I love making Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies because they combine everything I love about brownies, cheesecake, caramel, and Milky Way candy bars into one indulgent dessert. The rich, fudgy brownie base is topped with a creamy cheesecake layer, gooey caramel, and chunks of Milky Way bars, creating the perfect balance of chocolatey, creamy, and caramel goodness. It’s the ultimate treat for anyone with a sweet tooth!

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

What I adore about these brownies is the decadent layers that create a variety of textures and flavors. The fudgy brownie layer is dense and rich, while the cheesecake layer is creamy and tangy. The caramel adds sweetness and a bit of chewiness, and the Milky Way chunks melt into gooey pockets of chocolate and caramel. Each bite is a flavor explosion!

Ingredients

For the brownie base:

1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
8 oz semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For the cheesecake layer:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1/4 cup sour cream

For the Milky Way and caramel layer:

2 Milky Way candy bars, chopped into bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon heavy cream (optional, for a smoother caramel)

Directions

Prepare the brownie base:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper or cooking spray.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chopped chocolate over medium heat, stirring occasionally until smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Add the melted chocolate mixture and stir until combined.
- Sift the flour, salt, and baking powder into the bowl and mix until just combined. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it into an even layer.
Make the cheesecake layer:
- In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and egg. Beat until smooth and fully combined.
- Stir in the sour cream until the mixture is creamy and well incorporated.
- Gently spoon the cheesecake mixture over the brownie base, spreading it evenly.
Add the Milky Way and caramel:
- Gently drop the chopped Milky Way pieces into the cheesecake layer, pressing them slightly into the batter. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the top, swirling it with a knife or toothpick to create a marbled effect.
Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the brownie layer is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (it’s okay if there’s a little cheesecake or caramel on the toothpick). The cheesecake layer should be slightly jiggly in the middle.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then transfer them to the fridge to cool completely for at least 1 hour. This helps the layers set and makes the brownies easier to slice.
Serve:
- Once chilled, slice the brownies into squares. Serve cold or at room temperature. You can drizzle with extra caramel sauce or top with whipped cream if desired.
Enjoy:
- These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are a rich and indulgent dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re sure to be a hit with anyone who loves chocolate, caramel, and cheesecake!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 16-20 brownies, depending on the size of the slices. Prep time is around 15-20 minutes, and bake time is 35-40 minutes. Allow time for cooling in the fridge (about 1 hour).

Variations

I like to change it up by:

Using Snickers bars instead of Milky Way for a peanut-filled twist.
Adding a bit of espresso powder to the brownie base for a coffee-chocolate flavor.
Mixing in a handful of chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts) into the brownie batter or as a topping.

Storage / Reheating

Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They can be enjoyed cold, or you can reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.

Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

FAQs

Can I make these brownies without Milky Way bars?
Yes! You can substitute Milky Way with any caramel-filled chocolate bar, such as Snickers, Twix, or Rolos.
Can I use a different type of caramel sauce?
Yes! You can use homemade caramel sauce or store-bought, depending on your preference. You could also make a salted caramel version for an added flavor kick.
Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes! These brownies freeze well. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
Can I use a different type of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate in place of semi-sweet chocolate for a different flavor.

Conclusion

Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are the ultimate indulgence, combining rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, gooey caramel, and the irresistible crunch of Milky Way bars. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these brownies are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth!