There’s something irresistibly comforting about desserts that combine old favorites into something entirely new. For me, Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are the very definition of that magic. Every year, as the air begins to chill and golden leaves start tumbling down the sidewalks, I find myself craving this exact treat—something sweet, gooey, and deeply indulgent. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a little piece of family tradition, reinvented with a twist.
Growing up, brownies were always a staple at family gatherings. Someone always brought a pan of them—sometimes with nuts, sometimes frosted, but always fudgy and delicious. Cheesecake, meanwhile, was the star of more formal occasions: birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays, served with berries or drizzles of chocolate. But it wasn’t until one particularly chilly fall afternoon that I thought to combine these two classics, adding in a surprise from the candy bowl: chopped Milky Way bars.
The result was unforgettable. The velvety cheesecake, rich brownie base, and gooey caramel streaks created something that everyone—from kids to grandparents—reached for. Since then, these brownies have made an appearance at every major event in my life: baby showers, bake sales, even one very memorable snow day when neighbors dropped by for coffee and stayed for dessert.
This recipe is for those moments. The ones that call for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, a bit of sweetness when you need it most. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your spoon into homemade treats, these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are about to become a beloved part of your story too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Layers of Flavor: Every bite delivers a mix of fudgy brownie, creamy cheesecake, and molten caramel from the Milky Way bars.
- Simple Yet Impressive: Uses a boxed brownie mix and pantry staples, but the result looks and tastes like something from a fancy bakery.
- Family-Friendly Favorite: Kids love the candy bar surprise; adults appreciate the balance of rich flavors.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From cozy fall afternoons to holiday dessert tables, these brownies are a hit.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: These are actually better the next day, once chilled and settled.
A Cozy Slice of Nostalgia: Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
Description
There’s something irresistibly comforting about desserts that combine old favorites into something entirely new. For me, Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are the very definition of that magic. Every year, as the air begins to chill and golden leaves start tumbling down the sidewalks, I find myself craving this exact treat—something sweet, gooey, and deeply indulgent. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a little piece of family tradition, reinvented with a twist.
Growing up, brownies were always a staple at family gatherings. Someone always brought a pan of them—sometimes with nuts, sometimes frosted, but always fudgy and delicious. Cheesecake, meanwhile, was the star of more formal occasions: birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays, served with berries or drizzles of chocolate. But it wasn’t until one particularly chilly fall afternoon that I thought to combine these two classics, adding in a surprise from the candy bowl: chopped Milky Way bars.
The result was unforgettable. The velvety cheesecake, rich brownie base, and gooey caramel streaks created something that everyone—from kids to grandparents—reached for. Since then, these brownies have made an appearance at every major event in my life: baby showers, bake sales, even one very memorable snow day when neighbors dropped by for coffee and stayed for dessert.
This recipe is for those moments. The ones that call for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, a bit of sweetness when you need it most. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just dipping your spoon into homemade treats, these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are about to become a beloved part of your story too.
Ingredients
- For the Brownie Layer:
-
1 box brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed on box)
- For the Cheesecake Layer:
-
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
1 large egg
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Caramel & Candy:
-
6 full-size Milky Way bars, chopped into chunks
-
1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment or aluminum foil, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Lightly grease the foil or paper.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
Prepare your brownie mix according to package instructions. Pour about half of the brownie batter into the bottom of your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. This will serve as the rich, chocolatey foundation.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar, egg, and vanilla until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This step brings a tangy contrast that balances the richness of the brownies and candy.
Step 4: Layer It Up
Gently spread the cheesecake layer over the brownie base. Take your time here—it doesn’t need to be perfect, but the more even it is, the more beautiful your layers will look when sliced.
Step 5: Add the Sweet Surprise
Scatter the chopped Milky Way bars generously over the cheesecake. Then drizzle half of the caramel sauce across the surface. These bars melt into gooey pockets that give every bite a luxurious texture.
Step 6: Top and Swirl
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter on top of the caramel layer. Use a knife to gently swirl everything together—don’t overdo it, just enough to create a marbled effect that will bake into stunning visual layers.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center only slightly jiggles. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before chilling them in the fridge for at least an hour.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Once chilled, use the foil overhang to lift the brownies from the pan. Slice into squares and serve. They’re amazing at room temperature, but even better slightly chilled when the caramel has thickened and the flavors have settled.
Notes
-
These brownies are even better the next day. Store them covered in the refrigerator to maintain their texture.
-
Let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for that perfect soft bite.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
For the Brownie Layer:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus eggs, oil, and water as directed on box)
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Caramel & Candy:
- 6 full-size Milky Way bars, chopped into chunks
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
HOW TO MAKE MILKY WAY CARAMEL CHEESECAKE BROWNIES
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment or aluminum foil, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy lifting. Lightly grease the foil or paper.
Step 2: Mix the Brownie Batter
Prepare your brownie mix according to package instructions. Pour about half of the brownie batter into the bottom of your prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. This will serve as the rich, chocolatey foundation.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Layer
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the sugar, egg, and vanilla until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This step brings a tangy contrast that balances the richness of the brownies and candy.
Step 4: Layer It Up
Gently spread the cheesecake layer over the brownie base. Take your time here—it doesn’t need to be perfect, but the more even it is, the more beautiful your layers will look when sliced.
Step 5: Add the Sweet Surprise
Scatter the chopped Milky Way bars generously over the cheesecake. Then drizzle half of the caramel sauce across the surface. These bars melt into gooey pockets that give every bite a luxurious texture.
Step 6: Top and Swirl
Drop spoonfuls of the remaining brownie batter on top of the caramel layer. Use a knife to gently swirl everything together—don’t overdo it, just enough to create a marbled effect that will bake into stunning visual layers.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center only slightly jiggles. A toothpick inserted should come out mostly clean. Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before chilling them in the fridge for at least an hour.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Once chilled, use the foil overhang to lift the brownies from the pan. Slice into squares and serve. They’re amazing at room temperature, but even better slightly chilled when the caramel has thickened and the flavors have settled.
HELPFUL TIPS
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling helps the cheesecake layer set properly and makes for cleaner cuts.
- Cutting Clean Squares: Use a hot knife (run it under hot water and dry it) for each slice.
- Customize It: Try different candy bars like Snickers or Rolo for a fun twist.
- Use Homemade Caramel if you’re up for it—it adds a rich, buttery flavor that’s unbeatable.
RECIPE DETAILS
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 16 large bars or 24 small squares
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
NOTES
- These brownies are even better the next day. Store them covered in the refrigerator to maintain their texture.
- Let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for that perfect soft bite.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
Estimated per serving (1 of 16 squares):
Calories: ~450 kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 26g
Protein: 5g
Sugar: 36g
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I use a homemade brownie base?
Absolutely! A scratch-made brownie base will elevate the flavor even more.
What if I don’t have Milky Way bars?
You can use other caramel-filled chocolates like Rolos or even caramel-filled chocolate chips.
Can these be frozen?
Yes. Slice them, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Do I need to refrigerate them?
Yes, because of the cheesecake layer. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze slices individually for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying.
Related Recipes
If you loved these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies, you’ll definitely enjoy:
- Mini Chocolate Cheesecake Bites
- A Warm Slice of Home: The Story Behind These Banana Bread Brownies
- Coffee Cheesecake
- A Slice of Warmth: The Story Behind German Chocolate Cheesecake
Conclusion
There’s a reason Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies have become a staple in my baking rotation. They bring together everything I love in a dessert: chocolate, creaminess, gooey caramel, and a candy bar twist that makes people pause mid-bite and smile. Whether you’re baking them for a crowd or just to savor over a hot cup of coffee on a quiet afternoon, I hope they bring your kitchen the same warmth they’ve brought to mine.
