Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
Okay, if you’re anything like me, you’ve got a sweet tooth that’s always on the lookout for the ultimate treat. Well, buckle up, because these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are nothing short of a chocolatey, caramel-filled dream come true! Imagine dense, fudgy brownies swirled with creamy cheesecake and pockets of gooey caramel from those iconic Milky Way bars—yes, it’s as good as it sounds. I’m so excited to share this recipe with you because it’s the kind of dessert that makes your kitchen smell like a candy shop and your friends beg for the secret. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be your go-to for birthdays, movie nights, or just a fancy Friday indulgence. Ready to get messy and make magic? Let’s dive in!
Quick Facts
- Yield: Serves 12
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Brownies & Cheesecake Swirl:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cheesecake)
- 1 large egg (for cheesecake)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (for cheesecake)
- 4 Milky Way bars, chopped into bite-sized pieces
How I Make It
Step 1:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing or lining an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper—this helps with easy removal later! Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl, then whisk in the sugar until it dissolves and looks shiny. Crack in the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2:
In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined—don’t overmix or your brownies might get tough!
Step 3:
Now, in another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup sugar, 1 egg, and 2 tsp vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
Step 4:
Pour half of the brownie batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle half the chopped Milky Way bars over the top. Dollop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer, then gently swirl it with a knife or skewer to create that marbled effect.
Step 5:
Top with the remaining brownie batter, smooth it out, then scatter the rest of the Milky Way pieces on top. Give one last gentle swirl with your skewer if you want more cheesecake ribbons peeking through.
Step 6:
Bake for about 30–35 minutes until the edges look set but the center is still a bit gooey—that’s the sweet spot. Let it cool completely in the pan before slicing (this helps keep clean edges and ooey-gooey goodness intact).
Variations & Tips
- Swap Milky Way bars for Snickers or Twix for a different caramel experience.
- Try adding a pinch of espresso powder to the batter to intensify the chocolate flavor.
- If you want a less sweet cheesecake, reduce the sugar in the cheesecake batter by 1/4 cup.
- For an extra fudgy texture, replace some flour with almond flour (about 1/4 cup).
- Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake swirl.
- Keep an eye on baking time—overbaking kills that luscious gooey center.
How I Like to Serve It
These brownies are perfect warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce (because, why not?). They’re a fantastic crowd-pleaser at holiday parties or a cozy night in with a cup of coffee or milk. Bonus points if you serve them right after they’re cooled for that perfect balance of fudgy, creamy, and caramel-y layers.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for 5 days.
- To reheat, pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that gooey goodness.
Closing: These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies strike that perfect balance of fudgy, creamy, and caramel-rich that never fails to bring a smile—trust me, they’ll become a new favorite in your dessert rotation.
