Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies: A Decadent Dessert Fusion
These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies combine three beloved desserts into one showstopping treat that will impress any crowd. Imagine rich, fudgy brownies swirled with creamy cheesecake and studded with chunks of Milky Way chocolate bars, all drizzled with luscious caramel sauce. The contrast between the dense chocolate base, tangy cheesecake layer, and gooey candy pieces creates a symphony of textures in every bite.
Perfect for special occasions or when you want to indulge in something extraordinary, these brownies elevate classic boxed mix desserts to gourmet status. The caramel cheesecake swirl adds a sophisticated touch while the Milky Way pieces melt into pockets of chocolatey caramel goodness throughout the bars. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party or enjoying them as a personal treat, these brownies deliver restaurant-quality flavor with homemade charm.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A perfect balance of rich chocolate, tangy cream cheese, and buttery caramel with notes of vanilla and nougat from the Milky Way bars.
- Texture: Features multiple layers of delicious textures – fudgy brownie base, creamy cheesecake swirl, and soft candy pieces that create pockets of melted chocolate caramel.
- Aroma: Fills your kitchen with the heavenly scent of baking chocolate and caramel with subtle vanilla undertones that will have everyone asking when dessert will be ready.
- Visual Appeal: Beautiful marbled appearance with the dark brownie batter swirled with pale cheesecake and visible chunks of Milky Way bars peeking through the surface.
- Skill Level Needed: Requires basic baking skills like melting chocolate, mixing batters, and proper swirling technique – perfect for bakers looking to expand their dessert repertoire.
- Special Equipment: Needs standard baking tools including a 9×13 pan, mixing bowls, and an electric mixer for the cheesecake layer to achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
The Recipe
Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
Serves: 16
Prep Time: 25 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Rubber spatula
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 box (18.3 oz) fudge brownie mix
- Ingredients listed on brownie mix box (typically eggs, oil, water)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 6 regular-size Milky Way bars, chopped
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Prepare brownie batter according to package instructions. Pour into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Dollop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter. Use a knife to gently swirl the two batters together.
- Sprinkle chopped Milky Way bars evenly over the top, pressing some pieces gently into the batter.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the entire surface.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the edges are set but the center still looks slightly moist.
- Cool completely in pan before cutting into squares. Drizzle with additional caramel sauce before serving if desired.
Recipe Notes
- For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps in your cheesecake layer.
- Allow brownies to cool completely before cutting for clean slices – they will firm up as they cool.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- For an extra special touch, warm individual servings for 10 seconds in the microwave before serving.
