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- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) - 2 cups granulated sugar - 1 cup brown sugar, packed - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup chocolate chips - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 cup sour cream - 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade) - Sea salt for sprinkling Gather these ingredients to make the best caramel brownie cheesecake bars. The brownie layer creates a rich base. The cheesecake layer adds creaminess. The caramel topping brings a sweet finish. Each part works together to create a treat that is hard to resist. Using fresh ingredients helps the flavors shine. Choose high-quality chocolate chips for a richer taste. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best cheesecake texture. This combination makes each bite melt in your mouth. Make sure to measure your ingredients correctly. This ensures the right balance of flavors. Enjoy the process of layering these treats. It makes the final bars even more enjoyable. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. 2. In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Remove it from heat and stir in 2 cups of granulated sugar and 1 cup of brown sugar until dissolved. Let it cool a bit. 3. Once cool, mix in 4 large eggs and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. 4. In another bowl, sift together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Fold this into the butter mixture until just combined. Stir in 1 cup of chocolate chips. 5. Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes. A toothpick should come out mostly clean but still fudgy. 1. In a large bowl, beat 16 oz of softened cream cheese until smooth. 2. Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar and mix until combined. 3. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then blend in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/4 cup of sour cream. 4. Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked brownie layer. Spread it evenly and tap the pan gently to release air bubbles. 1. Return the pan to the oven. Bake for another 25-30 minutes. The cheesecake should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. 2. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the bars cool in the oven for about 1 hour. 3. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely. - Use room temperature ingredients. It helps the mixture blend well. Cold cream cheese or eggs can cause lumps. - Check doneness with a toothpick. Insert it into the center. If it comes out mostly clean, it’s ready. - Avoid overmixing the batter. Mix just enough to combine. This keeps your bars soft and fudgy. - Add nuts or fruits for extra flavor. Chopped walnuts or berries can enhance taste and texture. - Try different toppings. A drizzle of chocolate ganache adds richness. You can also use crushed cookies for crunch. - Serve the bars on a stylish platter. Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for a beautiful look. - Garnish with a light dusting of cocoa powder. Fresh berries or mint leaves add color and freshness. {{image_2}} You can easily make these bars gluten-free. Simply swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour. I suggest using a blend meant for baking. This will help keep the texture light and fluffy. Just remember to check that your baking powder is gluten-free too. It’s a simple change that does not change the taste. To make a vegan version, replace the cream cheese with a plant-based cream cheese. You can use coconut or cashew-based options. For the eggs, use flax eggs or applesauce. Use 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg. This keeps the bars moist and delicious. Don’t forget to choose a vegan caramel sauce to finish. Want to make your bars even more special? Add coffee or mint for a fun twist. Mix in a teaspoon of instant coffee granules into the brownie batter for a rich flavor. For mint, add a few drops of mint extract to the cheesecake layer. Both options add a nice layer of complexity and make your bars unique. Store your caramel brownie cheesecake bars in an airtight container. Keep them in the refrigerator at a cool temperature. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. Use a container that fits them snugly so they don’t move around. You can also place parchment paper between layers for added protection. To freeze, first cut the bars into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. For best results, thaw the bars in the refrigerator overnight before serving. This will help them regain their creamy texture. These bars last about one week in the fridge. Keep an eye out for signs of spoilage. If they develop an off smell, change in color, or strange texture, it’s time to toss them. Enjoy them fresh for the best taste! Yes, you can make these bars ahead of time. I recommend preparing them a day before you plan to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. After you chill them, cover the bars tightly with plastic wrap. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to four days in the fridge. Cutting these bars can be tricky if not done right. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. To help, dip the knife in hot water, then dry it before cutting. This method warms the blade, making it easier to slice through the layers without tearing. To store leftovers, place the bars in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge to maintain their taste and texture. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each bar in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They will last for up to three months in the freezer. Absolutely! You can use different kinds of caramel. Try salted caramel for a fun twist, or even chocolate caramel for a richer taste. If you like making things from scratch, consider making your own caramel sauce. It adds a personal touch and can enhance the flavor profile of your bars. You now have a clear guide to making delicious brownie cheesecake bars. We covered the ingredients needed for each layer, from the rich brownie base to the creamy cheesecake topping, followed by that sweet caramel finish. I shared tips to ensure your baking is successful and how to customize each dessert to your liking. Remember, proper storage keeps your bars fresh longer. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and toppings to make these treats your own! Happy baking!

Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in these Caramel Brownie Cheesecake Bars that are sure to impress! This delightful recipe combines a rich brownie layer, creamy cheesecake, and a luscious caramel topping, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. Easy to follow with simple ingredients, you'll love every creamy, chocolatey bite. Click through to explore the full recipe and treat yourself to these deliciously decadent bars!
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Ingredients
  

For the Brownie Layer:

1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup brown sugar, packed

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chocolate chips

For the Cheesecake Layer:

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup sour cream

For the Caramel Topping:

1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

    Make the Brownie Layer:

      - In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in both sugars until fully dissolved. Allow to cool slightly.

        - Once cooled, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract.

          - Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt; then fold this into the butter mixture until just combined. Mix in the chocolate chips.

            - Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean but still slightly fudgy.

              Make the Cheesecake Layer:

                - In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sugar and mix until well combined.

                  - Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then blend in the vanilla extract and sour cream.

                    - Pour the cheesecake mixture over the baked brownie layer, spreading it evenly. Tap the pan gently on the countertop to release any air bubbles.

                      Bake Again:

                        - Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges but slightly jiggly in the center.

                          - Turn off the oven, crack open the door, and let the bars cool in the oven for about 1 hour. Then, transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

                            Add the Caramel:

                              - Once cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer. Optional: sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top for that sweet and salty flavor.

                                - Chill the bars in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to set completely.

                                  Cut and Serve:

                                    - Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment edges if lined. Cut into squares using a sharp knife for clean edges.

                                      Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours (includes chilling) | Servings: 16-20 bars

                                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the bars on a stylish platter, drizzled with extra caramel sauce and a light dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant finish.