Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are my ultimate indulgence when I crave something rich, gooey, and utterly satisfying. Combining a fudgy brownie base with a creamy cheesecake layer and chunks of caramel-filled Milky Way bars, these brownies are a decadent treat that's perfect for any occasion.

Why I Love This Recipe

I adore how this recipe brings together the best of three worlds: the deep chocolate flavor of brownies, the smooth tang of cheesecake, and the sweet, gooey caramel from Milky Way bars. The layers not only taste amazing but also create a beautiful marbled effect that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether I'm baking for a party or just treating myself, these brownies never disappoint.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Brownie Layer:

1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
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

Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. I lightly grease the foil.
Prepare the Brownie Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract. I add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, I sift in the cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and salt, stirring until just combined. I reserve 1 cup of this batter for later and spread the remaining batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
In a separate bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy. I add the vanilla extract and then the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each. I gently fold in the chopped Milky Way bars.
Assemble the Brownies:
I pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie base, smoothing it out evenly. I drop spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter on top and use a knife or skewer to swirl the batters together, creating a marbled effect.
Bake:
I bake the assembled brownies for about 45 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs. If the top starts to brown too quickly, I tent it loosely with foil.
Cool and Serve:
I let the brownies cool completely in the pan. Using the foil overhang, I lift them out and cut into squares. I prefer to chill them in the refrigerator for an hour before serving for cleaner cuts and enhanced flavor.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 16 brownies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

Candy Bar Swap: I sometimes use Snickers or Twix instead of Milky Way for a different flavor profile.
Nutty Addition: Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the brownie batter gives a delightful crunch.
Extra Caramel Drizzle: For an even more indulgent treat, I drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving.
Mini Versions: I use a mini muffin tin to create bite-sized brownie cheesecakes, perfect for parties.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store the brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: These brownies freeze well. I wrap individual squares in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. I thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating: While these brownies are delicious cold, I sometimes microwave a square for 10–15 seconds for a warm, gooey treat.

FAQs

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

Yes, I can use regular Milky Way bars. The Simply Caramel version adds extra gooeyness, but regular bars work just as well.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often make them a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. They taste even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Can I use a boxed brownie mix?

Yes, I can use a family-size boxed brownie mix to save time. I prepare it according to the package instructions and proceed with the cheesecake layer as described.

Do I need to use foil in the pan?

Using foil with an overhang makes it easier to lift the brownies out for cutting. However, I can also use parchment paper or simply grease the pan well.

How do I get clean cuts when slicing the brownies?

I chill the brownies thoroughly and use a sharp knife dipped in warm water, wiping it clean between cuts for neat slices.

Conclusion

Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are a decadent fusion of rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and gooey caramel. They're a show-stopping dessert that's surprisingly easy to make. Whether I'm sharing them at a gathering or indulging in a personal treat, these brownies always hit the spot.