Decadent, fudgy brownies layered with tangy cheesecake and gooey caramel swirls—these Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are the ultimate indulgence. Perfect for parties, holidays, or anytime you want to wow a crowd.
⏱️ Recipe Card
Servings: 16 squares
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Dietary Tags: Vegetarian
âś… Ingredients
- Brownie batter (homemade or boxed mix)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Sugar
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
- Caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Pinch of salt
🔪 Instructions
-
Preheat Oven
- Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
-
Prepare Brownie Batter
- Make your brownie batter according to recipe or package instructions. Spread 2/3 of the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
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Make Cheesecake Layer
- In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
-
Layer & Swirl
- Spread cheesecake mixture over the brownie base. Drop spoonfuls of remaining brownie batter on top.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the surface, then use a knife to swirl everything together.
-
Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set (a little jiggle is fine).
- Cool completely in the pan.
-
Serve
- Chill for 1–2 hours before cutting into squares. Drizzle with extra caramel before serving if desired.
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Salted Caramel: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for a salted caramel twist.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the brownie batter for crunch.
- Shortcut: Use boxed brownie mix for quicker prep—just as indulgent!
- Extra Creamy: Add 2 tbsp sour cream to the cheesecake batter for extra tang.
🍴 Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert plate.
- Serve with coffee or espresso for a rich treat.
- Cut into bite-sized squares for party platters.
🥡 Storage & Make-Ahead
- Fridge: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze wrapped squares for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Make Ahead: Best baked the day before so the flavors can settle and the cheesecake layer firms up.
âť“ FAQ
Q: Can I use homemade caramel?
A: Yes! A buttery homemade caramel sauce will elevate these brownies even more.
Q: How do I know when they’re done?
A: The center should be just set with a slight jiggle—don’t overbake or they’ll dry out.
Q: Can I make them gluten-free?
A: Yes—use a gluten-free brownie mix or your favorite GF recipe.
✨ Fudgy, creamy, and irresistibly gooey, these Caramel Cheesecake Brownies combine two classic desserts into one show-stopping treat.