Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are the ultimate indulgence. With a rich, fudgy brownie base, a creamy cheesecake layer swirled with chopped Milky Way caramel bars, and a marbled chocolate finish, each bite delivers a gooey, decadent mix of chocolate, caramel, and creamy cheesecake. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or any time you’re craving an over-the-top dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Combines brownies, cheesecake, and candy bars in one epic dessert
  • Rich, fudgy texture with gooey caramel pieces
  • Beautiful marbled top for an eye-catching presentation
  • Ideal for holidays, birthdays, or dessert trays
  • Easy to slice and serve—great for crowds
  • Classic flavors with a twist
  • Kid-friendly and adult-approved
  • Freezer-friendly
  • Uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients
  • Guaranteed to impress chocolate lovers

Ingredients

For the Brownie Layer:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups chopped Milky Way Simply Caramel bars

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
    • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    • Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil, leaving overhang on sides, and lightly grease it.
  2. Prepare the Brownie Batter:
    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, sugar, and vanilla.
    • Beat in eggs, one at a time, until well incorporated.
    • Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined—don’t overmix.
    • Reserve 1 cup of the batter for swirling; spread the rest evenly in the prepared pan.
  3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
    • In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
    • Add vanilla and beat in eggs one at a time until fully blended.
    • Fold in chopped Milky Way bars gently.
  4. Assemble the Brownies:
    • Pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie base and smooth out evenly.
    • Drop spoonfuls of reserved brownie batter on top.
    • Use a knife or skewer to swirl the batter, creating a marbled effect.
  5. Bake:
    • Bake for 45 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.
    • If the top begins to brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
  6. Cool and Serve:
    • Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
    • Use the foil to lift out, then cut into squares and serve.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 16 brownies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving

Variations

  • Use Snickers or Twix instead of Milky Way for a different candy bar twist
  • Add a pinch of espresso powder to the brownie batter for depth
  • Mix chopped nuts into the brownie or cheesecake layer
  • Use dark chocolate cocoa powder for a richer brownie base
  • Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top before serving
  • Use mini muffin tins for bite-sized cheesecake brownie cups
  • Add a touch of cinnamon to the brownie base for a hint of spice
  • Swirl in peanut butter for a salty-sweet version
  • Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter variation
  • Top with crushed pretzels or chocolate chips before baking

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing:
Freeze brownies (whole or individually wrapped) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating:
Enjoy chilled or at room temperature. For a warm treat, microwave for 10–15 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use regular Milky Way bars instead of Simply Caramel?

Yes, any variety of Milky Way works—the more caramel, the gooier the result.

Can I make these in advance?

Absolutely. They’re even better after chilling overnight as the flavors meld.

Can I use a boxed brownie mix?

Yes, use a family-size mix and skip the homemade brownie steps if you’re short on time.

Do I need to use foil in the pan?

Foil makes it easier to lift out and slice neatly, but you can also use parchment paper.

How do I get clean cuts?

Chill thoroughly and use a sharp knife dipped in warm water, wiping clean between slices.

Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate bars?

Yes, dark chocolate adds a rich, less sweet flavor contrast to the cheesecake.

Will the caramel harden after baking?

No, the caramel stays soft and gooey, adding to the texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free chocolate bars.

Do these need to be refrigerated?

Yes, because of the cream cheese layer, store them in the fridge for freshness.

Can I swirl in extra toppings?

Definitely—caramel sauce, peanut butter, or chocolate ganache work beautifully.

Conclusion

Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are the definition of indulgence. Fudgy, creamy, caramel-studded, and irresistibly rich, they bring together all the best dessert elements in one bite. Whether you’re baking for a party or simply spoiling yourself, these brownies are guaranteed to become a favorite in your baking rotation.

Print
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A rich brownie layered with creamy cheesecake, gooey caramel, and topped with melted chocolate and chopped Milky Way pieces.

Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies


  • Author: Chef Clara
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 16 brownies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Fudgy cheesecake brownies swirled with Milky Way caramel bars—an indulgent dessert combining chocolate, caramel, and creamy cheesecake layers in every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Brownie Layer:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 4 large eggs

  • 2 cups granulated sugar

  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Cheesecake Layer:

  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened

  • ⅔ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 cups chopped Milky Way Simply Caramel bars


Instructions

  • Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with foil, leaving overhang. Lightly grease it.

  • Make Brownie Batter:
    Combine melted butter, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl.
    Beat in eggs one at a time.
    Sift in cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until just combined.
    Reserve 1 cup of batter. Spread the rest into the prepared pan.

  • Make Cheesecake Layer:
    In another bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
    Add vanilla and eggs, beating until fully incorporated.
    Fold in chopped Milky Way bars.

  • Assemble:
    Pour cheesecake mixture over brownie layer.
    Drop reserved brownie batter on top and swirl with a knife or skewer.

  • Bake:
    Bake for 45 minutes or until center is just set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.

 

  • Cool and Serve:
    Cool completely in pan. Lift out using foil, slice into 16 squares, and serve.

Notes

Chill before slicing for cleaner edges. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Great for parties or gifting.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American