When I want to bake something that turns heads and leaves people speechless (or at least chocolate-smeared and smiling), I make these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies. They start with a humble box of brownie mix but quickly become a rich, multi-layered dessert thanks to creamy cheesecake, gooey caramel, and chopped Milky Way bars tucked inside like treasure.
This recipe is everything I want in a decadent treat: fudgy, creamy, buttery, and loaded with texture. The cheesecake layer balances the richness of the chocolate, the caramel brings that sticky-sweet depth, and the Milky Way bars melt into the layers in the most indulgent way.
If you’re baking for a crowd, a celebration, or just to treat yourself to something a little over the top, this is your recipe. Here’s exactly how I make it.
Why These Brownies Are So Irresistible
This isn’t just a brownie—it’s a full-on dessert experience. Here’s why they’re worth every bite:
- Box mix shortcut, homemade taste: The base is a brownie mix, but everything else builds into a bakery-level treat.
- Cream cheese layer = balance: It adds just the right tangy contrast to all the chocolate and caramel.
- Caramel inside and on top: Enough said.
- Chopped Milky Ways throughout: They melt, soften, and create chewy candy pockets in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 12–16 | Prep Time: 15 mins | Bake Time: 35–40 mins | Total Time: ~1 hour)
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box—usually eggs, oil, and water)
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 6 Milky Way bars, chopped into small pieces
How I Make Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper. A light coat of cooking spray helps the parchment stay in place and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Prepare the Brownie Batter
I mix up the brownie batter according to the package instructions. You’ll usually need eggs, water, and oil—just follow what your box says. Then I pour half of the batter into the bottom of the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a separate bowl, I beat together the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth. It should be silky and spreadable—this is the layer that cuts through all that chocolate and gives the brownies a creamy middle.
Step 4: Layer and Build
I spread the cream cheese mixture gently over the first layer of brownie batter. Then I drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer. (If the caramel is thick, I warm it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to make it easier to drizzle.)
Next, I sprinkle the chopped Milky Way bars evenly across the top. Every piece of candy adds texture, chew, and that soft nougat-caramel hit.
Step 5: Top and Finish
I pour the remaining brownie batter over everything and smooth it out. Then I take the rest of the caramel sauce and drizzle it right over the top for that final flourish.
Step 6: Bake to Gooey Perfection
The brownies bake for 35–40 minutes, just until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly but not wet. I let them cool completely in the pan so the layers set—this makes slicing easier and keeps everything neat.
(If you can resist digging in while warm, you’re stronger than me. But they are easier to cut once cool.)
Tips for the Best Results
- Use room temperature cream cheese: It blends smoother and gives you that dreamy cheesecake texture.
- Don’t overbake: You want gooey, not dry—look for a slight wobble in the center.
- Chill before cutting: For perfect layers and clean slices, pop the cooled brownies in the fridge for 30 minutes before cutting.
- Use quality caramel: The flavor really comes through. Salted caramel works too, if you love that sweet-savory twist.
How I Serve These Brownies
These brownies are rich, so I usually cut them into smaller squares—though I’ve definitely eaten two in one sitting without regret. Here are a few serving ideas:
- With a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream
- Topped with extra chopped Milky Way bars for presentation
- Warm, with a drizzle of extra caramel if you want to go all out
- Chilled for a denser, fudgier texture
They’re also amazing for parties, bake sales, or just keeping in the fridge when your sweet tooth strikes.
FAQs From My Kitchen
Q: Can I use a homemade brownie base instead of a mix?
A: Absolutely! If you have a favorite scratch-made brownie recipe, use it. Just make sure the total volume is similar to what you’d get from a box mix.
Q: Can I use other candy bars?
A: Yes! Snickers, Twix, or Rolos would also work great in this recipe. Just chop them up and layer the same way.
Q: How should I store these?
A: Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. They also freeze well—just thaw before serving.
Q: Can I skip the caramel?
A: You can, but it really adds that gooey richness. If you want less, just drizzle a little over the top and leave it out of the middle layer.
Why These Brownies Belong in Your Rotation
These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are what dessert dreams are made of. They’re indulgent without being fussy, impressive without being complicated, and guaranteed to wow anyone who takes a bite. Whether you serve them warm, chilled, or straight from the fridge at midnight, they hit the spot every time.
Layers of Fudge, Cream Cheese, and Caramel These Brownies Are Outrageously Good
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients required by the box, usually eggs and oil)
- 2 cups chopped Milky Way bars
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven according to the instructions on the brownie mix box.
- Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions and pour half of the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the brownie layer in the pan.
- Sprinkle the chopped Milky Way bars evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the chopped bars.
- Top with the remaining brownie batter, spreading gently to cover.
- Bake in the preheated oven for the time indicated on the brownie mix box, or until a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
- Allow to cool before slicing into squares and serving.
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