Name: Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box family size brownie mix (18.3 oz); 2/3 cup oil; 1/4 cup water; 2 eggs; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 egg yolk; 5 tablespoons sugar; 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup apple pie filling (spread evenly); Half jar caramel ice cream topping (for drizzling)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 72 reviews

If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly marries rich, fudgy brownies with the comforting flavors of fall, then you absolutely need to try this Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownies Recipe. It brings the sweet warmth of caramel and apple pie filling together with a luscious cheesecake swirl, all baked into one heavenly treat. Each bite offers a delicious adventure of textures and tastes that feels like a cozy hug from your favorite dessert. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly become a beloved classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a square piece of dessert held by a woman's hand, showing three visible layers: the bottom layer is dark brown and dense, the middle layer is creamy white with smooth texture, and the top layer has a marbled swirl pattern of dark brown, creamy white, and golden yellow with a shiny caramel sauce drizzled over it. The background features a soft blur of warm colors with a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and chocolaty layers in this dessert. These simple but essential components each play a crucial role in flavor, texture, and the irresistible appearance of your brownies.

Family size brownie mix (18.3 oz): The foundation for your fudgy brownie base, easy and reliable for perfect results every time.
2/3 cup oil: Adds moisture and richness to the brownies, making them delectably dense and moist.
1/4 cup water: Helps activate the brownie mix and balances out the batter’s consistency.
2 eggs: Essential for structure and binding all the brownie ingredients together beautifully.
1 cup apple pie filling: Brings that classic apple flavor and sweet, tender fruit pieces into the brownies.
4 oz cream cheese: The star of the cheesecake swirl adds tang and creamy texture that contrasts the dense brownie.
1 egg yolk: Adds richness and helps create the perfect smooth cheesecake consistency.
5 tablespoons sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer just right, balancing the tartness of the cream cheese and apples.
1/8 teaspoon vanilla: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, inviting note that ties everything together.
Half jar caramel ice cream topping: For that luscious, gooey caramel layer that elevates the dessert to pure indulgence.

How to Make Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, getting it nice and ready to bake those delicious layers. Preparing the pan by greasing or lining it will ensure your brownies come out cleanly without sticking.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Base

In a large bowl, mix the family size brownie mix with 2/3 cup oil, 1/4 cup water, and 2 eggs, following the package directions closely. This step creates the fudgy chocolate base that will form the first layer of your brownie bar.

Step 3: Pour Brownie Batter into Pan

Once the batter is smooth, pour it evenly into your prepared 9×9 inch square pan. This even layer sets the stage for the other flavors to shine on top.

Step 4: Whip the Cheesecake Filling

In a mixer, beat together the 4 oz cream cheese, 5 tablespoons sugar, 1/8 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 egg yolk until fluffy and smooth. This mixture is essential for that creamy cheesecake swirl that contrasts beautifully with the rich brownie base.

Step 5: Add Dollops of Cheesecake

Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake filling evenly onto the brownie batter, creating little clouds of luscious cream cheese goodness scattered over the chocolate.

Step 6: Swirl the Cheesecake and Brownie

Using a butter knife, gently swirl the cheesecake mixture into the brownie layer with a few smooth strokes. The goal is to create a beautiful marbled effect with ribbons of cream cheese taking center stage.

Step 7: Add Apple Pie Filling

Now comes the fun part! Dollop pieces of apple pie filling one by one on the top surface, spreading them out so you don’t get two layers of apples. Press down gently to nestle the apples into the batter so they bake in perfectly.

Step 8: Bake and Test Doneness

Bake the brownies for 30 minutes, then test with a toothpick inserted into the center. It should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. If necessary, add a few extra minutes, but be careful not to overbake.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownies Recipe

A square glass baking dish filled with a baked brownie that has a rich dark brown color as the base layer. Swirled in on the top layer is a creamy white layer creating a marbled effect with the dark brown brownie. Drizzled lightly over the top is a smooth golden caramel sauce in irregular lines. The baking dish is placed on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To make your brownies even more tempting when serving, drizzle extra caramel topping on each piece or sprinkle chopped toasted pecans to add crunch and an additional nutty flavor. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a delicate finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownies Recipe pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream, enhancing both flavor and indulgence. For a refreshing balance, serve alongside a cup of spiced apple cider or rich coffee.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the brownies warm in rustic wooden trays for a cozy, homemade vibe, or for a sophisticated twist, arrange bite-sized squares on elegant dessert platters. You can also layer them in a trifle bowl with extra caramel sauce and apple slices to create a stunning dessert centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These brownies keep beautifully stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them covered preserves their moist texture and rich flavor, so you can enjoy each bite as if freshly baked.

Freezing

If you want to keep your Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownies Recipe for longer, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and freeze in an airtight container. They freeze well for up to two months, making them perfect for preparing ahead for special occasions.

Reheating

To enjoy brownies fresh from the oven sensations, let frozen pieces thaw at room temperature and warm them slightly in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven for 5 minutes. This step revives that gooey caramel and soft cream cheese texture perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! Using homemade brownie batter can add a personal touch to the recipe. Just make sure your batter has a similar consistency to boxed mixes to keep the layers balanced and bake times accurate.

Is it necessary to swirl the cheesecake and brownie layers?

Swirling creates that signature marbled look and combines flavors beautifully, but if you prefer distinct layers, you can gently spread the cheesecake mixture on top without swirling for a different texture contrast.

Can I substitute the apple pie filling with fresh apples?

Yes, fresh apples can work, but make sure to peel, core, and slice them thinly, then toss with a bit of sugar and cinnamon to mimic the sweetness and softness of the pie filling.

What kind of caramel topping works best?

A good quality caramel ice cream topping is perfect because it’s thick yet pourable, melting nicely into the brownies during baking. Homemade caramel sauce can also be used if you’re up for a little extra effort.

How can I make these brownies vegan or dairy-free?

Substituting eggs and cream cheese with vegan alternatives is possible but may alter the texture slightly. Look for vegan cream cheese and egg replacers that work well in baking to keep that creamy cheesecake layer intact.

Final Thoughts

There is something so magical about biting into these Caramel Apple Cheesecake Brownies Recipe, where every mouthful delivers layers of flavor and textures that comfort and delight. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your next favorite dessert that becomes a go-to for celebrations or cozy nights in.