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    Home » Recipes » Brownies and Bars

    Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies (step-by-step photos)

    by Jolina | Published: November 20, 2017 | Last Updated: June 23, 2021 | 41 Comments
    This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. See Terms of Use for more information.

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    Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies
    Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies

    These salted caramel cream cheese brownies are all your favourite things in one decadent, luxurious bite. These will, literally, earn you all the brownie points you will ever need!

    (Do you like your brownies old-school? Try these super fudgy, chocolatey brownies with walnuts and chocolate chips. They are the best! And for matcha lovers, these matcha brownies are for you.)

    Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies
    Jump To hide
    Clean-out-your-fridge recipes
    Brownie components
    How to make salted caramel cream cheese filling
    How to make brownie batter
    How to assemble cream cheese swirl brownies
    Baking caramel cream cheese brownies
    Give them out for Christmas!
    Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies

    I’ve found that there are two kinds of brownies: crumbly and cake-like vs. rich, chewy and fudgy.

    If you like the former, I’m sorry, you would hate this recipe because these salted caramel cream cheese brownies might be the richest, chewiest and fudgiest brownies you’d ever get to taste!

    Clean-out-your-fridge recipes

    Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies

    Today’s recipe was actually supposed to be pumpkin pie. It was delicious.

    Except I messed up the crust and it turned hard as rock. Unfortunately I didn’t have any of the ingredients to do it again; just a lonely block of cream cheese.

    So I figure, what can I do with that? Most cheesecakes need 2 or more so time to get creative.

    I think the best recipes are a result of people thinking of ways to clean out their pantry or fridge don’t you think? Like this sweet potato breakfast hash and this huevos racheros recipe. Both made of leftovers!

    In my case, I had cream cheese, heavy cream that’s about to go bad, a jar of brown sugar just waiting to be refilled, and cocoa powder I have been meaning to use just so I can throw out the gigantic tub it was in.

    So these salted caramel cream cheese brownies were born!

    (Fan of mascarpone cheese? You’d love these mascarpone swirl brownies.)

    Brownie components

    Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies

    There are several steps to get to these bars of deliciousness but I promise every step is worth it. First let’s make the salted caramel cream cheese.

    How to make salted caramel cream cheese filling

    SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE. First up, make a batch of this homemade salted caramel sauce. It’s easy and takes no time at all. You can even make it ahead of time. Of course, you can also use your favourite store brand.

    SALTED CARAMEL CREAM CHEESE. Next we make our salted caramel cream cheese filling.

    Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
    (1) Combine cream cheese and sugar in a bowl.
    Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
    (2) Beat until creamy and smooth.
    Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
    (3) Add egg and vanilla.
    Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
    (4) Continue to beat until incorporated.
    Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
    (5) Add salted caramel sauce.
    Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
    (6) Beat until smooth and lump-free.

    How to make brownie batter

    Set your cream cheese filling aside as you work on your brownie batter.

    BROWNIE BATTER. The important thing to remember is to not over-beat or over-whisk your batter. I always whisk my brownie batter by hand.

    How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies
    (1) Combine cocoa powder and baking soda in a large bowl.
    How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies
    (2) Whisk until combined.
    How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies
    (3) Add melted butter.
    How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies

    (4) Whisk until smooth.
    How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies
    (5) Add espresso or strong coffee.
    How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies
    (6) Whisk until
    batter is creamy and thick.
    How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies
    (7) Add sugar, vanilla, salt and eggs.
    How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies

    (8) Whisk until fully incorporated.
    How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies
    (9) Add all-purpose flour.
    How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies
    (10) Gently fold just until combined. Do not over-mix.

    How to assemble cream cheese swirl brownies

    Now it’s time to assemble our cream cheese brownies!

    CREAM CHEESE AND BROWNIE LAYERS. You want to layer your brownies – chocolate, cream cheese, swirl. Repeat. Don’t get carried away with the swirling though – we want pretty swirls. We don’t want the two batters to totally incorporate.

    Salted Caramel Swirl Brownies
    (1) Transfer ½ of your brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.
    Salted Caramel Swirl Brownies

    (2) Top with ⅔ of
    your cream cheese batter.
    Salted Caramel Swirl Brownies

    (3) Gently run a knife through the batter to create swirls. This also helps you spread the cream cheese filling out.
    Salted Caramel Swirl Brownies
    (4) Transfer the rest of the brownie batter.
    Salted Caramel Swirl Brownies

    (5) And the rest of your salted caramel cream cheese filling and run a knife
    through the top layer again.

    Baking caramel cream cheese brownies

    BAKE. Now you’re ready to bake! You’ll need about 40 minutes in a 350F oven before the brownies are ready and your kitchen starts smelling pretty amazing. (This step is when I do my kitchen clean-up too. Just saying).

    WAIT. You’ll know the brownies are done when they’re starting to brown at the edges but the centre still feels a little jiggly. You want a toothpick inserted in the middle to come out with minimal but crumbs. When in doubt, remember that it’s always better to underbake than overbake brownies.

    CHILL. This for me is the hardest part. You’ll want to chill the brownies for a couple of hours. You can simply wait for it to completely cool on your counter before cutting into squares but trust me, a few hours in the fridge (I usually do mine overnight) do wonders.

    ENJOY! Some of my taste testers like it at room temperature. Others straight cold out of the fridge. I absolutely love it cold. However and whenever you want to dive in, enjoy!

    Give them out for Christmas!

    Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies

    Spread the calories, I mean, the cheer this holiday season!

    These brownies keep really well and would make for amazing gifts (like these bourbon pecan pie bars).

    Or serve to company after dinner, over coffee, at breakfast why not? It’s Christmas.

    Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies

    Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies

    Author: Jolina
    These salted caramel cream cheese brownies are all your favourite things in one luxurious bite. These will, literally, earn you all the brownie points you will ever need!
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 minutes mins
    Cook Time 45 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine North American
    Servings 24 squares
    Calories 161 kcal

    Equipment

    • Stand Mixer
    • Hand Mixer
    • Mixing Bowls
    • Bench Scraper

    Ingredients
     
     

    For the Salted Caramel Cream Cheese:

    • 1 8-oz block cream cheese room temperature
    • ½ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 pc large egg room temperature
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 batch salted caramel sauce (about ½ cup) cooled

    For the Brownie Batter:

    • ¾ cup Dutch processed, unsweetened cocoa powder
    • ½ tsp baking soda
    • ⅔ cup unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
    • ½ cup espresso or strong coffee lukewarm
    • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
    • ½ cup packed brown sugar
    • 2 tsp vanilla extract
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 2 pcs large eggs room temperature
    • 1 ⅓ cups all purpose flour

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your oven to 350F. Line a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper with a slight overhang on each side. Grease the parchment paper. Set side.

    For the Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Filling:

    • Using a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat 1 block of cream cheese and ½ cup sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2 minutes). Scrape the sides of your bowl.
      Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
    • Add the egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla and continue to beat until incorporated.
      Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe
    • Add the salted caramel sauce and beat until smooth and lump-free. Set aside.
      Salted Caramel Cream Cheese Brownies Recipe

    For the Brownie Batter:

    • In a large bowl, whisk ¾ cup cocoa powder and ½ teaspoon baking soda until combined.
      How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies
    • Add ⅔ cup melted butter and whisk until smooth.
      How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies
    • Add ½ cup espresso and continue whisking until your batter is creamy and thick. At this point, it would seem like the espresso doesn't want to incorporate into the batter. Keep whisking! It will come together.
      How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies
    • Add the rest of your ingredients (except the flour) and whisk until fully incorporated.
      How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies
    • Then add 1 ⅓ cups flour and gently fold until just combined. Do not over mix.
      How to Make Cream Cheese Brownies

    Assembly:

    • Transfer ½ of your brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.
      Salted Caramel Swirl Brownies
    • Top with ⅔ of your salted caramel cream cheese batter. Gently run a knife through the batter to create swirls and help even out the cream cheese throughout the pan.
      Salted Caramel Swirl Brownies
    • Then transfer the rest of your brownie batter and the rest of your cream cheese batter.
      Salted Caramel Swirl Brownies
    • Run a knife through the top layer again. Gently tap the pan on your counter a few times to help the batter settle in.
      Salted Caramel Swirl Brownies
    • Bake for 30-45 minutes or until it's starting to brown at the edges but the centre still feels a little jiggly. You want a toothpick inserted in the middle to come out with minimal but slightly moist crumbs (see notes).
    • Take out of the oven and allow to cool on the counter. Then chill 2-3 hours (or overnight) until the brownies are set (see notes).
    • Remove from pan, cut into squares using a sharp knife or a bench scraper and serve cold or at room temperature.

    Video

    Notes

    1. The yield depends on how small or big you cut your brownies. They are very rich; a little goes a long way.
    2. Remember: it’s better to under-bake than over-bake brownies. They will continue to bake as they cool in the pan.
    3. You can totally serve these brownies fresh from the oven (allow them to cool slightly). At this point, they will be soft and fudgy. They are best chilled before serving though, to allow the cream cheese filling to set. They will be fudgy and chewy and amazing.
    4. See the post for the complete step-by-step photos.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 161kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 127mgPotassium: 62mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 158IUCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg

    Nutritional information are estimates only.

    Tried this recipe? Leave a star rating today!Also tag @iamtheunlikelybaker I’d love to see your creations.

    Happy baking!

    Did you make salted caramel cream cheese brownies? How do you like them? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.

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    Comments

    1. Lissa

      October 25, 2020 at 12:39 pm

      5 stars
      This is so delicious!!! We love eating it straight from the refrigerator. Thanks for the recipe. Definitely making it again.

      Reply
      • Jolina

        October 26, 2020 at 12:51 pm

        That’s awesome Lissa! It’s great chilled eh? 🙂 Enjoy!

        Reply
    2. Lorraine

      April 28, 2020 at 8:14 am

      5 stars
      Thank you Jolina!! These are the most sinful brownies I’ve ever tasted 🙂 Warmest regards to you.

      Reply
      • Jolina

        April 29, 2020 at 12:14 pm

        LOL I hope in a good way 🙂 You’re most welcome Lorraine!

        Reply
    3. Cindy

      April 24, 2020 at 4:13 pm

      5 stars
      Great brownies! Thanks so much. Yum yum.

      Reply
      • Jolina

        April 29, 2020 at 12:13 pm

        Glad you liked them Cindy!

        Reply
    4. Becca Talbot

      November 30, 2017 at 7:49 am

      I totally know what you mean about the two variants of brownies! I definitely prefer the squidy, sticky gooey ones, so this recipe sounds like heaven to me! x

      Reply
    5. Nadia

      November 28, 2017 at 7:49 pm

      These look absolutely divine. Hoping to try them this December. Yum!

      Reply
    6. Tamala

      November 27, 2017 at 2:52 am

      Wow. I totally would have said forget it after the crust turned out hard the first time. So good for you for being creative. They look freaking divine.

      Reply
    7. Deborah Regen

      November 26, 2017 at 7:46 pm

      The swirls really make these brownies look extra special. I am sure they are quite yummy. I wonder if your recipe would work if you used a nonfat cream cheese or similar ingredient as a substitute for the full fat cream cheese. So many people love brownies but look for a lower calorie recipe.

      Reply
      • Jolina

        November 27, 2017 at 8:03 am

        Thanks Deborah! I haven’t tried myself but I think low-fat cream cheese would be fine.

        Reply
    8. Marisa Franca

      November 26, 2017 at 5:33 pm

      This looks simply amazing. I really love the addition of the coarse salt to something really sweet. I think it brings out the flavor. These bars would look great on a dessert tray!

      Reply
    9. Agness

      November 25, 2017 at 5:34 am

      These brownies are making my mouth watering, Jolina. What I love most about them is that they contain coffee. 😉

      Reply
    10. Veena Azmanov

      November 23, 2017 at 4:22 pm

      I love brownies and I love caramel.. So this is my kinda desserts. I usually have mine with ice cream but this one looks perfect on it’s own.. yum.

      Reply
    11. Chinedu

      November 23, 2017 at 3:16 pm

      This was a great blog, I have a mate who absolutely loves baking brownies. I will forward him this blog, I may even give it a go myself although i’m not much of a baker! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

      Reply
    12. Denise Wright

      November 23, 2017 at 7:59 am

      Ok I’m embarrassed to ask this but can I use boxed brownie mix? I’m not much of a bake and I am always looking for short cuts. I’d like to make these for Saturday.

      Reply
      • Jolina

        November 26, 2017 at 3:07 pm

        Hi Denise! I haven’t tried but I think that can work. I especially love the brownie mix Ghirardelli has 🙂

        Reply
    13. Charlotte

      November 22, 2017 at 5:24 am

      wow these look amazing, salted caramel is a favourite of mine but I’ve never had it in brownies so I am quite excited about this recipe!

      Reply
    14. Ali Rost

      November 21, 2017 at 10:15 pm

      Be still my heart, these look fantastic. It would be so easy to add some toasted pecans to these, turning them into turtle brownies. I sense a moral imperative for the weekend. x

      Reply
    15. Janella Panchamsingh

      November 21, 2017 at 7:10 pm

      Yum those brownies look so delicious I could really use one with my tea tonight

      Reply
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    Hi, I’m Jolina! And I’m definitely a late bloomer, a thoroughly unexpected baker.

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