If you have a serious sweet tooth or love the magical combo of chocolate, caramel, and creamy cheesecake, then you are absolutely going to adore this Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe. It’s the ultimate dessert mash-up where fudgy brownie meets luscious cheesecake swirled with gooey caramel and studded with Milky Way chunks that melt in your mouth. The result is a rich, decadent treat that feels homemade but tastes like a bakery masterpiece, perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this spectacular dessert. Each component plays a starring role—from the fudgy brownie base to the creamy cheesecake layer and those irresistible Milky Way bits that bring the perfect chewy sweetness and texture.
- 1 box (18.4 oz) fudge brownie mix: The foundation for rich, chocolatey flavor without fuss, just add the eggs, oil, and water as indicated on the box.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: Provides that smooth, tangy contrast that makes the cheesecake layer incredibly creamy.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake layer nicely without overpowering.
- 1 large egg: Binds the cheesecake mixture while adding richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, floral note.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake filling so it sets perfectly.
- 1 cup chopped Milky Way candy bars: These iconic caramel, nougat, and chocolate pieces make the brownies unforgettable.
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling, optional): Adds an extra layer of luscious, sticky sweetness that ties the whole dessert together.
How to Make Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Brownie Batter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Prepare the brownie mix as instructed on the box and pour most of the batter into your pan, saving about half a cup for later swirling. This base layer will bake into a fudgy crust that anchors all the delicious layers above.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, large egg, vanilla extract, and flour until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture. This mixture is what takes these brownies to a whole new level of lusciousness, offering a gentle tang and silky body that perfectly balances the rich chocolate.
Step 3: Layer and Add the Milky Way Pieces
Gently spread the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter in the pan. Then, evenly sprinkle the chopped Milky Way bars over the top. These candy bits create delightful bursts of caramel and nougat that warm and melt beautifully in the oven, giving you that signature Milky Way indulgence in every bite.
Step 4: Drizzle and Swirl with Caramel and Remaining Batter
Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the cheesecake layer for that sticky, sweet richness. Next, drop spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter on top and swirl it lightly using a knife or skewer. This creates a marbled effect that not only looks stunning but also blends flavors throughout the dessert.
Step 5: Bake and Chill
Bake your masterpiece for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the cheesecake center is set and the edges puff slightly. Once out of the oven, let it cool completely in the pan to avoid cracking. Then chill for at least 1 hour to firm up, which makes slicing neat and satisfying. For a final flourish, add an extra drizzle of caramel sauce right before serving.
How to Serve Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
These brownies shine on their own, but a sprinkle of sea salt flakes or a handful of chopped nuts on top adds a lovely contrast. A dusting of powdered sugar or whipped cream dollops also bring a touch of elegance and balance the sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce for an indulgent dessert experience. Fresh berries or sliced bananas can add a fresh burst of flavor and a bit of color to your dessert plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut the brownies into small bite-sized squares and serve them as dessert bites at parties. Or stack them in a beautiful layered dessert jar with whipped cream and caramel drizzle for an impressive individual treat. These brownies also make fantastic gifts—wrap a few squares in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies keep beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and fudgy for up to 5 days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends.
Freezing
If you want to save these treats longer, wrap the brownies tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen brownies can last up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge before serving for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To warm up brownies without drying them out, microwave a single piece for about 15 seconds or heat in a low oven (around 300°F) for 5 to 10 minutes. Adding a small pat of butter or a scoop of ice cream alongside can enhance the experience.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! You can swap out the box mix for your favorite homemade brownie recipe. Just make sure it’s not too cakey so the fudgy texture shines through beneath the cheesecake layer.
Do I have to chill the brownies before slicing?
Chilling is highly recommended for clean, neat slices. The cheesecake layer firms up as it cools, preventing the brownies from crumbling or sticking when cut.
Can I use other candy bars instead of Milky Way?
Definitely! While Milky Way bars are classic here, you can experiment with other caramel-filled chocolate bars like Twix or Rolos. The flavor and texture will shift slightly but stay delicious.
Is it okay to double the recipe for a larger batch?
Yes, doubling works well. Just use a larger pan, such as a 9×13-inch, and adjust cooking time accordingly—typically adding 5 to 10 extra minutes, but check with a toothpick test.
Can I make these dairy-free or vegan?
This recipe relies heavily on cream cheese and caramel, which are traditionally dairy-based. To make it vegan, substitute dairy-free cream cheese and use vegan brownie mixes and caramel sauces, but expect a slight difference in texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a dessert that feels both indulgent and approachable, this Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe is your new best friend. Each bite delivers a harmonious balance of fudgy, creamy, and caramel-sweet perfection. It’s a crowd-pleaser that makes every occasion a little sweeter and much more memorable. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I did!
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Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 16 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent treat with these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies. Featuring a rich fudge brownie base layered with creamy cheesecake, chopped Milky Way candy bars, and a luscious caramel drizzle, this dessert perfectly balances chocolate and caramel flavors for a mouthwatering experience that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 1 box (18.4 oz) fudge brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box: usually eggs, oil, and water)
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Toppings
- 1 cup chopped Milky Way candy bars
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave an overhang on the sides for easy brownie removal.
- Make Brownie Batter: Prepare the fudge brownie mix according to the package instructions, typically involving mixing the brownie mix with eggs, oil, and water. Pour most of the batter into the prepared pan, reserving about 1/2 cup for later use.
- Prepare Cheesecake Mixture: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and flour until the mixture is smooth and creamy without lumps.
- Assemble Layers: Gently spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the brownie batter in the pan. Sprinkle the chopped Milky Way candy bars evenly on top of the cheesecake layer.
- Add Caramel and Swirl: Drizzle the caramel sauce over the candy bar layer. Drop spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter on top and use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the batter with the caramel and cheesecake layers for a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges have risen slightly and are firm.
- Cool and Chill: Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set fully, making slicing easier.
- Serve: Use the parchment overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan. Slice into 16 squares. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce if desired before serving.
Notes
- For cleaner cuts, make sure to chill the brownies thoroughly before slicing.
- You can use fun-size or full-size Milky Way bars; just be sure to chop them evenly for consistent distribution.
