Irresistible Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies combine layers of fudgy chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and gooey caramel to create the ultimate dessert experience. These indulgent treats will transform your ordinary baking day into something extraordinary! I’m so excited to share this incredible recipe that merges three beloved desserts into one spectacular creation.
Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
Have you ever dreamed of a dessert that combines rich chocolate brownies, silky cheesecake, and the iconic flavor of Milky Way candy bars? Well, dream no more! These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are the answer to your dessert prayers. The smell when these beauties are baking in the oven is absolutely incredible!! 🍫✨
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! These brownies are perfect for birthday celebrations, holiday gatherings, or simply when you need a special treat to brighten your day. One bite of these decadent brownies will transport you to dessert heaven with their multiple layers of flavor and texture.
Why You’ll Love These Brownies
These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are anything but boring! The combination of fudgy brownie, creamy cheesecake, and caramel with chocolate candy pieces creates an irresistible treat that’s sure to impress. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- The perfect balance of chocolatey brownie and tangy cheesecake 🍰
- Gooey caramel swirls that add a buttery sweetness
- Chunks of Milky Way bars that create pockets of chocolate-caramel bliss
- Easy to make despite their impressive appearance
- Perfect for serving at parties or packaging as gifts
The taste is truly unforgettable – imagine sinking your teeth through a layer of rich brownie into a creamy cheesecake center, while getting bursts of caramel and nougat from the Milky Way pieces. It’s a textural and flavor experience that elevates the humble brownie to gourmet status!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these extraordinary Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients needed per package instructions) 📦
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar 🍚
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦
- 1 egg 🥚
- 1 cup caramel sauce 🍮
- 6 Milky Way bars, chopped 🍫
Looking for another sweet treat? Try my Banana Bread Cookies for a different flavor profile that’s equally delicious!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Preparing these delightful brownies requires just a few basic kitchen tools:
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls (at least 2)
- Electric mixer (hand or stand)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Knife for chopping the Milky Way bars
Possible Substitutions and Additions
While this recipe is amazing as is, you can customize it to suit your preferences:
- Brownie mix: Feel free to use your favorite homemade brownie recipe instead of a box mix
- Caramel sauce: Store-bought works perfectly, but homemade caramel sauce adds an extra special touch
- Candy bars: Try other candy bars like Snickers, Mars, or Twix for different flavor combinations
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch
- Flavor boost: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the brownie batter to enhance the chocolate flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s create these magnificent Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and get ready for that delicious aroma to fill your kitchen!
Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper hangs over the sides for easy removal later.
Prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions, then pour half of that fudgy goodness into the prepared pan, spreading it into an even layer.
In a separate bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg until smooth and creamy—aim for a silky texture with no lumps.
Carefully spread the luscious cheesecake layer evenly over the brownie batter in the pan.
Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer—let it flow like a sweet river! Then sprinkle with those chopped Milky Way bars for extra decadence.
Top everything with the remaining brownie batter, gently spreading it out evenly like a warm, chocolaty blanket. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover perfectly – the imperfections add to the charm!
Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce on top and use a knife to create beautiful swirls.
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the brownies are set but still delightfully gooey in the center. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Once done, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before lifting out using the parchment paper and cutting into glorious squares.
After mastering these brownies, why not try my Juicy Pineapple Heaven Cake for another showstopping dessert!
Serving Suggestions
These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are magnificent on their own, but here are some serving ideas to take them over the top:
- Warm slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Drizzle with additional warm caramel sauce
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream and chocolate shavings
- Pair with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk
- Plate with fresh berries for a color contrast and flavor complement
Pro Tips for Perfect Brownies
Achieve brownie perfection with these helpful tips:
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese is properly softened for a smooth cheesecake layer
- Don’t overmix: Mix the brownie batter just until combined to keep the texture fudgy
- Check early: Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes as ovens vary
- Clean cuts: Refrigerate the brownies for an hour before cutting for cleaner slices
- Quality matters: Use good quality caramel sauce for the best flavor
- Patience pays off: Let the brownies cool completely before cutting to allow the layers to set properly
Storage Instructions
These brownies store beautifully, making them perfect for making ahead:
- Counter storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Refrigerator: Keep refrigerated for up to 1 week for longer freshness
- Freezer: These brownies freeze exceptionally well! Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months
- Thawing: Thaw frozen brownies overnight in the refrigerator or for about an hour at room temperature
Looking for a savory break? Check out my Cajun Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo for a delicious dinner option!
The Story Behind These Brownies
I’m kicking myself for not having shot more photos of these brownies when I first made them! They disappeared so quickly at our family gathering that I barely had time to snap a few pictures. The combination of Milky Way bars with creamy cheesecake and fudgy brownies came to me during a late-night craving session. I had some leftover candy bars from Halloween and decided to experiment—and what a delicious experiment it turned out to be!
These brownies have since become our most requested dessert for birthdays and holiday gatherings. There’s something magical about how the nougat in the Milky Way bars softens and melds with the caramel during baking, creating pockets of gooey goodness throughout each bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, though the cheesecake layer won’t be quite as rich and creamy.
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The edges should be set and pulling away slightly from the pan, while the center should be just set but still slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Can I make these brownies ahead of time for a party?
Absolutely! These brownies actually taste even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld. Make them a day ahead and store in the refrigerator.
What if I can’t find Milky Way bars?
Any similar chocolate-caramel candy bar will work beautifully in this recipe.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients and bake in two separate 9×13 pans, as a larger pan would affect baking time and texture.
Conclusion
These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies represent the perfect marriage of chocolate, caramel, and cheesecake. Despite their impressive appearance and complex flavors, they’re surprisingly straightforward to make. The next time you’re craving something truly special or need a showstopping dessert for an event, remember this recipe!
I’d absolutely love to see your creations! Feel free to leave reviews and share your photos on Pinterest 📌 – seeing your versions of my recipes brings me so much joy!
More Recipes You’ll Love
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Nutritional Information
Approximate nutritional details per serving (based on 16 brownies):
- Calories: 385
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 280mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 36g
- Protein: 5g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.