Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

The Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are a delightful treat that combines rich brownie layers, creamy cheesecake, and gooey caramel. Perfect for any occasion, these brownies are sure to impress friends and family with their unique flavors and textures. Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy gathering at home, this dessert stands out with its luscious layers and sweet toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: Each bite offers a perfect blend of chocolate brownie, creamy cheesecake, and sweet caramel.
• Versatile Dessert: Great for parties, potlucks, or just a treat for yourself; they fit any occasion beautifully.
• Easy to Make: Simple steps make this recipe manageable for bakers of all levels.
• Eye-Catching Presentation: The layered look topped with Milky Way candy bars is visually stunning on any dessert table.
• Make Ahead Option: These brownies can be made in advance and kept in the fridge, making them perfect for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

Before starting this recipe, gather your essential tools to make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Medium saucepan
• Electric mixer

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 inch baking pan: Provides the right shape for even baking of these layered brownies.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Ensures smooth blending of the batter components.
• Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when beating cream cheese to a smooth texture.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Base:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup water
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ cup heavy cream

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Milky Way Topping:

• 1 (1.5 ounce) Milky Way Midnight bar, roughly chopped
• 1 (1.5 ounce) Milky Way bar, roughly chopped

How to Make Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Step 1: Prepare the Brownie Base

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 2: Bake the Brownie Base

Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Layer

While the brownie base is baking, make the caramel. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and heavy cream until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Caramel and Cheesecake Layers

Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the partially baked brownie base. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the caramel layer.

Step 5: Bake and Add Milky Way

Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes or until cheesecake layer is set and brownies are cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Once cooled, sprinkle the chopped Milky Way bars evenly over the top.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow brownies to set completely. Cut into squares and serve.

Enjoy your homemade Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies as an indulgent treat!

How to Serve Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Serving Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies can elevate your dessert experience. These decadent treats are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways that complement their rich flavors.

With Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream adds a perfect contrast to the dense brownies, enhancing their sweetness.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• The creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the caramel and cheesecake layers, creating a delightful temperature contrast.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For chocolate lovers, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce on top intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds an extra layer of indulgence.

Fresh Berries on the Side

• Serving fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, provides a refreshing tartness that balances out the sweetness of the brownies.

Sprinkled with Sea Salt

• A light sprinkle of sea salt brings out the flavors in both the caramel and chocolate, making each bite more satisfying.

Dusted with Powdered Sugar

• A dusting of powdered sugar gives a beautiful finish to the brownies, making them visually appealing for any occasion.

How to Perfect Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Achieving the ultimate Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies requires some attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you perfect your baking skills.

• Use room temperature ingredients – Allow butter, eggs, and cream cheese to sit at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.

• Don’t overmix – When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense brownies instead of fluffy ones.

• Check for doneness – To ensure your brownies are perfectly baked, use a toothpick inserted in the center. If it comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter), they’re ready!

• Cool completely before cutting – Allowing the brownies to cool completely helps them set properly and makes cutting them into squares much easier.

• Make ahead for best flavor – Preparing your brownies a day in advance allows flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing their taste when served.

Best Side Dishes for Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Pairing side dishes with Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies can create a balanced dessert plate. Here are some suggestions that work well together:

1. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the richness of the brownies.

2. Chocolate Mousse – A velvety chocolate mousse complements the brownie while adding an elegant touch to your dessert table.

3. Caramel Sauce Dip – Serve extra caramel sauce on the side for those who want an additional drizzle over their brownies or ice cream.

4. Nutty Granola – A crunchy nutty granola offers a textural contrast that pairs nicely with the soft cheesecake layer.

5. Coconut Macaroons – These chewy treats add a different flavor profile, providing sweetness while still being easy to handle alongside your brownies.

6. Spiced Apple Compote – Warm spiced apple compote introduces fruity warmth that enhances every decadent bite of brownie.

7. Coffee or Espresso – A strong cup of coffee or espresso can be served alongside for a delightful flavor combination that cuts through sweetness.

8. Chai Tea – Offering chai tea brings warmth and spiciness that contrasts well with the creamy textures of the dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold phrase: Overmixing the batter – This can lead to dense brownies instead of a light texture. Mix until ingredients are just combined to keep them airy.
• Bold phrase: Not greasing the pan – If you skip this step, your brownies might stick and crumble when you try to remove them. Always grease and flour your baking pan before pouring in the batter.
• Bold phrase: Skipping the cooling time – Cutting into warm brownies can result in messy squares. Allow your brownies to cool completely before slicing for clean edges.
• Bold phrase: Using cold cream cheese – Cold cream cheese will not blend smoothly into the mixture. Make sure it is at room temperature for a creamy cheesecake layer.
• Bold phrase: Not checking doneness – Baking times can vary based on ovens. Use a toothpick to check if the cheesecake layer is set; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover brownies in an airtight container.
• item They will last up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

• item Wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap.
• item Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

• Bold phrase: Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), place brownies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Bold phrase: Microwave – Heat individual squares in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for a warm treat.
• Bold phrase: Stovetop – Place brownies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies.

How do I know when my Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are done?

The cheesecake layer should be set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with slight moist crumbs.

Can I use other chocolate bars instead of Milky Way?

Yes! Feel free to replace Milky Way bars with other favorites like Snickers or Twix for different flavors.

What if I can’t find sweetened condensed milk?

You can make your own by simmering milk with sugar until thickened, though using store-bought is simpler and quicker.

Can these brownies be made ahead of time?

Absolutely! These brownies taste even better after chilling overnight, making them perfect for preparation ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are not only rich and delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or trying different toppings. Don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors; we encourage you to give this recipe a try!