Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined and press into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes and let cool.
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with 1 cup of granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Pour the cheesecake mixture over the cooled brownie crust. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the cheesecake and swirl with a knife.
Bake for 50-60 minutes until set but slightly jiggly in the center. Turn off the oven and let cool in the oven for 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Before serving, drizzle remaining caramel sauce over the top and sprinkle with sea salt if desired.