If you adore the rich elegance of cheesecake teamed with the fudgy goodness of brownies, then get ready to swoon over this Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe. Imagine decadent layers of moist brownie, creamy cheesecake, drizzled with luscious caramel, and studded with chunks of Milky Way candy bars for that perfect chewy, chocolatey bite. This dessert is not just a treat, it’s a celebration of texture and flavor that will thrill your taste buds and quickly become your go-to indulgence for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, marrying simple pantry staples with luscious components to bring out the rich, creamy, and chewy textures you crave. Each item adds depth and balance, from the fudgy cocoa in the brownies to the smooth cream cheese and that unmistakable caramel finish.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, melted): Provides a rich, moist base with a smooth texture for the brownies.
- Granulated sugar (1 ¼ cups + ½ cup): Sweetens both brownies and cheesecake layers perfectly, balancing the richness.
- Large eggs (4 total): Bind the ingredients and add structure while keeping the texture tender.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Adds warm, aromatic notes that elevate the overall flavor.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Gives the brownies their structure without being too heavy.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (½ cup): Infuses deep chocolate flavor, essential for fudgy brownies.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors, making them pop.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the brownies rise just enough to keep them tender.
- Milk (¼ cup): Moisturizes the batter, giving the brownies a silky crumb.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the cheesecake layer, it adds a creamy tangy smoothness.
- Caramel sauce (1 cup): The dreamy, buttery addition that ties everything together.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Makes the caramel sauce luxuriously smooth and pourable.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, unsalted): Adds richness to the caramel topping.
- Milky Way candy bars (4, chopped): Sprinkle in chewy caramel, nougat, and chocolate chunks for pure indulgence.
How to Make Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing an 8×8-inch baking pan, lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Melt the unsalted butter and whisk it together with 1 ¼ cups of granulated sugar in a large bowl until smooth and glossy. Then, beat in three large eggs and one teaspoon of vanilla extract to build that rich base. In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder to ensure even mixing and no lumps. Gradually introduce the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, adding ¼ cup of milk last, stirring just enough to combine into a thick, luscious brownie batter. Pour this batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
Step 2: Whip Up the Cheesecake Layer
In a separate bowl, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and ½ cup of granulated sugar until velvety and smooth with no lumps. Add one large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. The cheesecake mixture should be creamy but pourable, perfect for topping your brownie base evenly. Carefully spoon this mixture over the brownie layer and gently spread it to cover every corner without mixing the layers.
Step 3: Bake Both Layers Together
Pop the layered pan into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re aiming for the cheesecake to be set but still soft, and the brownies to be fudgy with a few moist crumbs when tested with a toothpick. Remove from the oven and let the entire pan cool completely on a wire rack—this step is crucial for clean slicing later.
Step 4: Create the Caramel Sauce
While the brownies cool, bring your caramel sauce to the next level. In a small saucepan over low to medium heat, combine one cup of caramel sauce, ½ cup heavy cream, and one tablespoon unsalted butter. Stir continuously until everything melts together into a smooth, glossy caramel drizzle. Let this mixture cool just enough so it thickens slightly but is still easy to pour.
Step 5: Assemble the Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Once the brownies have cooled completely, pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the top, spreading it smoothly with a spatula. Immediately sprinkle the chopped Milky Way candy bars all over the caramel layer, pressing them down slightly so they stick and melt a bit into the caramel. Chill the pan in the refrigerator for at least two hours to allow the caramel to firm up, making the brownies beautifully set and ready for slicing.
How to Serve Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these brownies even further, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a delicate touch of sweetness and a pretty contrast to the rich caramel gloss. For a festive flair, you might sprinkle some sea salt flakes on top – the saltiness really brings out the chocolate and caramel flavors wonderfully. Fresh berries also make an exciting, colorful garnish that cuts through the richness with their bright tang.
Side Dishes
These brownies are decadent enough to enjoy solo, but they also pair beautifully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an irresistibly luscious dessert combo. A hot cup of coffee or a bold black tea can provide the perfect bitter balance to all the sweetness and richness. For a grown-up touch, a small glass of tawny port or a caramel-infused cocktail work magic alongside each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests visually? Serve the brownies in individual glass jars or mason jars layered with whipped cream and a drizzle of leftover caramel sauce for a rustic-chic presentation. You can also cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and skewer them on cocktail sticks alongside fresh fruit for a fun dessert platter. Wrapping them in parchment paper tied with twine makes a lovely gift portion that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These delectable Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies keep best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will preserve the smooth texture of the cheesecake and keep the caramel layer nice and sticky. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to savor every indulgent square at your leisure.
Freezing
If you want to make these brownies well in advance, simply wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw brownies overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature or slightly warm before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To warm these brownies, especially if chilled or frozen, place them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This softens the caramel and enhances the fudgy brownie texture without melting the cheesecake layer completely. Alternatively, a quick warm-up in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes works well but watch carefully to avoid drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use a different candy bar instead of Milky Way?
Absolutely! The Milky Way candy bars add a perfect combination of caramel, nougat, and chocolate, but you can experiment with similar bars like Snickers or Twix. Just keep in mind how the flavors and textures may shift slightly with substitutions.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup. Just be sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to keep the brownies tender and fudgy.
Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?
Definitely! Homemade caramel sauce made from butter, sugar, and cream will add a wonderful depth of flavor. Just watch the sugar carefully as it cooks so it doesn’t burn. Alternatively, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for convenience.
What if I only have regular cocoa powder but want extra chocolatey brownies?
Using regular unsweetened cocoa powder provides a rich chocolate flavor, but for an even deeper taste, feel free to mix in a tablespoon or two of melted bittersweet chocolate into the batter before baking.
How thick should the cheesecake layer be?
The cheesecake layer should be spread evenly but thin enough so it bakes through and sets nicely without overpowering the brownies. About ¼ to ⅓ inch thick creates the perfect balance between creamy cheesecake and fudgy brownie.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dessert rotation. The luscious layers, the mix of textures, and that irresistible hit of Milky Way candy make every bite a celebration of indulgence. Whether you’re sharing with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment alone, these brownies bring joy and comfort in every square. So go ahead, treat yourself to this decadent delight—you absolutely deserve it!
Print
Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in these luscious Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies, combining fudgy chocolate brownies with a creamy cheesecake layer, topped with a smooth caramel sauce and chopped Milky Way bars for an irresistible treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Brownie Layer
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ cup milk
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Caramel Sauce and Topping
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 Milky Way candy bars, chopped into small pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the Brownie Layer: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper or non-stick spray to ensure easy removal of the brownies.
- Mix Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the 3 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until everything is thoroughly combined, creating a smooth batter.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Stir in the ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking powder. Gradually add ¼ cup milk while mixing just until combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Pour Brownie Batter: Transfer the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly using a spatula for a uniform layer.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened 8 oz cream cheese with ½ cup granulated sugar until creamy and smooth.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the cheesecake mixture is homogeneous.
- Spread Cheesecake Mixture: Carefully layer the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter in the pan, smoothing it gently with a spatula to cover evenly.
- Bake Combination: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The cheesecake top should set solidly while the brownies remain fudgy. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Brownies: Remove from oven and allow the layered brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack to room temperature.
- Make Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup caramel sauce, ½ cup heavy cream, and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Heat over low to medium, stirring constantly until smooth and warmed through.
- Cool Caramel: Remove the caramel sauce from heat and let it cool slightly to thicken but remain pourable.
- Assemble Topping: Pour the warm caramel sauce evenly over the cooled brownies surface, spreading gently with a spatula.
- Add Milky Way Pieces: Sprinkle chopped pieces from 4 Milky Way candy bars evenly across the caramel layer for a delicious, candy-studded finish.
- Chill Brownies: Refrigerate the entire assembled dessert for at least 2 hours to allow the caramel to set and flavors to meld.
- Serve: Slice into 16 squares and enjoy the decadent layers of fudgy brownie, creamy cheesecake, luscious caramel, and chewy candy bits.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
- You can make homemade caramel sauce or use store-bought to save time.
- Be careful not to overbake; the cheesecake should be set but moist, and brownies fudgy.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Allow brownies to come to room temperature slightly before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
