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- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon baking powder The brownie base gives a rich, fudgy texture. The melted butter and sugar blend well for a moist bite. Eggs add structure, while cocoa powder brings that chocolatey flavor. Each ingredient plays a key role in making the brownies stand out. - 16 oz cream cheese, softened - ½ cup granulated sugar - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract The cheesecake layer adds a creamy contrast to the brownies. Softened cream cheese whips up smooth and fluffy. Sugar sweetens it just right, and the egg helps it bake perfectly. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor, making it irresistible. - 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - ½ teaspoon cinnamon - 2 tablespoons brown sugar - ½ cup homemade or store-bought caramel sauce The apple filling brings a fresh crunch. Granny Smith apples work best for their tartness. Lemon juice keeps the apples bright and prevents browning. Cinnamon adds warmth, while brown sugar gives a hint of caramel flavor. The caramel sauce ties it all together, making each bite a delight. To make the brownie batter, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This helps with easy removal. In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of melted unsalted butter with 2 cups of granulated sugar until combined. Next, add 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for flavor. In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, ¾ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients. Stir until just combined. For the cheesecake layer, take 16 ounces of cream cheese and beat it in a bowl until smooth. Add ½ cup of granulated sugar, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Set this aside for later. Now, let's put everything together. Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread it out evenly. Next, layer the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Smooth it out to cover the whole surface. In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of peeled and diced Granny Smith apples with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, and ½ cup of caramel sauce. Toss until the apples are well coated. Distribute this apple filling on top of the cheesecake layer. Finally, pour the remaining brownie batter over the apples, spreading gently to cover them. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center. It should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Once done, let the brownies cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Use the parchment paper to lift them out and cool on a wire rack completely. For extra flavor, drizzle more caramel sauce on top before slicing them into squares. Enjoy your delicious caramel apple cheesecake brownies! For the best brownie texture, use unsalted butter. Melt it gently to keep it smooth. Add sugar and blend well. This creates a rich base. To ensure a fudgy brownie, do not overmix the batter. Just mix until you don't see any dry flour. Bake until the top looks set but still soft. This keeps the center moist and chewy. I love using Granny Smith apples for this recipe. Their tartness balances the sweet caramel and cheesecake. Choose firm apples that are not too soft. Fresh apples add crunch and flavor. Peel and dice them into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly and blend well in the layers. To achieve a creamy cheesecake layer, start with softened cream cheese. Let it sit at room temperature. This makes mixing easier and smoother. Beat it until there are no lumps. Add sugar and mix just until combined. Overmixing can add air, leading to cracks during baking. Use a spatula to spread it gently over the brownie layer. This keeps it silky and delicious. {{image_2}} You can add nuts for a nice crunch in your brownies. Chopped walnuts or pecans work great. Just fold in about 1 cup of nuts into the brownie batter. This adds flavor and texture. If you want a nut-free option, skip this step. Toppings can change how your brownies taste. Try adding chocolate chips on top before baking. You can also sprinkle some sea salt for a sweet and salty mix. For a fruity twist, add more apple slices on top. This makes your dessert look great and adds flavor. You can change the flavors in the cheesecake layer too. Instead of vanilla, try almond extract for a nutty taste. You can also add lemon zest for a bright flavor. If you like chocolate, mix in some melted chocolate for a rich twist. These swaps make each batch unique and fun to make! To keep your caramel apple cheesecake brownies fresh, place them in an airtight container. This protects them from air and moisture. You can store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is a good option. Just make sure they are completely cool before storing. If you want to save your brownies for later, freezing is a great choice. First, cut the brownies into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap tightly. Then, place the wrapped brownies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To enjoy your leftover brownies warm, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the brownies on a baking sheet. Cover them loosely with foil to keep them from drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also microwave a single square for about 15-20 seconds for a quick treat. Just watch it closely to avoid overheating. Yes, you can! While I recommend Granny Smith apples for their tartness, other apples work too. Fuji or Honeycrisp adds sweetness and a nice texture. Just pick apples that hold their shape when baked. Check the brownies after 35 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out with moist crumbs, they are ready. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking. Absolutely! You can bake these brownies a day in advance. Just let them cool, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap. They will stay fresh and tasty in the fridge. For clean cuts, use a sharp knife. First, make sure the brownies are completely cool. If you want perfect squares, dip the knife in warm water before cutting. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges. You now have a great recipe for Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownies. We covered all the ingredients, from the brownie base to the creamy cheesecake layer and sweet apple filling. You learned step-by-step how to make these treats, with tips to get the texture just right. Try out some variations to make the recipe your own. Don’t forget the storage tips for keeping your brownies fresh. Enjoy your baking, and share these delicious brownies with friends or family. You’ll impress everyone with this tasty dessert!

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownies

Indulge in the rich flavors of Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownies, a delightful dessert that combines decadent chocolate brownies, creamy cheesecake, and sweet caramelized apples. This easy recipe is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself! With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll create a show-stopping dessert that's sure to please. Click through for the full recipe and bring this delicious treat to life in your kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup unsalted butter, melted

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking powder

For the Cheesecake Layer:

16 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Apple Filling:

2 cups apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

½ teaspoon cinnamon

2 tablespoons brown sugar

½ cup homemade or store-bought caramel sauce

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter and granulated sugar. Stir until well incorporated.

      Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract.

        In another bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients until just combined.

          For the cheesecake layer, beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Set aside.

            In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with lemon juice, cinnamon, brown sugar, and caramel sauce. Toss until apples are well coated.

              Pour half of the brownie batter into the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly.

                Layer the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter, smoothing it out evenly.

                  Distribute the caramel apple filling on top of the cheesecake layer, ensuring it's well spaced out.

                    Finally, pour the remaining brownie batter over the apples, spreading gently to cover them.

                      Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).

                        Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for about 30 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift them out and cool on a wire rack completely.

                          Once cooled, drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for an added touch before slicing into squares.

                            Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 1 hour 10 mins | Servings: 16 squares

                              - Presentation Tips: Serve on a decorative platter, drizzled with additional caramel sauce, and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few apple slices for an appealing look.