Caramel Cream Cheese Brownie Tart Recipe
This decadent Caramel Cream Cheese Brownie Tart combines rich, fudgy brownie with a smooth caramel cream cheese swirl for an irresistible dessert perfect for any occasion. The brownie base is deeply chocolatey, enhanced with coffee to deepen the flavor, while the luscious caramel cream cheese topping adds a creamy, tangy sweetness, all baked to a perfectly fudgy finish in a tart pan.
- 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 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 the oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9 or 10-inch tart pan with removable bottom with cooking spray, line the bottom with a parchment paper circle, and place the tart pan on a large baking sheet for stability.
- Make the brownie base: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine coffee (or water), semi sweet baking chocolate, granulated sugar, and butter. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir well. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until the mixture is fully melted and smooth. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes.
- Mix brownie batter: After cooling, stir in the cocoa powder until fully combined. Whisk in the eggs, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until smooth. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and set aside.
- Prepare the caramel cream cheese swirl: Whisk the softened cream cheese vigorously until smooth and lighter in texture, about 30 seconds. Add the caramel sauce and stir well to combine. Then add the egg, vanilla extract, and kosher salt, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Assemble the tart: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared tart pan, reserving about ¼ cup for topping. Spread the caramel cream cheese mixture evenly over the brownie base. Dollop the reserved brownie batter over the cream cheese layer in several spots.
- Create the swirl effect: Using a skewer or sharp knife, swirl the batter and the caramel cream cheese layer together throughout the tart to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Bake the tart in the preheated oven for 22 to 28 minutes, until it is slightly puffed, set, and no longer jiggly in the center.
- Cool and serve: Allow the tart to cool completely to room temperature. Remove from the tart pan carefully before serving. For an extra treat, serve with whipped cream, a sprig of mint, and an optional drizzle of caramel sauce.
Notes
- Using coffee enhances the chocolate flavor but can be substituted with water.
- Ensure the cream cheese is very soft for easy mixing and smooth texture.
- Do not overbake; the tart is done when it’s set and no longer jiggly but still slightly moist.
- Line the bottom of the tart pan with parchment for easy removal.
- Salted butter is recommended to balance the sweetness, but unsalted can be used if preferred.
Keywords: caramel brownie tart, cream cheese swirl, caramel cream cheese dessert, chocolate tart, easy brownie tart, baked brownie tart
