Irresistible Salted Caramel Cheesecake with Fudgy Brownie Crust
Prepare to fall in love with this truly irresistible salted caramel cheesecake. It’s not just any cheesecake; it features a wonderfully thick, fudgy brownie crust, a luxurious layer of homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce, and a delightful crunch from pretzel garnish. This masterful combination of sweet and salty flavors, coupled with varying textures, ensures it will quickly become your ultimate favorite dessert. Perfect for special occasions or simply elevating your everyday treat, this cheesecake is a showstopper that promises a truly decadent experience with every single bite.
Why This Salted Caramel Cheesecake Recipe Works
Who knew cheesecake could reach such new heights of deliciousness? This recipe redefines indulgence by incorporating a rich, fudgy brownie crust, transforming a classic dessert into an extraordinary culinary delight. Imagine a decadent base of chocolatey brownie, topped with a smooth, creamy cheesecake filling, generously drizzled with luscious salted caramel, and finished with a scattering of crunchy pretzels. It’s truly the stuff sweet and salty dessert dreams are made of, offering a symphony of textures and flavors in every mouth-watering slice.
Beyond its incredible taste, this is an incredibly easy cheesecake recipe that even novice bakers can master with confidence. One of its standout features is that there’s no fuss of a traditional water bath, which often intimidates home cooks. Instead, we rely on simple ingredients and straightforward steps that lead to a perfectly smooth and creamy cheesecake. The brownie crust, a delightful surprise, bakes up wonderfully fudgy, creating a sturdy yet tender foundation for the rich filling. This method ensures a beautiful, crack-free cheesecake every time, making your baking experience stress-free and enjoyable.
This recipe provides the perfect foundational base for any kind of topping you desire, though we highly recommend the salted caramel and pretzel combination for an unparalleled flavor profile. Whether you prefer fresh fruit, a rich chocolate drizzle, or simply enjoy it plain, the versatility of this cheesecake recipe is truly remarkable. However, for those seeking the ultimate sweet and salty sensation, our recommended topping perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake and fudgy brownie, creating an unforgettable dessert experience that will have everyone asking for more.
Related Recipe – Homemade Caramel Sauce
Ingredients You Will Need for This Decadent Cheesecake
To create this spectacular salted caramel cheesecake, you’ll need a selection of high-quality ingredients, readily available at your local grocery store. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dessert so special. Before you begin, ensure you have all measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions ready from the printable version at the end of this post. Gathering everything beforehand makes the baking process smooth and enjoyable.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
Understanding each ingredient’s role and potential substitutions is key to achieving the perfect salted caramel cheesecake. Here’s a deeper dive into the essential components:
CHEESECAKE (Cream Cheese) – The foundation of any great cheesecake is premium cream cheese. For the silkiest, smoothest cheesecake texture, it is absolutely essential to allow your cream cheese to soften at room temperature for at least 20-30 minutes before mixing. To speed up this process, I highly recommend slicing the cream cheese into smaller cubes and spreading them out on a plate. Softened cream cheese blends effortlessly, preventing any unwelcome lumps and ensuring a consistently creamy, luxurious filling. Using full-fat cream cheese will yield the best results in terms of richness and texture, so avoid low-fat versions if possible.
CRUST (Brownie Mix) – For the unique and incredibly delicious crust, you will need one standard box of brownie mix (approximately 18.3 oz). Don’t forget to gather all the additional ingredients specified on the back of your chosen brownie mix box, such as eggs, oil, or water. This brownie base offers a delightful fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor that perfectly complements the creamy cheesecake and salty caramel. If you prefer a more traditional approach or simply don’t have brownie mix on hand, you can certainly use a classic graham cracker crust, as we did in our cherry cheesecake recipe. Both options provide a delicious base, but the brownie crust adds an extra layer of decadence.
Salted Caramel Sauce – This is where the magic happens! You’ll need about 1 ½ cups of salted caramel sauce for topping. While a good quality store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for convenience, making your own homemade caramel sauce allows you to control the level of saltiness and richness, which can elevate the flavor profile even further. Ensure your caramel sauce is at a pourable consistency; if it’s too thick, gently warm it slightly before drizzling. The salt in the caramel is crucial, as it beautifully balances the sweetness of the cheesecake and brownie.
Pretzels – The pretzels serve multiple purposes: they add a wonderful salty crunch, provide visual appeal, and perfectly enhance the sweet-and-salty theme of this dessert. While any small twisted pretzels will work, consider using mini pretzels for ease of placement or even pretzel rods broken into pieces for a more rustic look. The size and shape can impact the final presentation, but the essential element is that irresistible salty bite.
Granulated Sugar – This sweetens the cheesecake filling, balancing the tang of the cream cheese. Use standard white granulated sugar.
Vanilla Extract – A touch of pure vanilla extract enhances all the flavors in the cheesecake filling, adding a warm, aromatic note. Don’t skimp on quality here; pure vanilla makes a difference.
Eggs – Eggs act as a binder and provide structure to the cheesecake, ensuring a smooth, firm, yet creamy consistency when baked. They should also be at room temperature for better incorporation into the cream cheese mixture.
How to Make Salted Caramel Cheesecake: Step-by-Step Guide
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and comprehensive instructions at the bottom of this post.
Creating this spectacular salted caramel cheesecake is a rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly baked, beautifully topped dessert that will impress everyone.
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). This lower temperature helps prevent cracking and ensures even baking for the cheesecake.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package directions. Ensure you mix it thoroughly but avoid overmixing once the dry and wet ingredients are just combined.
- Carefully pour the prepared brownie batter into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Spread it evenly to create a uniform crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and vanilla extract with an electric mixer until the mixture is completely blended and perfectly smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure no lumps remain.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing on a low speed after each addition just until blended. It’s crucial not to overmix at this stage, as too much air can cause the cheesecake to crack during baking.
- Pour the silky-smooth cheesecake filling over the brownie crust in the springform pan. Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Bake for approximately 55 minutes, or until the center of the cheesecake is almost set but still has a slight jiggle. The edges should be firm. Once baked, run a thin knife around the rim of the pan to loosen the cake from the sides. This step is important to prevent cracks as the cheesecake cools. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to remove the springform rim.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. This allows the cheesecake to fully set and develop its rich flavor and creamy texture.
- When ready to serve, carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan. Gently pour the salted caramel topping all over the cheesecake, allowing some to elegantly drip down the sides.
- Decorate the outer edge and top with pretzels for an appealing crunch and visual contrast. Serve chilled and enjoy this masterpiece!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Cheesecake Perfection
Yes, absolutely! This salted caramel cheesecake is an excellent make-ahead dessert, perfect for entertaining. You can prepare it a day or even two in advance, provided it is properly stored in the refrigerator. For best results, I would advise waiting to add the caramel sauce and pretzels until just before you are ready to serve. This prevents the caramel from making the cheesecake difficult to wrap or the pretzels from softening and losing their desirable crunch. If you absolutely wish to add the caramel right away for presentation, consider storing it in a dedicated cake carrier to protect the topping.
To maintain its freshness and delicious texture, store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated, and it will remain delightful for up to 1 week. If the cheesecake is topped with pretzels, they might soften over time, but the overall flavor will still be fantastic. For optimal freshness, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil if an airtight container is not available.
Indeed, this cheesecake freezes beautifully! It’s generally easier to freeze if you do not add the caramel and pretzels before freezing. To freeze, wrap the entire cheesecake (still in its springform pan if possible, or on a sturdy cardboard base) tightly with several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This helps prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cheesecake in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can add your fresh salted caramel and pretzel topping.
Cheesecake cracks are common but often preventable. The primary causes are overmixing the batter (incorporating too much air), baking at too high a temperature, or rapid cooling. To prevent cracks: ensure cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature; mix only until just combined, especially after adding eggs; avoid opening the oven door frequently; and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually in the oven with the door ajar for an hour before transferring to a wire rack, then to the refrigerator.
Absolutely! Using a homemade salted caramel sauce can elevate this cheesecake to another level. Not only can you control the quality of ingredients, but you can also adjust the level of saltiness to your preference. If making homemade caramel, ensure it’s cooled to a pourable temperature but not completely cold and firm before topping the cheesecake. Refer to our Caramel Sauce recipe for guidance.
Serving Suggestions for Your Decadent Cheesecake
This salted caramel cheesecake is best served chilled, allowing its creamy texture and rich flavors to truly shine. For an elevated presentation, consider warming your salted caramel sauce slightly before pouring it over the cheesecake; this creates a beautiful glossy sheen and allows it to drizzle more elegantly. Beyond the classic pretzel garnish, you could add a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a sprinkle of sea salt flakes to enhance the caramel, or even a few chocolate shavings for added indulgence. A dusting of cocoa powder or a drizzle of chocolate syrup can also complement the brownie crust wonderfully.
This versatile cheesecake and its exceptional brownie crust recipe can serve as a fantastic base for countless other topping combinations. Imagine it with a vibrant berry compote, a rich chocolate ganache, or even a toasted coconut sprinkle for a tropical twist. Whether for a casual family gathering, a festive holiday celebration, or an elegant dinner party, this cheesecake is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser and a memorable dessert for any occasion. Pair it with a cup of strong coffee, a glass of milk, or even a dessert wine for a complete culinary experience.
Explore More Delicious Cheesecake Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the rich and creamy goodness of cheesecake, we have even more delightful recipes for you to try. From classic flavors to innovative twists, there’s a cheesecake for every craving:
- Oreo Cheesecake
- Tiramisu Cheesecake
- Instant Pot Cheesecake
- English Trifle Cheesecake
- Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake
- Baileys Cheesecake
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Salted Caramel Cheesecake
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 18.3 oz brownie mix PLUS ingredients listed on back of box
- 32 oz cream cheese softened. 4 – 8 oz packages
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 eggs
- 1 ½ cup salted caramel sauce for topping
- pretzels optional, for topping
Things You’ll Need
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9 inch springform pan
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Electric mixer
Before You Begin
- Be sure to allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature before beginning the recipe. For best results and to speed up the process, cut it into cubes and let it rest on a plate for around 20-30 minutes. This ensures a lump-free and incredibly smooth cheesecake filling.
- Store any leftover cheesecake in an air-tight container, kept in the refrigerator, for up to 1 week. If the pretzels have been added, they may soften over time.
- For the most accurate baking and to prevent cracks, avoid overmixing the cheesecake batter, especially after adding the eggs. Mix on low speed just until combined.
- To achieve perfectly clean slices, dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each cut. This prevents the cheesecake from sticking and dragging.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
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Prepare the brownie mix as directed on the back of the box.
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Pour into bottom of 9-inch springform pan.
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Beat cream cheese, 1 cup sugar and vanilla with mixer until blended.
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Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended.
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Pour over crust.
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Bake 55 min. or until center is almost set. Run knife around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim.
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Refrigerate cheesecake for 4 hours.
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Pour the caramel topping all over the cheesecake and remove from the springform pan.
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Decorate the outer edge and top with pretzels. Serve!
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.