🍫✨ Caramel Brownie Cheesecake – The Ultimate Decadent Dessert! ✨😍

16 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream

For the Caramel Swirl:

½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped pecans

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep & Bake the Brownie Base

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
Mix brownie batter according to package instructions.
Spread half the batter into the pan (save the rest for later).
Bake for 15 mins, then let cool slightly.

2️⃣ Make the Cheesecake Filling

Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream; mix until creamy.

3️⃣ Layer & Swirl

Pour cheesecake filling over the baked brownie layer.
Dollop remaining brownie batter on top, then swirl with a knife.
Drizzle caramel sauce and swirl gently.

4️⃣ Bake to Perfection

Bake for 40-45 mins until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly.
Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cool 1 hour inside (prevents cracks!).
Chill at least 4 hours (overnight is best).

5️⃣ Serve & Swoon!

Drizzle with extra caramel and sea salt flakes.
Slice with a warm knife for clean cuts.

💡 Pro Tips for the Best Cheesecake

🔸 Room-temperature ingredients – Prevents lumps in the filling.
🔸 Don’t overmix – Too much air causes cracks.
🔸 Water bath option – Wrap pan in foil and bake in a water-filled tray for ultra-creamy texture.
🔸 Storage – Keeps for 5 days in the fridge or 1 month frozen.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

✨ With coffee – The perfect pairing!
✨ Holiday centerpiece – Impressive for birthdays or Christmas.
✨ À la mode – Add vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.