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
Scale
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.
