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Nothing takes you back to childhood quite like the gooey, chocolatey pull of a Milky Way—now tucked into a rich cheesecake and fudgy brownie base. These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are a decadent mash-up of textures and sweet memories, perfect for parties, potlucks, or simply an over-the-top weeknight treat. If you enjoy playful riffs on classic desserts, you might also like this banana caramel cheesecake which leans into the same nostalgic candy-and-creamy combo.

Why make this recipe

It’s ridiculously indulgent: layers of brownie, creamy cheesecake, and melted Milky Way caramel create one unforgettable bite.
Fast shortcut: using a boxed brownie mix for the base saves time while still letting you deliver a homemade feel.
These brownies are the ultimate compromise between convenience and show-stopping dessert drama.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Ingredients

Brownie Base:
- 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
Cheesecake Filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Caramel Layer:
- 4 to 5 fun-size Milky Way bars, chopped
- 1 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for easier melting)

Prep and equipment notes:

You’ll need an 8×8-inch baking pan and parchment paper for easy removal.
Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes so it blends smoothly.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) before you begin assembling so you can move straight from prep to bake.

Directions — follow these steps for best results

Preheat and prep: Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment, leaving an overhang on two sides to lift the finished brownies out easily. Lightly grease the pan or parchment with nonstick spray if you prefer.
Mix the brownie batter: Prepare the boxed brownie mix according to package instructions (usually adding eggs, oil, and water). Mix until combined but avoid over-mixing. The batter should be glossy and pourable.
First brownie layer: Pour about half of the prepared brownie batter into the lined pan and spread it into an even layer using a spatula. This becomes the sturdy base to support the cheesecake and caramel layers.
Make the cheesecake filling: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until smooth and free of lumps. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and the mixture is silky. Be careful not to overbeat—just blend until smooth.
Add the cheesecake layer: Spoon or pour the cheesecake filling over the brownie base and use a spatula to spread it into an even layer, taking care not to mix it into the brownie layer below. The contrast between thick cheesecake and fudgy brownie is part of the appeal.
Prepare the Milky Way caramel: Chop 4–5 fun-size Milky Way bars into small pieces and transfer them to a microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 tablespoon heavy cream if desired to help the chocolate and caramel melt smoothly. Microwave in 15–20 second bursts, stirring between each, until melted and pourable. Alternatively, melt gently over a double boiler.
Drizzle the caramel: Drizzle the melted Milky Way mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer. You can leave some larger caramel pockets for an oozy surprise when you bite into the brownies. If you like a marbled effect, proceed to the next step.
Top with remaining brownie batter: Dollop the remaining brownie batter over the caramel and cheesecake layers. Use a spatula to gently spread it into a thin top layer—don’t press too hard or you’ll push the cheesecake down. If you want a pretty design, use a knife to swirl the top gently, pulling through the batter in broad S-shaped motions to create a marbled look.
Bake and cool: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the cheesecake portion comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs (not raw batter). Avoid overbaking to keep the cheesecake creamy. Cool completely, then chill before slicing.

Baking tips and timing:

If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Chilling for at least 2 hours (preferably 4 or overnight) sharpens the flavors and makes slicing much cleaner.
For neat squares, use the parchment overhang to lift the whole block from the pan and slice with a sharp knife wiped clean between cuts.

Best Way to Store Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–5 days at 38–40°F (3–4°C).
Freeze: Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months at 0°F (-18°C). Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Serving after storage: Bring refrigerated brownies to room temperature for 15–20 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Serving Suggestions for Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
These brownies are rich, so small portions go a long way. Serve them slightly chilled or at room temperature with a dusting of cocoa powder, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast. For a party display, cut into 1.5-inch squares and arrange on a platter with small dessert forks so guests can sample multiple treats. You can also warm a single square for 8–10 seconds in the microwave (if thawed) and drizzle a bit of extra caramel or chocolate sauce over the top for that fresh-baked feel.

Tips to make Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Use room-temperature cream cheese: This prevents lumps in the cheesecake layer and yields a smooth, velvety texture.
Don’t overfill the pan: If your boxed brownie batter seems excessive, reserve a little; the goal is a balanced ratio of brownie to cheesecake to caramel.
Chill before slicing: Let the brownies cool completely and then chill for at least 2 hours to get clean slices without smearing.
Melt gently: When melting Milky Way bars, use short microwave bursts and stir frequently to avoid scorching or separating the caramel.

variation (if any)

Swap the candy: Replace Fun-size Milky Way bars with Snickers pieces for added peanuts and nougat, or use Rolos for an extra buttery caramel hit.
One creative variation is to add a thin layer of lightly crushed pretzels between the cheesecake and chocolate for salty crunch—this contrast brings out the caramel flavor and keeps each bite texturally interesting.

FAQs
Q: How do I prevent the cheesecake layer from cracking?
A: Overbeating the cheesecake mixture or baking at too high a temperature can cause cracks. Beat just until smooth and bake at the recommended 350°F, removing when the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Cooling gradually and chilling before slicing also reduces cracking.

Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?
A: Absolutely. These brownies actually benefit from being made a day ahead—the flavors meld and the cheesecake firms up, making cleaner slices. Store in the fridge until serving.

Q: Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a boxed mix?
A: Yes—use your favorite brownie recipe and follow the same layering method. Just be mindful of final batter volume so you don’t run out for the top layer.

Do I need to use heavy cream when melting the Milky Way bars?
No, heavy cream is optional. It helps produce a smoother, more pourable caramel, but you can melt the bars on their own if you prefer a thicker drizzle.

How should I cut neat squares?
Chill thoroughly, lift the slab from the pan using parchment overhang, and slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts for the best presentation.

Additional notes and troubleshooting

If the caramel becomes grainy after melting, a tiny splash more cream and gentle heat can help smooth it.
If the cheesecake layer seems too soft after baking, be sure to cool fully and then refrigerate—chilling solidifies it without drying.

Final thoughts on technique
The magic of these brownies is in their layers: a fudgy brownie base anchors the dessert, the cheesecake adds a creamy brightness, and the Milky Way caramel pockets deliver moments of gooey sweetness. Treat each step with a bit of patience—especially cooling and chilling—and you’ll get bakery-style results without a lot of fuss.

Conclusion

For a variation and inspiration on candy-cheesecake hybrids, check out this recipe collection at Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies – Domestic Superhero which offers a similar take on layering candy and cheesecake. If you want another home cook’s spin on the idea, see the approachable version at Milky Way Cheesecake Brownies – Rachel Hollis.

Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Author: admin
Total Time: 70 minutes
Yield: 16 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in these decadent Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies that combine a fudgy brownie base, creamy cheesecake filling, and melted Milky Way caramel for an unforgettable treat.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients listed on the box)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4 to 5 fun-size Milky Way bars, chopped
1 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for easier melting)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper.
Prepare the boxed brownie mix according to package instructions.
Pour half of the brownie batter into the lined pan.
In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese with granulated sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla extract and mix until combined.
Spoon cheesecake filling over the brownie base, spreading evenly.
Chop Milky Way bars and melt with heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl.
Drizzle melted caramel over the cheesecake layer.
Dollop remaining brownie batter over the caramel and cheesecake layers.
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is set.
Cool completely and chill before slicing.

Notes

Chill brownies for at least 2 hours for cleaner slices. Use parchment overhang to lift brownies from the pan.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: brownies, cheesecake, Milky Way, dessert, rich treats

Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Conclusion