If you have a serious sweet tooth and love the magical fusion of chocolate, caramel, and creamy cheesecake, let me introduce you to the ultimate treat: the Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe. These brownies are nothing short of spectacular — layers of rich, fudgy brownie, a silky cheesecake swirl, and the delightful surprise of chopped Milky Way bars combined with luscious caramel drizzle. Every bite promises a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that feels like pure joy on a plate. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a special occasion, this recipe has quickly become one of my go-to favorites to impress and indulge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays an essential role in delivering the perfect balance of gooey, creamy, and chocolatey goodness in your Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe. Understanding their purpose will help you appreciate how they come together so beautifully.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup): Adds rich moisture and a buttery base to the fudgy brownie layer.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup + 1/4 cup): Sweetens both the brownie and cheesecake layers for just the right level of indulgence.
- Large eggs (3 total): Bind the ingredients together, giving structure and that irresistible cakey texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Boosts the flavor complexity and smooths all the chocolate and cream cheese notes.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (1/3 cup): Provides deep chocolate richness without overwhelming sweetness.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Creates the sturdy, chewy foundation of the brownie layer.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Baking powder (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle lift to keep the brownies tender but not crumbly.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the cheesecake layer, adding tangy creaminess and smooth texture.
- Chopped Milky Way bars (1 cup): The surprise star ingredient that brings chewy caramel and nougat pockets in every bite.
- Caramel sauce (1/3 cup + extra for drizzling): Wraps the brownies in a luscious, gooey finish and ties the flavors together for that perfect caramel touch.
How to Make Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to ensure your brownies release effortlessly after baking. Taking care of these foundational steps helps set you up for sweet success!
Step 2: Create the Brownie Batter
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the granulated sugar, then beat in two eggs and the vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. Now mix in the unsweetened cocoa powder, all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir gently until the batter is smooth and glossy. Pour it into your prepared pan and spread it evenly to form the decadent brownie base.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesecake Layer
In a clean bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until silky smooth. Incorporate the remaining egg and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined. Pour this velvety cheesecake batter over the brownie layer, spreading it with a spatula to create an even layer of dreamy creaminess.
Step 4: Add Milky Way Chunks and Caramel Swirl
Sprinkle the chopped Milky Way bars evenly over the top of the cheesecake layer — this brings delightful pockets of chewy caramel and nougat. Next, drizzle caramel sauce generously on top. Using a toothpick or sharp knife, gently swirl the caramel and cheesecake layers together to create an inviting marbled effect that will make these brownies as beautiful as they are delicious.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake your masterpiece for 35 to 40 minutes. You’re looking for a center that’s just set with a few moist crumbs when you insert a toothpick. Be careful not to overbake as you want those brownies to remain fudgy. Once done, let them cool completely in the pan before chilling in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This chilling step is essential for firm slices and perfect clean cuts.
How to Serve Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add complimentary texture, consider garnishing your brownies with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for crunch, or an extra drizzle of warm caramel sauce right before serving. A few chocolate shavings or mini Milky Way bites on top can also bring a festive touch.
Side Dishes
These brownies are rich, so pairing them with something light can be a perfect balance. A scoop of classic vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries will introduce a fresh contrast to the dessert’s decadence.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe on a rustic wooden board for a cozy vibe, or plate them individually with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce zigzagged artistically. For parties, consider bite-sized brownie pops on sticks, dipped lightly in melted chocolate to wow your guests visually and delight their taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days, making them an ideal treat to enjoy throughout your week or save for a midnight craving.
Freezing
If you want to keep your brownies for even longer, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or place them in a freezer-safe container. Frozen brownies maintain their flavor and texture for up to 2 months. Just thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy brownies with a fresh-out-of-the-oven warmth, gently reheat them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back some of the softness and gooey caramel warmth that makes the Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of chocolate bar instead of Milky Way?
Absolutely! While Milky Way bars give a unique nougat and caramel combination, you can swap them for other caramel-filled chocolate bars like Snickers or Rolos to put your own twist on the recipe.
What if I don’t have caramel sauce on hand?
No caramel sauce? No worries! You can easily make a simple caramel by melting brown sugar with butter and cream, or even substitute with dulce de leche for a rich, sweet alternative that pairs perfectly with cheesecake and brownies.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes. Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. This allows you to enjoy the Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe without compromising texture or flavor.
How do I avoid the cheesecake layer cracking?
The key is not to overmix the cheesecake batter and to bake it until just set. Overbaking will cause cracks. Also, letting the brownies cool completely before chilling helps prevent cracking by avoiding sudden temperature changes.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
While you can, the traditional full-fat cream cheese will give you the best creamy texture and rich flavor. Low-fat versions might result in a slightly less smooth cheesecake layer but will still be delicious!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that brings the best of chocolate, caramel, and creamy cheesecake into one glorious bite, I wholeheartedly recommend trying the Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels both comforting and indulgent. Once you taste that luscious swirl of cheesecake with the chewy Milky Way bits and gooey caramel, you’ll understand why this recipe has a special place in my heart. Go ahead, bake a batch and share the love!
Print
Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies feature a rich, fudgy brownie base layered with creamy cheesecake, chopped Milky Way bars, and a luscious caramel drizzle, creating a decadent dessert packed with chocolate and caramel flavors.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Add-ins and Toppings
- 1 cup chopped Milky Way bars
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Make the Brownie Layer: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Remove from heat, then stir in the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Add the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder, mixing until the batter is smooth. Pour this brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Gently pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer and spread it evenly over the top.
- Add Toppings and Swirl: Sprinkle the chopped Milky Way bars evenly over the cheesecake layer. Drizzle the caramel sauce on top. Using a toothpick or knife, gently swirl the cheesecake and caramel into the brownie batter to create a marbled effect.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, chill them in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set before slicing.
- Serve: Slice into 12 brownies. For clean cuts, wipe the knife between slices. Store leftovers in the refrigerator or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- For clean slicing, wipe your knife between each cut to prevent sticking.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- You can freeze these brownies for longer storage; thaw before serving.
