Some desserts are just made to impress—and these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are one of them. Imagine the rich fudginess of brownies, the luscious creaminess of cheesecake, and gooey ribbons of caramel all wrapped together with chunks of your favorite Milky Way bars. It’s indulgent, over-the-top, and exactly the kind of sweet treat that gets remembered at potlucks, birthdays, or honestly, just a regular Tuesday night.
Growing up, Milky Way bars were always a favorite in our household. My grandmother used to stash them in her pantry and sneak me one whenever I visited. Later on, I started baking them into things—and when I experimented by layering them into brownies with caramel and cheesecake, the result was pure magic. These brownies are unapologetically decadent, and they’re meant to be shared (or not—we won’t judge).
Why You’ll Love These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
- Layered Perfection: Fudgy brownie base, creamy cheesecake center, caramel swirl, and chocolatey Milky Way chunks.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses a boxed brownie mix for convenience without sacrificing flavor.
- Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for parties, holidays, or any dessert table.
- Year-Round Favorite: Comforting enough for winter, sweet enough for summer.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this epic dessert:
For the Brownie Base:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box—usually eggs, oil, and water)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-Ins and Toppings:
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 Milky Way bars, chopped into bite-sized pieces
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make the Brownie Layer
- Prepare the brownie mix according to package instructions.
- Pour about ⅔ of the brownie batter into the bottom of your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
3. Whip Up the Cheesecake Layer
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined and silky.
- Gently spread this cheesecake layer over the brownie base.
4. Add the Good Stuff
- Drizzle ¾ of the caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer in a swirl pattern. Use a knife or skewer to create gentle swirls.
- Sprinkle the chopped Milky Way bars evenly on top.
- Dollop the remaining brownie batter on top and lightly swirl it in.
5. Bake
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly golden.
- Cool completely in the pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
6. Finish & Serve
- Once chilled, drizzle with remaining caramel sauce before serving for that glossy, gooey finish.
Tips for Perfect Brownies
- Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: It gives the cheesecake layer a creamy, rich texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Slight jiggle in the center is okay—it sets while cooling.
- Chill Before Slicing: This step helps firm up the layers and creates cleaner slices.
- Try Homemade Caramel: Adds an extra layer of depth and flavor.
Variations & Add-Ons
- Snickers Instead of Milky Way: Want a peanut twist? Use Snickers bars!
- Salted Caramel Topping: Sprinkle sea salt over the caramel for a salty-sweet contrast.
- Double Chocolate Brownies: Add chocolate chips to the brownie batter for an extra gooey base.
- Holiday Touch: Mix in crushed peppermint or colored sprinkles for a festive flair.
How to Store
- In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- In the Freezer: Wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Pairing Suggestions
- Iced Latte or Cold Brew – Cuts the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – A scoop on top makes this next-level dessert.
- Hot Chocolate – For a cozy winter dessert night in.
Recommended Reads
- How to Make Boxed Brownies Taste Homemade (Food52)
- Caramel vs. Butterscotch: What’s the Difference? (The Kitchn)
- Top Cheesecake Tips for Beginners (Taste of Home)
- Best Brownie Recipes You Must Try (Serious Eats)
Let’s Chat Dessert!
Have you tried these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies? Did you mix things up with other candies or flavors? I’d love to hear how you made it your own. Drop your thoughts in the comments or tag me on Instagram if you share your sweet creation!