Decadent layers of fudgy brownie, creamy cheesecake, and gooey Milky Way caramel—these brownies are a show-stopping treat for any chocolate lover’s craving!
Why I keep making this
- 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
Pantry check
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let the brownies cool completely in the pan.
- Use the foil to lift out, then cut into squares and serve.
How long it takes
Servings: 16 brownies
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Swap ideas
- 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
Keeping it fresh
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
How long does Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days per USDA food safety guidelines. These brownies also freeze well for 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving.
Can I substitute butter in this recipe?
I’ve found that unsalted butter is key for flavor. However, you could use margarine, though it might alter the texture slightly. For a dairy-free option, a plant-based butter substitute could work, but ensure it’s suitable for baking to maintain the fudgy brownie consistency.
How long does this need to chill before serving?
The recipe states to let the brownies cool completely in the pan before lifting out and cutting. While no specific chilling time is given, I recommend refrigerating until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight for best results, to ensure clean slices and optimal texture.
What goes well with Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies?
In my experience, these decadent brownies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. A hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk also complements their rich chocolate and caramel flavors beautifully.
Is Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies gluten-free?
This recipe contains gluten from the all-purpose flour used in the brownie layer. To make it gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for best results.
One last tip
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.
Craving More Gooey, Chocolatey Delights?
If these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies hit your sweet spot, don’t stop there! Dive into the rich layers of our Caramel Brownie Cheesecake or sink your fork into a slice of Brownie Pecan Pie for even more chocolate-caramel magic. Want something chewy and cosmic? The Fudgy Cosmic Brownies are a nostalgic favorite. And for a fruity twist, our Raspberry Brownies and soft Raspberry Crumble Cookies balance tangy berries with decadent sweetness perfectly.
Recipes that pair well
- Cheesecake Brownies: My go-to fudgy cheesecake brownies recipe!
- KitKat Cheesecake With Layers Of Milk & White Chocolate: This no-bake KitKat cheesecake is my go-to for an easy, impressive dessert!
- Decadent Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake: This Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake is pure indulgence!
- Crispy Strawberry Cheesecake Wontons: Crispy Strawberry Cheesecake Wontons are my go-to easy dessert!
- No-Bake Caramilk Cheesecake: This creamy no-bake Caramilk cheesecake is so simple to make!
Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
- Total Time: PT1H5M
- 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
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: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT45M
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American