Indulgent Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Recipe
If you are a dessert lover looking for an extraordinary treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, look no further than the decadent Caramel Brownie Cheesecake. This delightful dessert combines the rich, fudgy taste of brownies with the creamy texture of cheesecake, topped off with a luscious layer of caramel. Let’s dive into the steps to create this mouthwatering delight in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar. Stir well until mixed.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix in the vanilla extract until smooth.
- Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until just combined.
- Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean. Allow to cool while you prepare the cheesecake layer.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed to blend. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Finally, mix in the sour cream until the mixture is well combined.
- Once the brownie base has cooled slightly, pour the cheesecake batter over the brownie layer in the springform pan.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly jiggly in the center.
- Turn off the oven and crack the oven door, allowing the cheesecake to cool slowly for about an hour. This helps prevent cracking.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or overnight, for the best results.
Step 4: Prepare the Caramel Sauce
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it forms a golden-brown liquid.
- Remove from heat and carefully stir in the butter until melted. Gradually add the heavy cream while stirring. Be cautious, as the mixture may bubble up.
- Optional: Stir in sea salt for a salted caramel flavor.
- Let the caramel sauce cool before drizzling it over the chilled cheesecake.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Once the cheesecake has set and the caramel has cooled, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Slice and serve, ideally with a dollop of whipped cream on the side.
Conclusion
The Caramel Brownie Cheesecake is a celebration of flavors and textures that will impress anyone lucky enough to indulge in it. With a rich brownie base, creamy cheesecake filling, and a sweet caramel topping, this dessert is truly a showstopper at any gathering. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple treat at home, this recipe is sure to create lasting memories around the dinner table. Enjoy baking and indulging!