If you’ve ever wondered how to combine brownies, cheesecake, caramel, and your all-time favorite candy bar, let me introduce you to your new obsession: Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies. These heavenly bars bring together fudgy chocolate brownies, a silky cheesecake layer, gooey caramel, and chunks of Milky Way candy. Every slice is seriously indulgent and surprisingly easy to whip up, making this the kind of dessert that dazzles a crowd but never fails to feel like a little personal treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies is how each ingredient truly counts. With just a handful of simple items, every piece gets its rich chocolate base, creamy cheesecake swirl, and those classic caramel-candy bar pockets we all love.
- Fudge Brownie Mix: The foundation for fudgy richness—use your favorite 18.4 oz box and don’t forget to gather the eggs, oil, and water as the box instructs.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): Ensures the cheesecake layer stays ultra-creamy and rich; letting it soften creates the dreamiest swirl.
- Granulated Sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the cheesecake filling just enough to balance the tanginess.
- Large Egg (1): Binds the cheesecake mixture for a smooth, custard-like texture.
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Just a splash infuses warmth and extra flavor throughout the cheesecake layer.
- Milky Way Candy Bars (1 1/2 cups, chopped): The star ingredient—those creamy caramel and nougat bits melt into irresistible pockets in every bite.
- Caramel Sauce (1/2 cup, plus extra for drizzling): Swirled in for a gooey, buttery finish, this is what takes everything over the top!
How to Make Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This step ensures your brownies pop out perfectly intact (and makes cleanup a breeze!).
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
In a large bowl, prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions. This is your chocolate foundation, and it sets the stage for all the layers to follow. Pour about two-thirds of the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out as evenly as you can—this base is where the cheesecake magic will rest.
Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Layer
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until silky smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, blending until just combined. This lush mixture makes the brownies truly decadent and creates that marbled, cheesecake bakery effect everyone swoons over.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Gently spread your cheesecake mixture across the brownie batter. Scatter the chopped Milky Way candy bars evenly over the cheesecake—don’t skimp here, every bite should have a little nugget of caramel bliss. Next, drizzle that lovely caramel sauce over the whole top, making sure it’s evenly distributed.
Step 5: Swirl and Top
Now, dollop the remaining brownie batter over all those beautiful layers. Use a butter knife to gently swirl everything together, marbling the chocolate, cheesecake, and caramel into a show-stopping pattern. Don’t overmix—the more visible the swirls, the more impressive your brownies will look once sliced.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your creation into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the center is mostly set and a toothpick near the edge comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Resist the urge to cut into them right away—the brownies need to cool completely in the pan, then chill for at least an hour in the fridge for those gorgeous, clean slices (overnight, if you have the patience!).
How to Serve Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
Garnishes
Just before you serve, drizzle with a little extra caramel sauce for that irresistible bakery finish. If you love a touch of crunch, sprinkle on a pinch of flaky sea salt or some chopped Milky Way pieces—they make every bar pop with flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
Pair these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert duo, or serve alongside fresh strawberries or raspberries to add a tart, refreshing balance to all that chocolate and caramel richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing your brownies into smaller bite-size squares for a potluck or layering them into tall parfait glasses with extra whipped cream and caramel—the presentation possibilities are endless and always impressive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies fresh by storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to 5 days—if you can resist eating them all before then!
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual brownies tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a few hours—no need to miss out on a sweet craving!
Reheating
If you’d like your brownies warm and extra gooey, pop one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The caramel and chocolate will melt ever so slightly, giving you that fresh-from-the-oven magic, even days later.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite brownie recipe, feel free to use it as the base for your Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies. Just be sure to have enough batter for those lovely layers.
What can I substitute for Milky Way bars?
If you don’t have Milky Way bars, any caramel-filled chocolate bar will work—think Snickers (for a peanutty twist) or classic Caramello bars. The end result is just as decadent and satisfying.
Do these brownies need to be refrigerated?
Yes, because of the cheesecake layer, it’s best to store your Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies in the refrigerator for both food safety and the best texture. Chilled brownies cut so much cleaner, too!
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
You sure can! Double the ingredients and bake in a 9×13-inch pan. Keep an eye on the baking time—it may need an extra 5–10 minutes depending on your oven.
How do I get perfect, clean brownie slices?
For picture-perfect bars, let the brownies cool completely, chill them for at least an hour, and use a sharp knife wiped clean between each cut. Patience pays off when it comes to beautiful Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies!
Final Thoughts
It’s nearly impossible not to fall head over heels for these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies. They’re a dreamy, crowd-pleasing treat that delivers on every sweet craving imaginable. Don’t wait—grab your ingredients and get baking; your kitchen is about to smell incredible and your dessert game is going to reach legendary status!
Print
Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent delight of Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies – a heavenly combination of rich fudgy brownies, creamy cheesecake, caramel sauce, and chunks of Milky Way candy bars. These luscious brownies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth cravings!
Ingredients
Brownie Layer:
- 1 box (18.4 oz) fudge brownie mix, plus ingredients listed on the box (typically eggs, oil, and water)
Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups chopped Milky Way candy bars
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce, plus extra for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Prepare Brownie Layer: Mix and pour 2/3 of brownie batter into the pan.
- Make Cheesecake Layer: Beat cream cheese and sugar, add egg and vanilla, then spread over brownie batter.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle chopped Milky Way bars, drizzle caramel sauce, and dollop remaining brownie batter.
- Bake: Swirl layers with a knife and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Cool, refrigerate, slice, and drizzle with caramel before serving.
Notes
- For cleaner slices, chill the brownies overnight before cutting.
- You can substitute Milky Way bars with other caramel-filled chocolate bars if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
