The Ultimate Fudgy, Gooey, and Creamy Dessert Bar
Calling all chocolate lovers! If you’ve ever dreamed of sinking your teeth into a rich brownie layered with velvety cheesecake, gooey caramel, and chopped Milky Way bars, your dream is about to come true. These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies combine everything you love in one decadent, bite-sized treat.
Whether you’re baking for a party, a holiday, or simply treating yourself on a cozy night in, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ready to bake something unforgettable? Let’s dive into this irresistible fusion of brownies, cheesecake, caramel, and candy!
Introduction
Brownies are a timeless favorite, but when you layer them with cheesecake and candy bars, you take them to a whole new level of indulgence. This recipe for Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies is a triple-threat dessert: fudgy brownies form the base and top layer, sandwiching a creamy cheesecake filling swirled with caramel and studded with pieces of chopped Milky Way bars.
This dessert is rich, satisfying, and downright addictive. Best of all, it starts with a boxed brownie mix for ease, so you get maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect recipe for both beginner bakers and experienced dessert enthusiasts who want a guaranteed hit every time.
Tools Needed, Servings, and Cooking Time
Tools You’ll Need:
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife (for chopping candy bars)
Recipe Details:
- Servings: 12 to 16 brownies
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Baking Time: 35–40 minutes
- Cooling Time: At least 1 hour before cutting
- Total Time: About 1 hour and 30 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to create these rich and gooey Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies:
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients as directed on the package—usually oil, water, and eggs)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Add-ins and Toppings:
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 Milky Way bars, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, allowing some overhang on the sides for easy removal after baking. This prevents sticking and helps you lift out the entire slab of brownies for neat cutting.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
Prepare the brownie batter according to the instructions on your box mix. Most likely, this will involve adding oil, water, and eggs to the brownie mix. Stir until fully combined. Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg. Use a hand mixer for the smoothest results. Beat until the mixture is creamy and lump-free.
Step 4: Add Cheesecake and Candy Layers
Carefully spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter in the pan and spread it into an even layer. Then drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer. Use a butter knife to gently swirl if desired.
Now sprinkle the chopped Milky Way bars generously over the caramel and cheesecake. These will melt slightly into the layers, adding extra gooeyness and chocolate-caramel flavor.
Step 5: Top with Remaining Brownie Batter
Pour the remaining half of the brownie batter over the top of the cheesecake and Milky Way layer. Spread it out as evenly as possible. It’s okay if some cheesecake peeks through—this adds to the marbled, layered effect.
Step 6: Finish with More Caramel
Drizzle the remaining half-cup of caramel sauce over the top of the brownie batter. This not only looks stunning but adds an extra dose of that irresistible caramel flavor.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the brownies in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top looks set and the edges are slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan. The center should be slightly soft and gooey when tested with a toothpick—don’t overbake!
Step 8: Cool and Cut
Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan—this may take about 1 hour. Once cool, use the parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Slice into squares and get ready for some serious dessert bliss.
Tips for Recipe Success
To ensure your Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips:
- Use softened cream cheese. Cold cream cheese won’t mix well and will leave lumps in your cheesecake layer. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper. It makes removing and cutting the brownies much easier.
- Let the brownies cool completely. If you cut them too soon, the layers will slide and look messy. Chilling the pan in the fridge after it cools helps you get clean cuts.
- Go big with Milky Way pieces. Don’t chop them too fine—you want noticeable chunks of chocolate and caramel in each bite.
- Swirl carefully. If swirling caramel into the cheesecake layer, don’t overdo it—just a few gentle strokes with a knife creates a beautiful marbled look.
Serving and Storage Tips
How to Serve:
- Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled for a firm, creamy texture.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Drizzle extra warm caramel or chocolate sauce before serving to take things over the top.
How to Store:
- In the refrigerator: Store brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- In the freezer: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Avoid storing at room temperature for long periods due to the cream cheese layer.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these brownies from scratch instead of using a box mix?
Yes! If you have a favorite homemade brownie recipe, feel free to use it. Just make sure the quantity matches what a standard 9×13-inch pan would require (usually a recipe calling for about 1 cup flour and 2 eggs).
2. Can I use different candy bars?
Absolutely. Try substituting Snickers, Twix, or even Rolos for the Milky Way bars. Just ensure they are chopped into small, even pieces.
3. What kind of caramel sauce works best?
You can use store-bought jarred caramel sauce, but homemade caramel works beautifully too. Avoid overly thin sauces—they may make the layers too runny.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, these brownies are perfect for making ahead. They actually taste even better the next day after the layers have set. Just store them in the fridge until ready to serve.
5. My brownie layer seems too soft—what did I do wrong?
If your brownies are overly gooey, they may just need a bit more time to cool and set. However, be careful not to overbake them. A slight jiggle in the center is okay—cheesecake firms up as it cools.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to seriously impress at your next bake sale, potluck, or holiday gathering, Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are your golden ticket. They’re rich, creamy, chocolatey, and full of sweet surprises in every bite—from molten caramel to gooey brownie to soft cheesecake and candy chunks.
Even better? They’re super easy to throw together with the help of a boxed brownie mix, but they taste like you spent all day baking from scratch.
So grab your apron, a box of brownies, some cream cheese, and a handful of candy bars—because once you make these, you’ll never look at plain brownies the same way again. Happy baking!