Decadent brownie meets creamy cheesecake, topped with rich caramel — a dessert lovers’ dream!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, fudgy brownie base combined with creamy cheesecake.

• Sweet caramel drizzle and optional pecans add texture and indulgence.

• Perfect for parties, special occasions, or dessert cravings.

• Make-ahead friendly — bake, chill, and serve later.

Ingredients

Brownie Base:

• 1 box fudge brownie mix (or homemade below)

If Homemade:

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ tsp baking powder

• ¼ tsp salt

Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Caramel Topping:

• ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• ¼ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling)
Yield: 12 slices

Directions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan; line the bottom with parchment if desired.

Step 2: Make Brownie Base

If using box mix, prepare according to package instructions. For homemade: mix melted butter and sugar, add eggs, then stir in cocoa, flour, baking powder, and salt. Pour into pan and bake 20 minutes.

Step 3: Make Cheesecake Layer

Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then sour cream and vanilla until silky.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour cheesecake over brownie layer. Tap pan to release air bubbles. Bake 40–45 minutes until center is just set.

Step 5: Cool and Chill

Let cool in oven with door cracked for 1 hour. Refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 6: Add Toppings and Serve

Drizzle caramel sauce and sprinkle pecans on top. Slice with a hot knife for clean edges.

Tips & Variations

• Make Ahead: Can be baked a day ahead and chilled overnight.

• Extra Fudgy: Use a thicker brownie layer or slightly underbake for a gooey texture.

• Nut-Free: Skip pecans or substitute with chocolate chips for crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different brownie recipe?
Yes, any fudgy brownie recipe works for the base.

Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Yes, wrap tightly in foil or plastic and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Can I make caramel from scratch?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce works beautifully for a richer flavor.

Final Thoughts

Caramel Brownie Cheesecake is the ultimate dessert mashup — fudgy, creamy, and indulgently sweet. Perfect for celebrations or treating yourself to a show-stopping dessert!