As a busy mom, there’s something so comforting about whipping up a batch of brownies. Today, I’m excited to share one of my absolute favorites: Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies. These sweet treats are a hit in our house, and judging by the smiles on my kids’ faces, I’d say they’re a hit with the neighbors too!
Why Make This Recipe
Why not? Honestly, who can resist the combination of rich brownies, creamy cheesecake, and gooey caramel? It’s the kind of dessert that hugs you from the inside. The kids love helping me make them, and as we mix and stir, the kitchen fills with laughter and sweet anticipation. Plus, these brownies are perfect for birthday parties or just a cozy family night in.
How to Make Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
Ready to dive in? Grab your apron, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Milky Way bars, chopped
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with a little butter or cooking spray. This helps ensure your brownies come out easily.
Prepare the Brownie Mix: Follow the instructions on the brownie mix box. In a bowl, blend the mix with 2 eggs, 1/4 cup water, and 1/3 cup of vegetable oil.
Layer the Brownies: Pour half of your brownie batter into the prepared pan. Don’t be shy—spread it evenly!
Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until it’s smooth and creamy. Then fold in the chopped Milky Way bars to add that yummy candy goodness.
Layer It Up: Spread the cream cheese mixture right over that first layer of brownie goodness.
Top It Off: Carefully pour the remaining brownie batter over the cream cheese layer. You want it to be nice and cozy under that layer!
Add the Goodies: Drizzle caramel sauce generously on top, then sprinkle with chocolate chips—because, let’s face it, you can never have too much chocolate!
Bake: Pop it into the oven for 30-35 minutes. You can tell it’s done when a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cool & Serve: Let them cool a bit before cutting into squares. This helps keep the layers from mixing too much.
How to Serve Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
These brownies are best served warm, maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Imagine the warm brownie melting the ice cream just a bit—oh, heavenly! They can be cut into pretty squares or even just served in the pan if you’re feeling casual. Trust me; nobody will mind!
How to Store Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. For longer storage, you can pop them in the fridge or even freeze them for later. Just remember to let them come to room temperature before serving again!
Tips to Make Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
- Use Quality Ingredients: Good chocolate and creamy cream cheese really do make a difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on your brownies! It’s better to underbake slightly for that fudgy texture.
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to swap out Milky Way bars for your favorite chocolate candy or even add some nuts for extra crunch.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, try using different candies! Snickers or Twix bars can work beautifully in this recipe, too. Just picture that delightful caramel and nuttiness blending into the brownies—yum!
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a mix?
Absolutely! If you have a go-to homemade brownie recipe, go for it. Just keep the layering process the same!
Q: How long will these brownies last?
If stored properly, they can last up to four days at room temperature. In the fridge, they can stay fresh for about a week.
Q: Can I make these brownies ahead of time?
Definitely! You can make them a day ahead and keep them covered on the counter. Just reheat slightly in the microwave before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
So there you have it—Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are sure to brighten any day! They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for sharing. Happy baking!
Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
Decadent brownies layered with creamy cheesecake and topped with caramel and chocolate, perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
For the Brownies
- 1 box box brownie mix (Choose your favorite brand.)
- 2 pieces eggs
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 pieces Milky Way bars, chopped (You can substitute with other chocolate bars if desired.)
For Topping
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (Store-bought or homemade.)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (Feel free to use dark or semi-sweet.)
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a bowl, mix the brownie mix with 2 eggs, 1/4 cup water, and 1/3 cup vegetable oil as per the instructions on the box.
Layering
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Fold in the chopped Milky Way bars.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the first layer of brownie batter.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Drizzle caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
Baking
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool before cutting into squares.
Serve these brownies warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, or refrigerate for longer storage. You can also freeze them for later enjoyment.