Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

If you’ve ever dreamt of a dessert that brings together the rich, indulgent flavors of cheesecake, chocolate, and caramel all in one bite, Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are about to make all your dessert dreams come true! Picture this: a fudgy brownie base, a creamy cheesecake swirl, and gooey caramel and Milky Way candy chunks scattered throughout. Every forkful is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, from the dense brownie layer to the smooth, velvety cheesecake and the sweet, chewy caramel. Trust me, these brownies are a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

If you’re still on the fence about whether you should make these brownies, let me tell you—there’s no going back once you’ve tried them. Here’s why they’ll become your new favorite dessert:

Ultimate Indulgence

These brownies are everything you love about decadent desserts. Rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and luscious caramel all come together in perfect harmony. It’s the sweet trifecta of flavors you never knew you needed.

Cheesecake Swirl Heaven

The tangy cream cheese in the cheesecake layer perfectly complements the sweetness of the brownies, creating a balance that’s never too overwhelming. Plus, the cheesecake swirl adds a beautiful, luscious texture that you’ll want to savor with every bite.

Candy-Lovers Dream

Milky Way bars bring that classic chocolate-and-caramel combo that’s so irresistible. Their gooey caramel melts into the brownies as they bake, creating pockets of sweetness throughout.

Crowd-Pleasing

These brownies are always a hit at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings. If you’re looking for something that will wow your guests and have them coming back for seconds (or thirds), this is it!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these glorious brownies:

For the Brownie Base:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups chopped Milky Way candy bars (or any caramel-chocolate candy bars)

For the Cheesecake Swirl:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started on creating these indulgent brownies:

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, whisking after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until fully combined. Fold in the chopped Milky Way bars.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Swirl

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until well combined. Finally, add the caramel sauce and mix until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Brownies

Pour the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture on top of the brownie batter. Use a butter knife or toothpick to swirl the cheesecake layer into the brownie batter for a marbled effect.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The cheesecake layer should be set, but the brownie part will still be fudgy.

Step 6: Cool and Slice

Let the brownies cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing them into squares. If you can wait, allow them to cool completely for a firmer texture.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve these brownies with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for an added treat! Whether you enjoy them warm or at room temperature, they’ll always be a hit.

(Note: The full instructions, including specific times, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 16
Calories per serving: 280 kcal
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

How to Serve Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

These brownies are a showstopper and can be served in a variety of fun ways to elevate your dessert experience:

With Ice Cream

A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream on the side makes for a dreamy pairing with these brownies. The cold creaminess of the ice cream balances out the richness of the brownies perfectly.

As Party Favors

If you’re hosting a gathering or potluck, these brownies can easily be cut into smaller squares and served on a platter. The gooey caramel and cheesecake swirl will have everyone asking for the recipe.

With Extra Caramel Drizzle

For extra decadence, drizzle some caramel sauce over each brownie. It’ll give them an added layer of richness and make them even more irresistible.

As a Grab-and-Go Snack

These brownies are just as good as a snack during the day as they are for dessert. Keep them on hand for a quick treat when you’re in the mood for something sweet.

Additional Tips

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: When mixing the brownie batter, be sure not to overmix it. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies rather than the soft, fudgy texture we’re after.
• Make Ahead: You can make these brownies a day ahead and store them in an airtight container to allow the flavors to meld together even more. They also freeze well for up to 3 months—just thaw before serving.
• Substitute the Candy: If you’re not a fan of Milky Way bars, feel free to swap them for Snickers, Twix, or even a mix of chocolate chips and caramel bits for a fun twist!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
A1: Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance. Just make sure to store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them for longer shelf life.

Q2: Can I use a different type of candy instead of Milky Way?
A2: Absolutely! You can use any candy bars you like, such as Snickers, Twix, or even caramel-filled chocolates. The gooey filling of the Milky Way is what makes these brownies special, but other candies can provide a fun twist.

Q3: How can I make these brownies gluten-free?
A3: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. Be sure to check that your other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.

Q4: Can I freeze these brownies?
A4: Yes, these brownies freeze beautifully! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

Q5: Can I make these brownies without the cheesecake layer?
A5: Sure! If you want to skip the cheesecake swirl, you can make a simple caramel brownie with the Milky Way and caramel sauce baked into the batter.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?
A6: Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate them for up to a week for a firmer texture.

Q7: How can I make these brownies more caramel-flavored?
A7: You can drizzle extra caramel sauce over the top of the brownies or even mix caramel bits into the brownie batter for an added layer of flavor.

Q8: Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
A8: Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce will work perfectly in the cheesecake layer. Just make sure it’s cooled before adding it to the mixture.

Q9: How do I make the brownies less sweet?
A9: If you want to cut down on sweetness, try using a darker chocolate in place of the Milky Way bars, and reduce the sugar in the cheesecake layer slightly.

Q10: Can I add nuts to these brownies?
A10: Yes, feel free to add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the brownie batter for extra crunch and flavor.

There you have it—Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies that will satisfy every sweet tooth in the room! Go ahead, treat yourself—you deserve it!

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