Description
This Christmas Caramel Brownie Cheesecake is a decadent holiday dessert combining a rich chocolate cookie crust, smooth and creamy chocolate cheesecake filling studded with chocolate chips, and a luscious warm caramel sauce drizzle. The brownie-style cheesecake bakes to perfection with a fudgy texture and velvety finish, making it a festive treat to impress your guests during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Caramel Sauce Topping
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake.
- Prepare Pan: Grease a 9-inch springform pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy release.
- Make Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and granulated sugar evenly.
- Add Butter to Crust: Stir in melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened and hold together.
- Press Crust: Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan creating an even layer for the base.
- Chill Crust: Refrigerate the crust while preparing the cheesecake filling to help it set.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Vanilla: Mix in the granulated sugar and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and silky.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to maintain a smooth mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk sour cream, flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until blended.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the sour cream mixture to the cream cheese mixture, mixing gently until smooth.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semi-sweet chocolate chips into the batter with a spatula to distribute evenly.
- Pour Filling: Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust in the springform pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes until the center is mostly set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for an additional 1 hour to finish setting gently.
- Cool to Room Temperature: Remove cheesecake from oven and let cool completely on the counter.
- Chill Cheesecake: Transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up fully.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine caramel sauce and heavy cream; heat gently over low heat, stirring until smooth and warm.
- Remove from Pan: Once chilled, carefully release the sides of the springform pan and remove the cheesecake.
- Drizzle Caramel: Pour the warm caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Serve: Slice the cheesecake and serve, enjoying the rich chocolate and caramel flavors perfect for the holidays.
Notes
- Make sure cream cheese is softened completely to avoid lumps in the batter.
- Do not overbake; the cheesecake should be slightly jiggly in the center when done to ensure creaminess.
- Chilling the crust before adding the filling helps it stay firm and prevents sogginess.
- The caramel drizzle can be warmed slightly for easier pouring and a smooth finish.
- This cheesecake is best made a day ahead to allow full flavor development and proper setting.
- Use a water bath or place a pan with water below the springform pan for an extra creamy texture and to prevent cracking (optional).
