If any dessert can bring a hush to a room full of sweet-toothed friends, it’s these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies. Imagine a base of ultra-fudgy brownie, topped with creamy cheesecake, swirls of golden caramel, and bites of gooey Milky Way bars tugging at your fork with every bite. This luscious treat weaves together everything people love in a decadent dessert, and it’s surprisingly straightforward to make. Whether you’re planning for a potluck, family celebration, or just a night when you deserve something special, these brownies will knock everyone’s socks off!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies lies in the harmony of simple ingredients, each essential for building layers of flavor and joy. From rich cream cheese to the unmistakable charm of chopped candy bars, every item plays a unique and delicious role in these brownies.
- Brownie mix: Delivers a foolproof, fudgy foundation for the decadent layers above.
- Ingredients for brownie mix: Follow the package instructions to get the ultimate chewy texture.
- Cream cheese (16 oz, softened): Provides the luscious, tangy cheesecake layer that makes these brownies unforgettable.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens up the cheesecake filling and balances the flavors.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds pure, aromatic warmth to the cheesecake layer.
- Egg (1 large): Binds the cheesecake mixture for a creamy, sliceable middle.
- Caramel sauce (1 cup): Infuses gooey ribbons of sweet caramel throughout every bite.
- Milky Way bars (6, chopped): The star of the show, adding bursts of chocolate-caramel nougat to each piece.
How to Make Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Give it a light grease for easy removal—trust me, this step will make slicing those gorgeous layers a breeze!
Step 2: Mix Up the Brownie Batter
Prepare the brownie mix according to your package’s instructions. Once it’s all velvety and chocolaty, pour only half of the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan. Reserve the rest for the final layer.
Step 3: Whip the Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until the mixture is smooth and creamy. A hand mixer makes this quick work, but a good whisk and some elbow grease will do the trick too.
Step 4: Layer and Top with Goodness
Spread the cheesecake mixture gently over the first brownie layer, smoothing it out Edge-to-edge. Next, drizzle half the caramel sauce over the cheesecake, letting it seep into delicious pockets. Sprinkle the chopped Milky Way bars evenly across the top—don’t hold back here!
Step 5: Add the Final Layers
Pour the remaining brownie batter over the cheesecake and Milky Way bars, spreading gently with a spatula to cover everything. Finish with a final flourish—drizzle the rest of the caramel sauce over the top, creating tempting swirls.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’re looking for a set surface with a just-barely gooey center (the cheesecake will finish setting as it cools). Remove from oven and allow to cool completely in the pan before slicing—this is the hardest part, but worth the wait!
How to Serve Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
Garnishes
For a showstopping finish, dust your brownies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or an extra drizzle of caramel right before serving. If you want to lean into the chocolate-caramel theme, a few extra chopped Milky Way chunks or chocolate curls on top are just magical.
Side Dishes
While these brownies can absolutely steal the dessert table spotlight on their own, pairing them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a handful of fresh berries balances their richness perfectly. Even a simple cup of coffee or glass of cold milk is a dreamy match.
Creative Ways to Present
Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies look gorgeous cut into neat squares on a fancy platter, but don’t be afraid to get playful! Serve them in cupcake wrappers for easy party bites, or stack them with skewered fresh fruit for a sweet dessert kebab.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers (lucky you!)? Store your brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The layers will stay just as luscious, and you’ll love sneaking a chilled bite straight from the fridge.
Freezing
To freeze, let the brownies cool completely, then wrap each square individually in plastic wrap and foil. Pop them in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies gooey and warm, zap individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The caramel gets melty, the chocolate softens, and the whole dessert tastes freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a box mix?
Absolutely! If you have a favorite from-scratch brownie recipe, feel free to use it as your base. Just make sure you have enough batter to cover both layers as described in the instructions.
Are Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies very sweet?
They’re definitely decadent, thanks to the caramel and candy bars, but the tangy cheesecake layer brings balance to the sweetness. Pairing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a handful of fresh berries also tones down the richness.
What’s the best way to chop Milky Way bars for this recipe?
A sharp chef’s knife works best—slice each bar into small, roughly 1/2-inch pieces. This size ensures you’ll get glorious bites of melted chocolate and caramel in every slice of brownie.
Can I make these brownies in advance for a party?
Definitely. These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies taste even better after being chilled, so making them a day ahead will actually enhance their flavor and texture. Simply store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
Can I swap out Milky Way bars for another kind of chocolate bar?
You sure can! Snickers, 3 Musketeers, or even caramel-filled chocolates would work beautifully here. The recipe is super flexible, so feel free to get creative with your favorite candy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself (and your favorite people) to something unforgettable, there’s no better place to start than with Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies. They’re a celebration in every bite—creamy, fudgy, gooey, and joyfully over the top. You deserve to enjoy every delicious square!
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Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies that combine rich cheesecake with fudgy brownie goodness, topped with caramel and chocolate for a heavenly treat.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer:
- 1 box Brownie mix (plus ingredients needed per package instructions)
Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz Cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 large Egg
Toppings:
- 1 cup Caramel sauce
- 6 bars Milky Way bars, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Pan: Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Make Brownie Layer: Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions and pour half into the prepared pan.
- Prepare Cheesecake Layer: In a separate bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth.
- Layering: Spread the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer and sprinkle the chopped Milky Way bars on top.
- Finish Layering: Top with the remaining brownie batter, spreading it out to cover the cheesecake and toppings. Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until set but still gooey in the center.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Notes
- Pair with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a delightful dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: Unknown
- Sodium: Unknown
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: Unknown
- Unsaturated Fat: Unknown
- Trans Fat: Unknown
- Carbohydrates: Unknown
- Fiber: Unknown
- Protein: Unknown
- Cholesterol: Unknown
