Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Link a 7x11 baking dish with nonstick foil.
Brownie Layer
In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer combine melted butter with sugar and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each one.
1 cup butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 4 large eggs, 2 cups sugar
Add the cocoa and mix well. Then add the flour, baking powder and salt, walnuts, and mix until just combined, do not over mix.
¾ cup cocoa, 1 cup flour, ½ teaspoon baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ½ cup chopped walnuts
Set aside one cup of the brownie batter and smooth the rest into prepared baking pan.
Cheesecake Layer
With your stand mixer or hand mixer (cleaned off), begin making your cheesecake layer by beating cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
16 ounces cream cheese, 2/3 cup sugar
Add the vanilla and then the eggs one at a time, beating well after each one.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 eggs
Pour the cream cheese mixture on top of the brownie mixture. Using a spatula, smooth it evenly over the brownie batter.
Toppings
Drizzle ¼ cup of caramel sauce over the top of the cream cheese layer. Then, using the reserved cup of brownie batter, drop spoonfuls over the top of the cheesecake/caramel. Use your spatula or a butter knife to gently swirl the batters. This will combine the cream cheese layer and top brownies layer a bit. This does not need to be perfect.
1/2 cup caramel sauce
Bake at 350 for 45-55 minutes. Start checking at 45 minutes and look for the cheesecake to be just set.
Allow to cool for 10 minutes, then using the sides of the foil, pull the brownies up and out of the dish. Set on a wire rack and allow to cool for at least 1 hour, and then place into the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Remove from fridge, and drizzle 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce over the top of the brownies. Then sprinkle the chopped pecans over the caramel, covering the top.
3/4 cup pecans
Place chocolate chips in a small microwave safe bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Remove and stir with a spoon or fork, then continue to microwave in 15 second increments, stirring every 15 seconds, until the chocolate is melted. This shouldn't take more than 90 seconds at the most (probably more like 60 seconds).
1/3 cup milk chocolate chips
Drizzle melted chocolate over the top of the nuts. Drizzle remaining caramel sauce over the nuts as well.
Cut into squares and serve.
Notes
You can substitute semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for the milk chocolate chips.
The walnuts are optional in the brownie layer.
Be sure to refrigerate the brownies when you are done serving.
The brownies can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.