossy finish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 41 g
- Sodium: 230 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: Caramel Brownie Cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, caramel dessert, brownie cheesecake recipe, creamy cheesecake


