Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking pan to prevent sticking.
Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter and chopped dark chocolate together, stirring frequently until smooth. Remove from heat.
Mix in Sugar and Eggs: Stir in the granulated sugar until fully combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, and mix until well incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the chocolate mixture until just combined.
Layer the Brownie Batter: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese with half of the caramel sauce and a pinch of salt until smooth. Spread this cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer in the pan.
Top with Remaining Brownie Batter: Spoon the remaining brownie batter over the cheesecake layer, then use a knife to gently swirl through the two layers to create a marbled effect.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Drizzle: Allow the bars to cool, then drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce and sprinkle a touch of flaky sea salt on top.
Slice and Serve: Once cooled completely, slice into bars and enjoy this delightful dessert!
What to Serve Salted Caramel Cheesecake Brownie Bars With
These bars are wonderfully versatile and pair well with a variety of treats! Consider serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that perfect creamy partnership. A dollop of whipped cream also elevates the indulgence. If you want to keep things classy, serve with a rich espresso or a velvety cup of hot chocolate for a cozy dessert experience. Each of these options complements the rich flavors and textures, enhancing your overall dessert enjoyment!
Top Tips for Perfecting Salted Caramel Cheesecake Brownie Bars
For the best results, keep these tips in mind:
Don’t Overbake: Checking the brownies a minute or two early is crucial as they keep cooking even after being removed from the oven.
Allow to Cool: Letting the bars cool completely before cutting makes for cleaner slices; patience will reward you!
Experiment with Flavors: Try adding nuts or chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an extra crunch or a twist of flavor.
Substitutions: If you have dietary constraints, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a delightful vegan option.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Leftover Salted Caramel Cheesecake Brownie Bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply place them in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap for ideal freshness. If you want to keep them longer, they also freeze beautifully. Just wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, and they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. To reheat, let them thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth experience. Enjoy your perfect dessert anytime!
Now that you have all the deets, it's time to whip up your very own Salted Caramel Cheesecake Brownie Bars. Happy baking!