Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies, a decadent fusion of rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, and the delightful sweetness of Milky Way candy bars.

This recipe combines the best of both worlds, marrying the fudgy texture of classic brownies with a luscious cheesecake layer that’s studded with chunks of chocolate and caramel.

Perfect for special occasions or simply as a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, these brownies are sure to impress everyone who takes a bite. With straightforward steps and delectable ingredients, you’ll create a dessert masterpiece that’s both visually appealing and irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Decadent Flavor Combination: This recipe blends the rich, chocolatey goodness of brownies with the smooth, creamy texture of cheesecake. The addition of Milky Way candies introduces delightful caramel notes and a chewy texture, creating a taste sensation that is both indulgent and satisfying.

Variety of Textures: Each bite offers a delightful contrast between the fudgy brownie base, the creamy cheesecake layer, and the chewy candy pieces. This variety in texture keeps the palate engaged and makes every mouthful exciting.

Visual Appeal: The marbled effect created by swirling the brownie and cheesecake layers not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an artistic touch to the dessert. This makes it ideal for impressing guests at gatherings or special occasions.

Comforting and Nostalgic: The familiar flavors of chocolate and caramel evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia, reminding many of their favorite childhood treats. This recipe elevates those comforting flavors into a sophisticated dessert.

Versatility and Shareability: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family dinners, these brownies are easy to make in large batches and simple to transport. Their rich flavor means a little goes a long way, making them ideal for sharing.

Key Ingredients:

Butter: This essential ingredient provides moisture and richness to the brownie batter, contributing to its fudgy texture and enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla extract brings a subtle warmth and depth to both the brownie and cheesecake layers, complementing the chocolate and caramel notes.

Cocoa Powder: The backbone of the brownie layer, cocoa powder imparts a deep, rich chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake and sweet caramel.

Cream Cheese: As the star of the cheesecake layer, cream cheese offers a silky, smooth texture and a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the chocolate and candy.

Milky Way Bars: Chopped Milky Way bars introduce a delightful combination of chocolate, caramel, and nougat, adding chewiness and a burst of sweetness throughout the dessert.

Eggs: Eggs play a crucial role in binding the ingredients and providing structure to both the brownie and cheesecake layers, ensuring they bake to perfection.

Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Ingredients

2 sticks butter, melted

1 tsp vanilla extract

4 large eggs

2 cups granulated sugar

¾ cup cocoa

1 cup all purpose flour

½ tsp baking powder

1.4 tsp salt

Cheesecake Layer

16 ounces cream cheese, softened

⅔ cup sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 eggs

2 cups Milky Way, chopped

Instructions:

Step 1:

Begin by setting your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter with sugar and vanilla extract using a hand mixer until well blended.

Step 2:

Introduce the eggs one at a time into the mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the cocoa powder until it is completely mixed in.

Then, add the flour, baking powder, and salt to the bowl, mixing just until the ingredients are combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.

Step 3:

Take 1 cup of the brownie batter and set it aside in a separate container. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with aluminum foil, then spread the remaining batter evenly across the bottom.

Step 4:

In another bowl, beat the cream cheese until it reaches a smooth consistency using a clean hand mixer. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is smooth.

Mix in the vanilla extract and then add the eggs, incorporating them one at a time and beating well after each addition.

Step 5:

Pour the cream cheese mixture over the brownie batter in the prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula. Scatter the chopped Milky Way pieces evenly over the cheesecake layer to ensure full coverage.

Step 6:

Spoon small amounts of the reserved brownie batter over the top of the candy layer. Using a butter knife, gently swirl the layers to create a marbled effect, taking care not to overmix.

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Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the brownies are cooked through.

Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares.

Enjoy your delectable treat!

Notes:

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature before starting. This helps achieve a smoother cheesecake mixture and more even baking.

Swirling Technique: When swirling the brownie and cheesecake layers, use gentle, shallow motions with the butter knife. This creates a beautiful marbled effect without fully mixing the layers, preserving their distinct textures.

Avoid Overmixing: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet ones, mix just until they are incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a denser brownie texture.

Chop Candy Bars Evenly: For the best distribution of Milky Way pieces, chop the candy bars into even, small chunks. This ensures every bite has a balanced amount of chocolate and caramel.

Lining the Pan: Use aluminum foil to line the baking pan, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes it easier to lift the brownies out of the pan once they are cooled, allowing for cleaner cuts.

Cooling Time: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing. This helps the layers set properly and makes cutting into neat squares much easier.

Storage Suggestions: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These brownies taste great when chilled and can be enjoyed for several days.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 24 | SERVING SIZE: 1 square

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I substitute the Milky Way bars with another type of candy?

Yes, you can substitute Milky Way bars with any similar chocolate candy that includes caramel, such as Snickers or Mars bars.

Keep in mind that this will slightly alter the flavor and texture, but it will still be delicious.

What can I do if I don’t have a hand mixer?

If you don’t have a hand mixer, you can use a stand mixer or even mix by hand using a sturdy whisk or spatula.

Mixing by hand may require a bit more effort, especially when beating the cream cheese until smooth.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

The brownies are done when the edges are set, and the center is just slightly jiggly but not liquid.

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. Overbaking can lead to dry brownies.

Can I make these brownies ahead of time?

Yes, these brownies can be made a day or two in advance.

Once cooled, cover them tightly and store them in the refrigerator.

They actually taste great chilled, and the flavors meld together beautifully over time.

How should I store leftover brownies?

Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

They will keep well for up to 5 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze them; wrap each brownie individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

What should I do if my cheesecake layer seems too runny?

If your cheesecake mixture appears too runny, ensure that the cream cheese was adequately softened before mixing and that you beat the mixture until smooth.

If the issue persists, try refrigerating the mixture for a few minutes to firm it up slightly before pouring it over the brownie layer.

How can I prevent the brownies from sticking to the pan?

To prevent sticking, line your baking pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Additionally, you can lightly grease the foil or parchment with butter or cooking spray to ensure the brownies lift out effortlessly after cooling.

Why is my brownie layer too dry or crumbly?

Overmixing the brownie batter or overbaking the brownies can cause them to become dry or crumbly.

Mix the dry ingredients until just combined and watch the baking time closely, removing the brownies from the oven when the center is set, but still slightly soft.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but be aware that it might alter the texture and richness of the cheesecake layer.

Full-fat cream cheese typically provides a creamier and more indulgent result.

How do I achieve a well-defined swirl effect on top of the brownies?

To create a distinct swirl effect, use a butter knife to gently drag through the top layers in a figure-eight pattern.

Avoid over-swirling, as this can blend the layers too much.

Aim for a few well-placed swirls to achieve that striking marbled appearance.