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I want to share my absolute favorite showstopper dessert recipe with you. This Caramel Brownie Cheesecake combines rich fudgy brownie with silky smooth cheesecake and swirls of gooey caramel. Trust me it will become your new go-to recipe for impressing guests or treating yourself.
The Story Behind This Beauty
This recipe came to life in my kitchen one afternoon when I couldn't decide between making brownies or cheesecake. I thought why not combine them? The result was pure magic. The brownie base gives that perfect chocolate fix while the creamy cheesecake layer melts in your mouth. Add caramel swirls and you've got a dessert that will have everyone begging for the recipe.
What You'll Need
- Brownie Layer: 1 box (18-21 oz) brownie mix plus what's on the box (eggs oil water you know the drill)
- Cheesecake Layer: 16 ounces cream cheese softened, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 2 large eggs room temp is important, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 cup sour cream
- Caramel Swirl: 1/2 cup caramel sauce store bought is totally fine
Time to Get Baking
- Prepare the Brownie Layer
- Set your oven to 350°F. Mix up your brownie batter following the box instructions. Pour it into a greased 9-inch springform pan and bake about 20-25 minutes. You want it just set but still a bit fudgy.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Beat your cream cheese and sugar until its super smooth. Add those eggs one at a time then mix in vanilla and sour cream until everything looks creamy and delicious.
- Assemble the Cheesecake
- Pour your cheesecake mixture over the cooled brownie base. Now comes the fun part drizzle that caramel sauce and swirl it around with a knife. Pop it in a 325°F oven for about 50-60 minutes until it just barely jiggles.
- Chill and Serve
- Let it cool completely then into the fridge for at least 4 hours. I usually make it the night before saves me stress. When ready pop it out of the pan and watch everyone's eyes light up.
More Than Just Dessert
Last Christmas I brought this to our family dinner and now its requested at every gathering. The way everyone's face lights up when they take that first bite makes all the effort worthwhile. Food has this amazing way of creating memories and this cheesecake definitely creates special ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this cheesecake without the brownie layer?
You can make it with just the cheesecake and caramel, but the brownie adds rich texture and flavor. You'll need to adjust the baking time down by about 15 minutes if skipping the brownie layer.
- → Why did my cheesecake crack on top?
Cracks usually happen from overbaking or cooling too quickly. Follow the cooling instructions carefully - leave it in the turned-off oven with the door cracked, then cool at room temperature before chilling.
- → Can I freeze this cheesecake?
This cheesecake freezes really well for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- → How do I know when the cheesecake is done baking?
The edges should be set but the center should still have a slight jiggle when gently shaken. Over-baking will make it dry and more likely to crack.
- → How long does this cheesecake last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, this cheesecake stays fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge. The texture is best within the first 3 days.