Name: Indulge in Decadence with Cream Cheese Brownie Tart
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 28 min
Total time: 73 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate (Substitution: Can use regular semi-sweet chocolate instead of special Mexican chocolate.); 1/4 cup coffee (or water) (Use water if coffee is not available.); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup butter (salted); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 3 large eggs; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 8 ounces cream cheese (very soft) (Note: Full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese is preferable.); 1/2 cup caramel sauce (Substitution: Can use homemade or store-bought caramel sauce.); 1 large additional egg (For the cream cheese mixture.); 1 teaspoon additional vanilla (For the cream cheese mixture.)

As I stood in my kitchen, the sweet aroma of melting chocolate wafted through the air, instantly lifting my spirits. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for a Caramel Cream Cheese Brownie Tart—a showstopper that’s not only ridiculously easy to make but offers a delightful twist on traditional dessert favorites. With a fudgy brownie base and a creamy caramel cream cheese swirl, this decadent treat comes together in a snap, making it perfect for those busy days when you still want to impress. Plus, I’ve included gluten-free options, so everyone can indulge without a worry! Are you ready to dive into a dessert that will have your family and friends begging for seconds?

Why Is This Brownie Tart a Must-Try?

Ridiculously Easy: With straightforward steps, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this tart comes together—perfect for baking beginners and seasoned chefs alike.
Irresistibly Decadent: The combination of fudgy brownie and creamy caramel cream cheese creates layers of flavor that are incredibly satisfying.
Gluten-Free Option: Easily adapt this recipe with gluten-free substitutes, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert.
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a family gathering or a dinner party, this tart is sure to impress and leave your guests raving. You might also enjoy serving it alongside Pumpkin Cream Cheese or Crispy Ham Cheese Puff for a full spread!
Versatile Swaps: Experiment with different toppings or sauces, like dulce de leche, to make it your own. You’ll love how this dessert transforms with a simple change!

Cream Cheese Brownie Tart Ingredients

Discover how simple it is to gather the ingredients for this delightful dessert!

For the Brownie Base

Semi-sweet baking chocolate – Provides rich chocolate flavor and structure. Substitution: Can use regular semi-sweet chocolate instead of special Mexican chocolate.
Coffee (or water) – Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds moisture. Substitution: Use water if coffee is not available.
Granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with the structure.
Butter (salted) – Provides fat and moisture for a fudgy texture.
Vanilla extract – Enhances flavor.
Unsweetened cocoa powder – Intensifies the chocolate taste.
Large eggs – Binds ingredients and adds lift.
Kosher salt – Balances sweetness.
All-purpose flour – Provides structure to the brownie base.

For the Cream Cheese Layer

Cream cheese (very soft) – For the creamy swirl and tangy flavor. Note: Full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese is preferable.
Caramel sauce – Adds sweetness and richness to the cream cheese layer. Substitution: Can use homemade or store-bought caramel sauce.
Additional egg and vanilla for the cream cheese mixture – Binds and enhances flavor.

Get ready to whip up a luscious Cream Cheese Brownie Tart that will elevate any dessert table!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cream Cheese Brownie Tart

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). While the oven warms, grab your tart pan and generously spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. For extra security, line the bottom with parchment paper, ensuring it overlaps slightly for easy removal later on.

Step 2: Brownie Base
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet baking chocolate, coffee (or water), granulated sugar, and salted butter. Heat in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and fully melted, about 1-2 minutes total. Allow it to cool slightly before whisking in the unsweetened cocoa powder, large eggs, vanilla extract, and kosher salt. Finally, fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined, creating a rich brownie batter.

Step 3: Cream Cheese Layer
In a separate bowl, take the very soft cream cheese and whisk it until smooth and creamy. To this, add the caramel sauce, an additional egg, and a splash more of vanilla, mixing until well combined and silky. This caramel cream cheese mixture will bring a deliciously tangy, sweet swirl to your Cream Cheese Brownie Tart, providing a beautiful contrast to the fudgy base.

Step 4: Assemble
Pour the warm brownie batter into your prepared tart pan, reserving about 1/4 cup of the mixture for later. Next, gently spread the creamy caramel mixture over the brownie layer, allowing it to cover as evenly as possible. Drop dollops of the reserved brownie batter on top and use a knife to swirl them together, creating a mesmerizing pattern.

Step 5: Bake
Transfer the assembled tart to the preheated oven and bake for 22-28 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly puffs up, indicating it’s done. As it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the irresistible aroma of chocolate and caramel, making it hard to wait! Once baked, remove the tart from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature in the pan before gently lifting it out for serving.

How to Store and Freeze Cream Cheese Brownie Tart

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cool environment helps maintain freshness without compromising flavor.

Freezer: Wrap the tart tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, making it perfect for meal prep!

Reheating: To enjoy, thaw the tart overnight in the fridge. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.

Chilled Serving: For a refreshing alternative, serve the tart chilled directly from the fridge, enhancing its creamy texture and providing a delightful contrast to the fudgy brownie base.

What to Serve with Caramel Cream Cheese Brownie Tart

As the rich aroma of chocolate lingers in the air, it’s time to elevate your dessert experience with delightful pairings that complement this decadent tart.

Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a refreshing contrast to the fudgy texture of the tart. The vanilla’s sweetness balances the rich caramel notes beautifully.
Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries bring a burst of freshness and a hint of tartness that cuts through the creaminess, enhancing every bite of the brownie.
Espresso or Coffee: A cup of hot espresso or coffee enhances the chocolate flavors, creating a delightful experience for any chocolate lover. Its bold notes perfectly complement the sweetness.
Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that contrasts with the dense layers of the tart, making each bite feel indulgently smooth.
Mint Leaves: A sprig of fresh mint as a garnish not only elevates the presentation but also introduces a refreshing note that brightens the overall flavor profile.
Salted Caramel Sauce: Drizzling extra salted caramel sauce on top deepens the flavor and adds a luscious finish. The sweet and salty combination is downright irresistible.
Champagne or Sparkling Wine: Celebrate special moments by pairing this tart with a glass of bubbly. The effervescence cleanses the palate and makes each decadent bite even more special.
Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the tart highlights the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor, creating a gourmet touch you won’t want to skip.
Chai Latte: Cozy up with a warm chai latte that offers spiced notes to balance the dessert’s sweetness, making for a comforting combination in any season.

Cream Cheese Brownie Tart Variations

Explore how easy it is to customize this delightful dessert and make it your own!

Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a deliciously inclusive option that everyone can enjoy.
Dulce de Leche: Swap out caramel sauce for thick dulce de leche to create a different sweetness profile that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Nutty Flavor: Consider substituting almond butter for regular butter. This adds a nutty richness that’ll elevate your tart.
Flaky Sea Salt: For an exciting flavor contrast, sprinkle some flaky sea salt over the top before serving. It enhances the sweetness wonderfully.
Add Chocolate Chips: Incorporate semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips into the brownie batter for extra gooeyness and delightful bites of chocolate throughout.
Minty Freshness: Mix in some crushed mint leaves or a few drops of peppermint extract in the cream cheese layer for a refreshing twist that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Maple Syrup: Replace granulated sugar with pure maple syrup for a unique flavor twist and added moisture. Your friends will be pleasantly surprised!
Seasonal Toppings: During the fall, try adding spiced pumpkin puree to the cream cheese layer, making it a delightful seasonal treat that pairs perfectly with a nice cup of coffee.

With these variations, feel free to play around with flavors and textures to create a Cream Cheese Brownie Tart that reflects your unique taste!

Make Ahead Options

These Cream Cheese Brownie Tarts are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can prepare the brownie base up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the ingredients and refrigerating the batter in your tart pan, covered tightly with plastic wrap. You can also whip up the caramel cream cheese mixture and store it separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the tart’s delightful texture, ensure that both components are stored well to prevent drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply layer the cream cheese mixture on the brownie base, drop the reserved brownie batter on top, and swirl together before baking for delicious results that save you time on busy weeknights!

Expert Tips for Cream Cheese Brownie Tart

Soften First: Ensure the cream cheese is very soft to easily blend with the other ingredients, preventing lumps in your tart.
Swirl Technique: Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the reserved brownie batter into the cream cheese layer, but be careful not to overmix for a beautiful final presentation.
Cooling Time: Allow the tart to cool completely in the pan before removing it to avoid cracks and breakage.
Gluten-Free Swap: For a gluten-free Cream Cheese Brownie Tart, substitute all-purpose flour with a quality gluten-free flour blend.
Chocolate Choices: Instead of special Mexican chocolate, use any good quality semi-sweet chocolate—your tart will still be divine!

Cream Cheese Brownie Tart Recipe FAQs

What kind of chocolate should I use for the tart?
Absolutely! I recommend using semi-sweet baking chocolate for the best flavor and structure. If you don’t have any on hand, regular semi-sweet chocolate works just as well and will still provide that rich chocolate essence your tart deserves.

How should I store leftovers of the Cream Cheese Brownie Tart?
To keep your tart fresh, simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This method helps maintain its flavor and texture. For an even more delightful treat, try serving it chilled—it’s surprisingly refreshing!

Can I freeze the Cream Cheese Brownie Tart?
Yes, you can! To freeze, first wrap the cooled tart tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that warm, gooey goodness.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Very much so! To make a gluten-free Cream Cheese Brownie Tart, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a quality gluten-free flour blend. I often make this substitution, and it works beautifully, ensuring everyone can indulge in the deliciousness without any worries!

What should I do if my cream cheese mixture is lumpy?
If you find your cream cheese mixture isn’t smooth, don’t fret! Make sure you start with very soft cream cheese; if it’s still lumpy, you can either blend it with a hand mixer or whisk it until silky before adding the other ingredients. This will ensure a creamy layer that beautifully swirls with the brownie base.

How can I tell when my tart is finished baking?
Look for the edges to be set and the center to puff up slightly. It should still be a tad moist in the middle but not jiggly, indicating that it’s just right. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out with a few moist crumbs—this means your Cream Cheese Brownie Tart is perfectly baked!