Indulging in the rich and decadent flavors of Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Bliss is like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Picture this: a fudgy brownie base that melts in your mouth, the creamy cheesecake layer that follows is luxurious and smooth, and finish it all off with a luscious drizzle of caramel. The scent wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, promising a slice of heaven with each bite.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Bliss
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Bliss

I remember the first time I made this dessert for a family gathering, and everyone stood around the kitchen, eagerly awaiting their first taste. The laughter and joy that filled the room as we savored each forkful brought back memories of family dinners spent bonding over sweet treats. It’s the perfect indulgence for any occasion – whether celebrating birthdays, holidays, or just a lazy weekend craving! I can’t wait for you to experience the bliss of this dessert at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip this up in about 1 hour and 45 minutes (including baking time), perfect for a last-minute dessert.
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and caramel creates an explosion of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds.
Eye-Catching Appeal: With its glossy caramel topping and contrasting layers, this cheesecake is as stunning as it is delicious.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for great family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy evening by yourself – you can enjoy it any time!
Diet-Friendly Options: For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 stick (113 g) unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness to your brownies; keep it unsalted for better flavor control.
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar: Helps create a sweet, balanced flavor; coconut sugar can work as a substitute for a healthier twist.
1 cup (85 g) unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides the deep chocolate flavor; ensure it’s unsweetened for the best results.
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt: Elevates the sweetness and brings all the flavors together; avoid table salt for a milder taste.
½ teaspoon vanilla extract: This adds warmth and depth; feel free to use vanilla bean paste for a stronger flavor.
2 large eggs: Essential for binding the brownie mixture; eggs should be at room temperature for better mixing.
½ cup (62 g) all-purpose flour: Gives the brownies structure and helps them bake properly; can be swapped with almond flour for a gluten-free option.
24 ounces (680 g) cream cheese, completely softened: The star of the cheesecake layer; ensure it’s at room temperature to avoid lumps.
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar: Balances the creamy richness of the cream cheese; again, you can use coconut sugar here.
½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar: Adds a hint of caramel flavor; dark brown sugar will give a deeper flavor.
¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream: Provides the cheesecake its smooth texture; you can use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
4 large eggs, room temperature: These help set the cheesecake properly; just like before, bring them to room temperature.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste: Enhances the flavor of the cheesecake, making it even more delectable.
½ cup caramel sauce (salted preferred): For a rich topping that ties all the flavors together; you could also use chocolate sauce for an alternative.
Optional: additional drizzle of caramel when serving for that extra sweetness.
Optional: flaky sea salt for finishing adds a salty crunch to each bite and contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.

How to Make Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Bliss

Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a springform pan with non-stick spray or butter. It’s a good idea to place the pan on a rimmed baking sheet; this will catch any spills that might occur while baking, ensuring your oven stays clean.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and sea salt until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be glossy and inviting. Stir in the vanilla extract, and then add the eggs one at a time—be sure to mix well after each addition. Finally, fold in the flour just until fully combined to maintain a fudgy texture.

Spread and Bake: Evenly spread the brownie batter into the prepared springform pan. Now, pop it into your oven for approximately 15 minutes. The edges should firm up while the center remains slightly soft. Let the brownie base cool completely before moving on to the cheesecake layer. Be careful not to overbake—this will keep that dreamy fudginess intact.

Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add both sugars and the heavy cream, mixing until creamy. Incorporate the eggs one at a time for a perfectly smooth mixture, ensuring each is combined before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla until just mixed, and pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled brownie layer. Give the pan a gentle tap to release any air bubbles trapped inside.

Bake and Cool: Slide the filled pan back into the oven and bake for about 55 minutes to 1 hour. You’ll want the top to appear mostly set, with a slight jiggle in the center. After baking, turn off the oven and crack the door slightly to allow the cheesecake to cool gradually for about 10 minutes. This helps to avoid cracking. Once cooled, transfer the cheesecake to a wire rack and let it cool completely before refrigerating it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight—this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Serve with a Twist: When you’re ready to serve, release the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving plate. Drizzle your salted caramel sauce over the top, and for an extra special touch, sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Slice using a knife warmed under hot water for the cleanest cuts, and serve chilled or slightly above fridge temp for that creamy goodness!

Storing & Reheating

For storage, keep any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Afterward, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator, where it can last up to a week in an airtight container. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze individual slices for up to 3 months. Just ensure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, let it sit out for about 30 minutes before slicing to bring back the texture—just know the cheesecake may lose some creaminess when thawed, but a little fresh caramel drizzle can work wonders!

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid cracks on your cheesecake, avoid overmixing and ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth incorporation.
Measure your ingredients accurately; too much flour can make your brownies dry.
If you’re short on time, you can prepare the brownie base a day ahead to let the flavors develop further.
For an extra layer of flavor, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie mix—it enhances the chocolate flavor without being coffee-flavored.
When slicing, a hot, wet knife ensures clean cuts through the layers.

To wrap it up, this Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Bliss encapsulates delightful flavors and textures that will make you the star of any gathering. Whether you opt for classic toppings or get creative with flavors, there’s something so very special about this dessert. Don’t hesitate to add your personal touch and enjoy the process!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different pan size?

Absolutely! You can use an 8-inch square or round pan if you don’t have a springform pan. Just make sure to adjust the baking time slightly, keeping an eye on the cheesecake to know when it’s set but still jiggly in the center.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are firm, but the center still has a slight jiggle. Remember, it will continue to set while cooling, so don’t overbake it!

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, this cheesecake is perfect for making a day in advance! Just cover it once it’s completely cooled and refrigerate overnight, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or coconut cream cheese. Use coconut milk for the heavy cream, and the dessert will still be creamy and indulgent!

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Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Bliss

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Bliss features a fudgy brownie base with a creamy cheesecake layer and a rich caramel drizzle. This indulgent dessert is perfect for any celebration, bringing joy and deliciousness to your table with its simple preparation and outstanding flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

1 stick (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1 cup (85 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
½ cup (62 g) all-purpose flour
24 ounces (680 g) cream cheese, completely softened
½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar
¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
4 large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
½ cup caramel sauce (salted preferred)
Optional: additional drizzle of caramel when serving
Optional: flaky sea salt for finishing

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a springform pan.
In a bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and sea salt until smooth. Stir in vanilla and eggs one at a time, then fold in flour.
Spread brownie batter into the pan and bake for 15 minutes. Let cool completely.
Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugars and heavy cream. Incorporate eggs one at a time and stir in vanilla.
Pour cheesecake mixture over cooled brownie. Tap the pan to remove air bubbles.
Bake for 55 minutes to 1 hour until set with a slight jiggle in the center. Cool before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Serve with drizzled caramel and flaky sea salt.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
Use a hot, wet knife for clean slices when serving.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.