Caramel Cream Cheese Brownie Tart Recipe
This Caramel Cream Cheese Brownie Tart is a decadent dessert featuring a rich, fudgy brownie base swirled with a luscious caramel cream cheese layer. Baked to perfection in a tart pan, this treat offers a beautiful marbled effect and an irresistible combination of chocolate and caramel flavors. Ideal for special occasions or anytime you crave a sophisticated sweet indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Brownie Base
- 2 ½ ounces semi sweet baking chocolate
- ¼ cup room temperature coffee (or same amount of water)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup butter (salted preferred)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
Caramel Cream Cheese Swirl
- 8 ounces very soft cream cheese (full-fat or reduced-fat, not no-fat)
- ½ cup caramel sauce (homemade or storebought)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9 or 10-inch tart pan with a removable bottom with cooking spray, line the bottom with a parchment paper circle, then place the tart pan on a large baking sheet.
- Melt Chocolate Mixture: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine coffee (or water), semi sweet chocolate, sugar, and butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, stir well, then continue microwaving in 30-second increments until the butter and chocolate are fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
- Make Brownie Batter: To the cooled chocolate mixture, add cocoa powder and mix well. Whisk in eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir in flour until combined and set aside.
- Prepare Caramel Cream Cheese Swirl: Whisk the softened cream cheese for about 30 seconds until smooth and fluffy. Stir in caramel sauce until well combined. Add egg, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until smooth.
- Assemble Tart: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared tart pan, reserving about ¼ cup of batter. Spread the caramel cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie batter, covering as much surface as possible.
- Create Marbled Swirl: Dollop the reserved brownie batter over the cream cheese layer. Using a skewer or sharp knife, swirl the layers together gently to create a marbled effect throughout the tart.
- Bake: Place the tart in the oven and bake for 22 to 28 minutes, or until the tart is slightly puffed and set, with no jiggly spots in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the tart from the oven and let cool to room temperature. Carefully remove the tart from the pan before serving. For an extra treat, serve with whipped cream, a sprig of mint, and an optional drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is very soft to ensure a smooth swirl layer.
- Using coffee instead of water enhances the chocolate flavor subtly but can be omitted if preferred.
- The tart pan with a removable bottom makes it easier to serve without breaking the tart.
- Allow the tart to cool completely to set properly before slicing.
- Store leftovers refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Keywords: caramel, cream cheese, brownie, tart, chocolate dessert, baked, marbled, rich, fudge, sweet
