Shelly's Recipe

CARAMEL BROWNIE CHEESECAKE

Category: Cheesecake

1 3/4 cup vanilla wafer crumbs
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 (14oz) package caramel candies
1 (5oz) can evaporated milk
2 1/2 cups coarsely crumbled brownies
3 (8oz) packages cream cheese
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 (8oz) container sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Whipped cream for garnish

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature. First, prepare brownies according to package. Allow them to cool completely, and them crumble into pieces.
Next, combine vanilla wafer crumbs and butter; firmly press into bottom of a lightly greased 9 inch spring form pan and about 1-2 inches up the sides of the pan. Bake at 350 for 5 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.

Now combine caramels and evaporated milk in a small heavy saucepan; cook over low heat, stirring often, until caramels melt. Pour caramel mixture over crust. Sprinkle crumbled brownies over the caramel.

Next, beat the cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes or until fluffy. Gradually add brown sugar, mixing well. Add eggs one at a time. Beating after each addition just until blended. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla.

Pour batter over brownies in crust. Bake at 350 for 50 minutes to 1 hour or until almost set. Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Cover and chill at least 4 hours. Gently run a knife around edge of cheesecake to release sides of pan, carefully remove pan. Top with whipped cream.