Description
These decadent bar desserts combine fudgy brownie, creamy cheesecake, gooey salted caramel, and crunchy pecans for a show-stopping treat that’s secretly easy to make. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or whenever you need a chocolate fix.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup (40g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (150g) caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pecans, toasted
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1/4 cup (40g) mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch (20x20cm) baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy lifting. Lightly grease the sides.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter and 1 cup sugar until glossy. Add 2 eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla, mixing until just combined.
- Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir gently until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix.
- Pour brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Mix in 1 egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla until just combined.
- Gently pour cheesecake batter over the brownie layer and smooth the top.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer. Use a butter knife or toothpick to gently swirl it in.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips (if using) over the top. Finish with a generous pinch of flaky sea salt.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with fudgy crumbs (not wet batter). If browning too quickly, tent with foil for the last 10 minutes.
- Let brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For best slicing, chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour (overnight is even better).
- Use the parchment overhang to lift brownies out of the pan. Slice into 16 squares for bite-sized treats or 9 for larger bars. Wipe your knife between cuts for clean edges.
Notes
For clean slices, chill brownies thoroughly and wipe your knife between cuts. Toasting pecans enhances their flavor. Don’t overmix batters or overbake for the fudgiest texture. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (1/16 of pan)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 17
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 27
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
Keywords: salted caramel, turtle brownies, cheesecake brownies, bar dessert, chocolate, pecans, easy dessert, party dessert, caramel brownies, layered brownies