Do you put caramel in brownies before or after baking?

Add caramel after baking for the best results. If you swirl caramel into the brownie batter before baking, it can bake into the mix and lose its signature flavor and texture. For bold, glossy caramel flavor, always drizzle it once the brownie or cheesecake has cooled completely.

What happens if you add cream cheese to brownie mix?

Adding cream cheese to brownie mix creates a rich, tangy swirl that adds moisture and flavor. It won't turn the brownies into full cheesecake bars, but it softens the texture and introduces that signature creamy bite. This combo is a hit in recipes like our Blackberry Cheesecake Brownies.

What is a cheesecake brownie?

A cheesecake brownie is a layered or swirled dessert that combines a dense brownie base with a layer of cream cheese filling. It blends the richness of chocolate with the smooth tang of cheesecake. Think of it as the best of both worlds — like what you get with caramel brownie cheesecake, but on a smaller scale.

How to make cheesecake really creamy?

Use room-temperature full-fat cream cheese, don’t overmix once eggs are added, and bake low and slow. A splash of heavy cream and a rest in a cooling oven help achieve that silky, melt-in-your-mouth texture — a trick I also use in Mini Dulce de Leche Cheesecakes .

What are three styles of cheesecake?

The three most popular styles are: New York-style – dense and rich, often with sour cream. No-bake – lighter and chilled, with gelatin or whipped cream. Japanese-style – airy and fluffy, made with whipped egg whites for a soufflé-like texture.

What is the difference between brownies and a cake?

Brownies are denser, fudgier, and use less leavening than cake. Cake is fluffier and lighter due to more eggs and rising agents. Brownies also tend to have a richer, more concentrated chocolate flavor. That’s why they make the perfect base for a layered dessert like caramel brownie cheesecake.

Caramel Brownie Cheesecake: The Ultimate Decadent Dessert Mashup

Description

A triple-layered showstopper dessert with a rich brownie base, creamy cheesecake center, and golden caramel topping. Perfect for entertaining or treating yourself to something extraordinary.

Ingredients

Scale

FOR THE BROWNIE LAYER:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 large eggs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

FOR THE CHEESECAKE LAYER:

24 oz full-fat cream cheese, room temp

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup heavy cream

4 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

FOR THE TOPPING:

1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Flaky sea salt (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan.

2. Make the brownie base: Mix butter, sugar, and cocoa. Stir in vanilla, eggs, then flour.

3. Bake brownie layer for 15 minutes. Let cool.

4. Make the cheesecake: Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add sugars and cream. Mix in eggs and vanilla.

5. Pour over brownie crust. Tap to release bubbles.

6. Bake 55–60 minutes until edges are set but center is slightly wobbly.

7. Turn off oven, crack door, and let sit for 10 minutes.

8. Cool to room temp, then refrigerate 4+ hours or overnight.

9. Before serving, drizzle with caramel and sprinkle sea salt.

10. Slice with a warm knife and enjoy.

Notes

Make ahead: Can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.

Freezer friendly: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.

Use quality caramel for best results. Trader Joe’s salted caramel is a great choice.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 480
Sugar: 34g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 125mg