These Cheesecake Brownies with Caramel combine three decadent favorites into one amazing dessert. Rich, fudgy brownies are swirled with a creamy cheesecake layer and topped with a luscious caramel drizzle. The combination of chocolate, tangy cheesecake, and sweet caramel creates a heavenly treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a party or just to satisfy a sweet craving, these cheesecake brownies are sure to impress everyone!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes & Tips
- Recipe Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
For the Brownies
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel Drizzle
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Make the Brownies
- Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chopped chocolate together, stirring frequently until smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Mix Brownie Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted chocolate mixture. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the flour and salt, and gently fold until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour into Pan
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Make the Cheesecake Layer
- Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture
- In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
- Add Cheesecake Layer
- Spoon dollops of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter in the pan. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the cheesecake mixture into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect.
Bake the Brownies
- Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the brownies fudgy.
- Cool
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before removing and cutting.
Add the Caramel Drizzle
- Drizzle with Caramel
- Once the brownies are cool, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top. You can use a spoon or a piping bag for more control.
Cook Notes & Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother cheesecake layer.
- Caramel Sauce: You can use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own at home for a richer flavor.
- Chill Before Slicing: For cleaner slices, chill the brownies in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cutting.
Recipe Variations
- Salted Caramel: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel drizzle for a salted caramel version.
- Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the brownie batter for a nutty crunch.
- Chocolate Caramel Swirl: Swirl extra melted chocolate into the cheesecake layer along with the caramel for an even more indulgent treat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate for the brownies? A: Yes, you can use dark or milk chocolate depending on your preference. Dark chocolate will create a richer, more intense flavor, while milk chocolate will make the brownies sweeter.
Q: Can I freeze these brownies? A: Absolutely! Wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Q: How do I store these brownies? A: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
These Cheesecake Brownies with Caramel are an indulgent, decadent treat that combines three favorite flavors—rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and sweet caramel. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious combination of flavors in every bite!