Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Bliss (Print Version)

Decadent three-layer dessert with fudgy brownie base, creamy cheesecake filling, and luscious caramel topping.

# What You Need:

→ Brownie Base

01 - ½ cup unsalted butter
02 - ¾ cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
05 - ½ cup all-purpose flour
06 - ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
07 - ¼ teaspoon salt

→ Cheesecake Layer

08 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
09 - ½ cup granulated sugar
10 - 2 large eggs
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - ¼ cup sour cream

→ Caramel Topping

13 - ¾ cup soft caramels, unwrapped
14 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
02 - Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until glossy. Sift in flour, cocoa, and salt. Mix just until combined. Spread evenly in the pan.
03 - Beat cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and sour cream. Pour evenly over the brownie layer.
04 - Bake for 45–50 minutes until the center is just set and edges are lightly golden. Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
05 - Melt caramels with heavy cream in a saucepan or microwave, stirring until smooth. Pour over chilled cheesecake and spread gently.
06 - Refrigerate an additional 30 minutes until caramel is set. Slice into bars and serve.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The three distinct layers create an incredible texture contrast in every single bite
  • People will assume you spent all day making this but it actually comes together pretty quickly
  • The caramel adds this buttery salty note that makes the whole dessert taste elevated
02 -
  • The center will still look slightly jiggly when you take it out but it firms up beautifully while chilling
  • Room temperature cream cheese is non negotiable here cold cream cheese creates lumps that never disappear
03 -
  • Run your knife under hot water and wipe it dry between slices for restaurant perfect edges
  • Sprinkle flaky sea salt on the caramel immediately after pouring for a salted caramel version

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