Name: Loaded Caramel Pecan Brownie Cheesecake Cup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: PT-488820H3M21S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box brownie mix (plus required ingredients: eggs, oil, water); 16 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup sour cream; ½ cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling); ¾ cup chopped pecans, toasted; Butter or nonstick spray (for greasing ramekins)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love that these cheesecake cups have everything I crave in one dessert—rich chocolate, tangy cheesecake, sweet caramel, and crunchy pecans. Baking them in ramekins makes them perfect for serving at parties, holidays, or special occasions. I also like that they can be made ahead of time, chilled, and finished with a drizzle of caramel just before serving. It’s like having your own mini cheesecake brownie sundae, all in one cup.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: eggs, oil, water)
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Butter or spray for greasing ramekins

Directions

I preheat the oven to 325°F and lightly grease 6 ramekins, setting them on a baking sheet.
I prepare the brownie batter according to the package instructions and fill each ramekin about 1/3 full. I bake for 10 minutes, just until slightly set.
While the brownies bake, I beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth, then add egg, vanilla, and sour cream, mixing until creamy.
I spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer in each ramekin, leaving a little room at the top.
I drizzle 1–2 teaspoons of caramel sauce over each, swirling gently with a toothpick, then sprinkle on the pecans.
I bake for another 20–25 minutes, until the cheesecake is just set (a slight wobble in the center is good).
I cool them to room temperature, then chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Before serving, I drizzle with extra caramel and top with a few more pecans.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 ramekin-sized cheesecake cups. It takes 15 minutes to prepare, 35 minutes to bake, and about 2 hours to chill, for a total of 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap pecans for walnuts or almonds, depending on what I have on hand. For a richer flavor, I stir chocolate chips into the brownie base. When I want extra indulgence, I serve the cups warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. I’ve also tried topping them with whipped cream instead of caramel for a lighter finish.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cheesecake cups covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They taste great chilled, but if I want a gooier dessert, I let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. They can also be frozen (without the caramel topping) for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I make these without ramekins?

Yes, I can bake the layers in a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners. The baking time may be a little shorter, so I keep an eye on them.

Do I have to use boxed brownie mix?

No, I can use homemade brownie batter if I prefer. The boxed mix just makes the recipe quicker and easier.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, I can prepare them a day in advance and keep them chilled. I like to add the caramel drizzle and extra pecans just before serving.

Can I serve these warm instead of chilled?

Yes, I can serve them warm for a gooey, molten-style dessert. Just note the cheesecake won’t be as firm as when chilled.

How do I toast pecans properly?

I toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring often until fragrant and slightly darkened.

Conclusion

I love how these Loaded Caramel Pecan Brownie Cheesecake Cups deliver a bakery-quality dessert right from my kitchen. With fudgy brownie, creamy cheesecake, sweet caramel, and crunchy pecans in every bite, they’re a dessert I reach for whenever I want to wow guests—or simply treat myself.