Decadent Caramel Brownie Cheesecake (Printable Version)

Luscious layers of moist brownie, smooth cheesecake, and a rich caramel topping combine for an indulgent treat.

# Everything You’ll Need:

→ Brownie base

01 - 1 stick unsalted butter, melted (113 g)
02 - 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
03 - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (85 g)
04 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (62 g)

→ Cheesecake layer

08 - 24 ounces cream cheese, softened (680 g)
09 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 g)
10 - 1/2 cup light brown sugar (100 g)
11 - 1/4 cup heavy cream (60 ml)
12 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
13 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

→ Topping

14 - 1/2 cup caramel sauce, preferably salted
15 - Optional: additional caramel sauce for drizzling
16 - Optional: flaky sea salt for garnish

# Steps to Cook:

01 - Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a springform pan with non-stick spray or butter and place it on a rimmed baking sheet to catch spills.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Fold in the flour until just combined. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for approximately 15 minutes and let cool.
03 - Beat cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth. Add granulated and brown sugars along with heavy cream and beat until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Stir in vanilla extract or paste.
04 - Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled brownie base in the pan. Tap gently to release air bubbles. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes until the cheesecake top is mostly set. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let cool inside for 10 minutes.
05 - Remove the pan and cool completely on a wire rack. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to set properly.
06 - Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place on a serving plate. Drizzle caramel sauce over the top and optionally sprinkle with flaky sea salt. For clean slices, warm a knife under hot water before cutting. Serve chilled or slightly above refrigerator temperature.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - Allow the brownie base to cool completely before adding the cheesecake layer to prevent mixing.
02 - Refrigerate overnight for optimal texture and flavor development.
03 - Warming the knife under hot water makes it easier to slice clean servings.