Ingredients
For the Brownie Layer:
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1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
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1 cup (85 grams) unsweetened natural cocoa powder
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1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup (62 grams) all-purpose flour
For the Cheesecake Layer:
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24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
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1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
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1/2 cup (100 grams) light brown sugar
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1/4 cup (59 grams) heavy cream
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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2 teaspoons vanilla paste (or vanilla extract)
For the Caramel Topping:
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1/2 cup homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce
Instructions
1. Prepare the Brownie Layer
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Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
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Spray a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick spray.
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In a large bowl, stir melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt until thick.
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Add vanilla and mix.
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Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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Stir in flour until smooth and combined.
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Spread into prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes.
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Let cool to room temperature. Chill in fridge while making the cheesecake.
2. Make the Cheesecake Layer
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In a stand mixer, beat cream cheese until smooth (about 1 minute).
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Add both sugars and heavy cream. Mix well.
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Scrape down bowl sides and bottom to combine fully.
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Add eggs one at a time, beating just until incorporated.
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Mix in vanilla.
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Pour batter over chilled brownie base. Tap pan gently to release bubbles.
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Place pan on rimmed baking sheet and bake for 55–60 minutes.
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Cheesecake is done when the edges are set and center is slightly jiggly.
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Turn off oven, crack the door open, and let it sit for 10 minutes.
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Remove to wire rack and cool completely at room temp.
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Chill in refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
3. Add the Caramel Topping
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Once chilled, release cheesecake from pan onto a cake stand.
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Warm caramel sauce slightly.
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Drizzle caramel generously over the top.
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Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
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Do not overmix the cheesecake batter—this prevents cracking.
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You can freeze slices for up to 1 month (wrap individually).
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Add crushed pecans, sea salt flakes, or chocolate shavings for texture.
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For a shortcut, use boxed brownie mix—just underbake slightly.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian