Decadent Peanut Butter Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
Indulge in a rich and creamy dessert that combines the best of two worlds: luscious peanut butter cheesecake infused with swirls of velvety caramel, all atop a decadent fudge brownie base. This impressive treat has been a crowd-pleaser since it won the Pillsbury Bake-Off contest in 1994. Perfect for gatherings or a special occasion, these brownies are a delightful surprise that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
fudge brownie mix
1 (21 1/2 ounce) package (Prepare according to package instructions.)
butter or margarine
1/2 cup (Softened)
creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup (For brownie base)
egg
1 (For brownie base)
cream cheese
2 (8 ounce) packages (Softened)
creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup (For cheesecake filling)
sugar
1 cup (Granulated)
all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (For cheesecake filling)
sour cream
1/4 cup (For cheesecake filling)
vanilla
2 teaspoons (Pure vanilla extract)
eggs
2 (For cheesecake filling)
caramels
12 (Unwrapped)
whipping cream
3 tablespoons (For caramel sauce)
whipping cream
1/2 cup (For whipped cream topping)
powdered sugar
1 tablespoon (For sweetening whipped cream)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking pan.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the brownie mix, softened butter or margarine, 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter, and 1 egg. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until a dough forms. Evenly press the dough into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a solid base.
3
In another large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and 1/3 cup of peanut butter at low speed until smooth. Gradually add the sugar, flour, sour cream, and vanilla, mixing until well blended. Incorporate the 2 remaining eggs, one at a time, ensuring the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4
Pour the cheesecake filling over the brownie base in the pan, spreading it evenly.
5
In a small heavy saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramels and 3 tablespoons of whipping cream. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until the caramels melt and the mixture is silky smooth.
6
Drop spoonfuls of the caramel sauce over the cheesecake filling. To achieve a beautiful swirl effect, use a knife to gently pull through the mixture in wide curves. Turn the pan and repeat the process to create an artistic design.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges have a light golden brown appearance.
8
Allow the brownies to cool for 30 minutes at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
9
Before serving, whip the remaining 1/2 cup of whipping cream with 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar in a small bowl until stiff peaks form. Decorate each serving with whimsical rosettes or generous dollops of the freshly whipped cream.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Peanut Butter Caramel Cheesecake Brownies recipe?
This recipe is a rich dessert that combines a fudge brownie base with a peanut butter cheesecake filling and swirls of caramel sauce.
Who originally created this brownie recipe?
This recipe became famous after winning the Pillsbury Bake-Off contest in 1994.
What temperature should the oven be for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius).
What size baking pan is required?
You should use a 13x9-inch baking pan.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Grease the bottom of the 13x9-inch baking pan before adding the brownie mixture.
What ingredients are used for the brownie base?
The base consists of fudge brownie mix, softened butter or margarine, 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter, and one egg.
How do I mix the brownie base dough?
Combine the mix, butter, peanut butter, and egg in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until a dough forms.
What type of peanut butter is recommended?
The recipe calls for creamy peanut butter for both the base and the filling.
What goes into the cheesecake filling?
The filling includes cream cheese, creamy peanut butter, sugar, all-purpose flour, sour cream, vanilla, and two eggs.
How should the cream cheese be prepared?
The cream cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth, creamy filling.
At what speed should the cheesecake filling be mixed?
Beat the cream cheese and peanut butter at low speed until smooth before adding the other ingredients.
When should the eggs be added to the cheesecake filling?
Incorporate the eggs one at a time after the sugar, flour, sour cream, and vanilla have been well blended.
How do I make the caramel sauce?
Combine 12 unwrapped caramels and 3 tablespoons of whipping cream in a small saucepan and heat over low heat until smooth.
How is the caramel swirl achieved?
Drop spoonfuls of caramel over the cheesecake and use a knife to gently pull through the mixture in wide curves.
How long do the brownies need to bake?
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the center is set.
How can I tell if the brownies are done?
The center should be set and the edges should have a light golden brown appearance.
How long should the brownies cool after baking?
Allow them to cool for 30 minutes at room temperature.
Do the brownies need to be refrigerated?
Yes, they should be refrigerated for at least 1 hour before serving.
What is the topping made of?
The topping is freshly whipped cream made from 1/2 cup of whipping cream and 1 tablespoon of powdered sugar.
How is the whipped cream topping prepared?
Whip the cream and powdered sugar in a small bowl until stiff peaks form.
How should the brownies be decorated?
Decorate each serving with whimsical rosettes or generous dollops of the freshly whipped cream.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as easy, making it accessible for home bakers.
How many eggs are needed for the entire recipe?
You will need a total of three eggs: one for the base and two for the filling.
What type of brownie mix should I buy?
A 21 1/2 ounce package of fudge brownie mix is required.
Can I use vanilla extract?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests using pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
How many caramels do I need for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 12 unwrapped caramels.
What is the purpose of the sour cream in the filling?
Sour cream adds to the creamy texture and tangy flavor of the cheesecake layer.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include brownies, cheesecake, peanut butter, caramel, dessert, bars, and chocolate.
Is the brownie base a liquid batter or a dough?
The base is a dough that you press into the bottom of the pan.
Can this dessert be served at parties?
Yes, it is described as a crowd-pleaser that is perfect for gatherings or special occasions.