These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are every bit as indulgent and gooey as they look. We’re talking rich, fudgy chocolate brownie layers swirled with creamy cheesecake and ribbons of melty Milky Way caramel. The result? A decadent, bakery-style bar that melts in your mouth and yes, it’s just as outrageous as it sounds.
This is one of those recipes that turns heads at the table. The swirl of caramel, the creamy cheesecake stripe, and that glossy brownie top it’s the trifecta. I promised you crave-worthy, and here it is!
What Are Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies?
They’re a triple-layer dessert bar made by sandwiching a creamy cheesecake filling between two layers of chocolate brownie batter, with melted Milky Way caramel candy mixed in and drizzled over the top. They bake up dense, chewy, sweet, and rich like a cheesecake met a brownie met a candy bar.
Why You’ll Love These Brownies
- Swirls of real Milky Way caramel
- Creamy cheesecake center
- Super fudgy, chocolate-packed brownie base
- Freezer-friendly and make-ahead ready
- Huge crowd-pleaser
What It Tastes Like
Every bite is rich, sweet, and balanced the chocolate hits first, then the soft tang of cheesecake, and finally that caramel melt from the candy bars. It’s dense like a brownie but creamy like cheesecake, and the layers hold up beautifully after cooling.
Benefits of Making This Recipe
- One bowl brownie batter
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Flexible — works with Twix or Snickers too
- Great for birthdays, holidays, or gifting
- Slices into beautiful squares
Ingredients
Brownie Layers
- 1 box brownie mix (or homemade brownie batter)
- Ingredients required on box (usually oil, egg, water)
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Caramel Layer
- 4–5 fun-size Milky Way bars, chopped
- 1 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for melting)
Tools You’ll Need
- 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish
- Hand mixer
- Spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Parchment paper
- Knife for clean slicing
Additions & Substitutions
- Use Snickers or Rolos instead of Milky Way
- Add a handful of chocolate chips to brownie batter
- Swirl extra caramel sauce on top before baking
- Make it gluten-free with a GF brownie mix
How to Make Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking dish with parchment.
- Prepare brownie batter as directed and pour half into prepared dish.
- In a separate bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Spread cheesecake mixture gently over brownie base.
- Melt chopped Milky Way bars (with cream if needed) and drizzle over cheesecake layer.
- Pour remaining brownie batter on top and smooth carefully.
- Swirl a little caramel through top with a butter knife.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes or until set and center no longer jiggles.
- Cool completely, then chill for clean slicing.
What to Serve With It
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Hot espresso or milk
- Fresh berries for contrast
- A drizzle of extra caramel or chocolate sauce
Tips for the Best Cheesecake Brownies
- Let the cream cheese come to room temp for easy mixing
- Chill after baking to get sharp, clean cuts
- Use a plastic knife or wipe knife between cuts for neat edges
- Don’t overbake — slightly soft center is ideal
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freeze individual slices up to 1 month
- Best enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temperature
General Info
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Bake time: 35–40 minutes
- Cool time: 1 hour
- Total time: About 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 large bars or 16 smaller bars
- Method: Baked
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
FAQ
Can I make these ahead?
Yes! These brownies are even better the next day.
Do I have to melt the Milky Way bars?
Melting gives a smooth caramel swirl, but you can also just chop and layer.
Can I use homemade brownie batter?
Absolutely. A dense, fudgy batter works best here.
Can I skip the cheesecake layer?
You can, but you’d miss the creamy balance that cuts through the sweetness.
Conclusion
Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are the ultimate dessert bar mashup. Fudgy, creamy, caramel-drippy goodness all in one bite. Whether for parties, gifting, or a serious chocolate craving this one always delivers.
Print
Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (including chill time)
- Yield: 9–16 bars
Description
Rich, fudgy brownies layered with creamy cheesecake filling and gooey melted Milky Way caramel bars. These decadent dessert bars are indulgent, sweet, and easy to make with just a handful of ingredients.
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)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment.
2. Prepare brownie mix according to package and pour half into the pan.
3. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Spread cheesecake layer over brownie base.
5. Melt Milky Way bars with a splash of cream, then drizzle over cheesecake layer.
6. Pour remaining brownie batter on top and spread gently.
7. Swirl top with knife if desired.
8. Bake 35–40 minutes until center is set.
9. Cool completely, then chill before slicing.
Notes
– Chill 1 hour for clean slices.
– Swap in Twix or Snickers for a fun twist.
– Add a pinch of sea salt for contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Keywords: cheesecake brownies, Milky Way dessert bars, caramel brownies, layered brownies, holiday dessert squares
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