Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies: A Sweet Indulgence
If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the rich flavors of caramel, creamy cheesecake, and luscious Nutella all in one bite, look no further than these Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies. This decadent treat is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth. The combination of fudgy brownies with a smooth cheesecake layer and a drizzle of caramel creates an irresistible dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
To create these delicious Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies, gather the following ingredients:
For the brownie base:
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
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 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
For the cheesecake layer:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup Nutella
For the caramel sauce:
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup heavy cream
A pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
Begin by preparing the brownie base. In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined. Add in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Stir until fully incorporated.
Next, sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom.
Now it’s time to make the cheesecake layer. In another bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in an egg and vanilla extract; mix until well combined. Lastly, fold in Nutella gently.
Spread the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer in the pan. Use a spatula to smooth it out evenly.
Carefully pour the remaining brownie batter on top of the cheesecake layer. Use a knife or skewer to swirl everything together slightly for a marbled effect.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.
While your brownies are baking, prepare the caramel sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar and cook until it melts into a golden brown liquid. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
Once melted, add butter and mix until it’s fully melted and combined with sugar. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously until smooth. Add a pinch of salt for flavor enhancement.
Once baked, remove your brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Drizzle warm caramel sauce over cooled brownies before slicing into squares.
Serve these Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies chilled or at room temperature for an indulgent dessert that everyone will love!
Tips and tricks
To achieve the best results with your Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies, consider these helpful tips. First, ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture. When mixing the brownie batter, avoid overmixing once you add the flour; this will prevent tough brownies. Use high-quality chocolate for a richer flavor.
When layering your caramel and cheesecake mixture, use a knife or skewer to swirl them gently into the brownie batter. This method creates beautiful marbling and enhances the presentation. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares; this step helps maintain their shape.
For an extra touch, sprinkle sea salt on top of the brownies before baking. This will balance the sweetness of the caramel and cheesecake layers beautifully. Serve these decadent treats with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
FAQs
What are Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies?
Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies are a delicious dessert combining rich brownie layers with a creamy cheesecake filling swirled with Nutella and drizzled with caramel sauce. The result is a rich, fudgy treat that satisfies sweet cravings while providing different flavors and textures. These brownies are perfect for special occasions or as a delightful everyday dessert.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies ahead of time. Bake them, then let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Wrap each brownie slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
There are several tasty variations to try with Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies. You can substitute the Nutella with peanut butter or any other nut butter for a different flavor profile. Additionally, try adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch or using dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for deeper richness. Experimenting with flavored extracts such as almond or peppermint can also create unique twists.
Caramel Cheesecake Nutella Brownies are a fantastic treat that combines multiple flavors in one bite. Each layer contributes to a unique experience that tantalizes your taste buds. With careful preparation and attention to detail, these brownies can become your new favorite dessert recipe, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo on a cozy evening at home.