Irresistible Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies Recipe
If you have a sweet tooth craving something uniquely decadent, look no further than these Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies. Combining the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with luscious swirls of creamy cheesecake, velvety Nutella, and a luscious caramel drizzle, this dessert is an absolute showstopper. Every bite offers a perfect balance of gooey, creamy, and chocolatey flavors, making these brownies a must-try treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing with friends, bringing them to a party, or just indulging on a cozy night, these Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies will quickly become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate flavor harmony: The blend of caramel, cheesecake, and Nutella creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Perfectly gooey texture: Fudgy brownies meet creamy cheesecake for a melt-in-your-mouth sensation.
- Impresses every crowd: A gourmet dessert that’s easy to make but looks like you spent hours on it.
- Customizable: Easily tweak flavors or toppings to suit your personal favorites or dietary needs.
- Simple ingredients: Using pantry-friendly staples, this recipe is achievable even for beginner bakers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies come together with simple ingredients that each play a key role in creating the beautiful taste, texture, and appearance of the final dessert.
- Brownie base ingredients: Butter, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, flour, and vanilla extract form the fudgy chocolate foundation.
- Creamy cheesecake layer: Cream cheese, sugar, and egg combine for a rich, smooth swirl that balances the chocolate.
- Nutella: Adds a luscious, hazelnut-chocolate twist throughout the brownies.
- Caramel sauce: Homemade or store-bought, the caramel drizzle brings a sweet, buttery finishing touch.
- Optional add-ins: Chopped nuts, sea salt, or chocolate chips to enhance texture and flavor as desired.
Variations for Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies
Feel free to personalize this recipe! It’s incredibly versatile, so experimenting with different add-ins or dietary swaps is easy and fun.
- Nut-free option: Replace Nutella with sunflower seed butter or chocolate spread safe for nuts allergies.
- Vegan twist: Use dairy-free cream cheese, flax eggs, and dairy-free chocolate to adapt for a plant-based diet.
- Spiced brownies: Add cinnamon, espresso powder, or a pinch of chili powder for a subtle flavor boost.
- Extra crunch: Mix in chopped pecans, walnuts, or toffee bits for satisfying texture contrasts.
- Salted caramel delight: Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to balance the sweetness and intensify the flavors.
How to Make Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Batter
Start by melting butter and mixing it with sugar. Then, whisk in eggs and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually sift in flour and cocoa powder, gently folding to form a smooth, fudgy brownie batter.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Swirl
In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar until creamy. Add an egg and mix until smooth. This mixture will create the luscious cheesecake layer that swirls beautifully with the brownies.
Step 3: Layer and Swirl
Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the batter, followed by generous spoonfuls of Nutella. Top with the remaining brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to swirl everything gently to create marbled patterns.
Step 4: Bake and Add Caramel
Bake the brownies at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges set but the center remains slightly gooey. Once cooled briefly, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for that final irresistible touch.
Pro Tips for Making Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Careful swirling: Don’t overmix the layers when swirling; you want distinct chocolate and cheesecake swirls.
- Avoid overbaking: Pull the brownies out when the center is still slightly soft for maximum gooeyness.
- Use good-quality Nutella: The richer the Nutella, the more intense and satisfying the flavor.
- Rest before slicing: Let the brownies cool completely (or chill) for clean, beautiful slices.
How to Serve Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies
Garnishes
Top your brownies with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, chopped hazelnuts, or a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate both look and flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for refreshing contrasts that complement the richness of the brownies.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into bite-sized squares for party platters, stack them with whipped cream layers for an easy brownie trifle, or drizzle extra Nutella and caramel for a luxurious dessert platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
Wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
Warm brownies in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back gooey softness, or enjoy chilled with ice cream for a cool treat.
FAQs
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, and the brownies will turn out equally delicious.
Is it necessary to use caramel sauce?
While caramel adds an amazing flavor boost, the brownies are still fantastic without it; you can drizzle chocolate or leave it plain if preferred.
Can I use store-bought cheesecake filling?
It’s best to use fresh cream cheese mixture for the swirl, as store-bought fillings can be too sweet or dense and may not bake well.
How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
Mix the cheesecake layer thoroughly but gently, and avoid overbaking to keep it creamy and prevent cracks.
Can these brownies be made in advance for a party?
Absolutely! Make them a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator; this helps the flavors meld beautifully and makes slicing neater.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking and sharing Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies. From the first bite, these brownies deliver on rich flavor and smooth, gooey texture that feels like a comforting hug in dessert form. Whether it’s a special celebration or a simple treat to brighten your day, dive into this recipe—you’ll be amazed how easy it is to create such an irresistible indulgence at home. Go ahead and make these brownies your next favorite dessert adventure!
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PrintCaramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies
These Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies combine the rich, fudgy texture of classic brownies with creamy cheesecake swirls, luscious Nutella, and a buttery caramel drizzle, delivering a perfect balance of gooey, creamy, and chocolatey flavors in every bite. A decadent dessert that impresses every crowd and is easy to make using simple pantry ingredients, ideal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free flour blend)
Ingredients
Brownie Base Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (50g) cocoa powder
Creamy Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought), warm
Optional Add-ins and Toppings
- Chopped nuts (hazelnuts, pecans, or walnuts)
- Sea salt flakes
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Batter: Melt the butter and mix it with the sugar until combined. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually sift in the flour and cocoa powder, then gently fold to form a smooth, fudgy brownie batter.
- Make the Cheesecake Swirl: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until creamy. Add the egg and mix until smooth to create the cheesecake layer.
- Layer and Swirl: Pour half of the brownie batter into a prepared pan. Dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture evenly over the batter, then add generous spoonfuls of Nutella. Top with the remaining brownie batter. Use a knife or skewer to gently swirl all layers, creating a marbled pattern.
- Bake and Add Caramel: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35 to 40 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains slightly gooey. Allow to cool briefly, then drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top to finish.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients (butter, eggs, cream cheese) for smoother mixing and better texture.
- Swirl gently to maintain distinct chocolate and cheesecake patterns; avoid overmixing.
- Remove brownies from the oven when the center is still slightly soft for optimal gooeyness.
- Choose good-quality Nutella for richer, more intense flavor.
- Let brownies cool completely or chill before cutting for clean, beautiful slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie (1/16 of recipe)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: caramel, cheesecake, Nutella, brownies, fudgy, dessert, chocolate, caramel drizzle, swirl, homemade, party treat