The first time I made these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies, I honestly wasn’t prepared for the reaction they would receive. What started as a creative way to use up some leftover Halloween candy turned into what my friends now request for every gathering. These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are the perfect trifecta of flavors and textures—rich, fudgy brownie base, silky cheesecake center studded with melty Milky Way pieces, and a drizzle of caramel that ties everything together.

I stumbled upon the idea for these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies last fall when I found myself with an abundance of mini Milky Way bars after Halloween (my husband James always insists we buy “enough candy” but somehow we always end up with mountains leftover). Rather than mindlessly snacking on them for weeks, I decided to incorporate them into one of my favorite desserts—cheesecake brownies. The caramel and nougat from the candy bars melted into the cheesecake layer, creating these beautiful pockets of gooey sweetness that perfectly complement the dense chocolate brownie base.

My sister-in-law, normally one to politely decline desserts, took one bite of these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies and immediately asked for the recipe. That’s when I knew I had created something truly special. The beauty of these brownies is that while they look and taste impressively complex, the process of making them is actually quite straightforward.

Let me walk you through how to create these show-stopping Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies that combine three beloved desserts into one irresistible treat.

Why You’ll Love These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies look impressively complex but use simple ingredients and techniques
The Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies deliver three beloved desserts in one irresistible treat
No need for layering—the Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies create distinct layers as they bake
Make-ahead friendly—these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies actually improve in flavor after refrigeration
Perfect for using up leftover Halloween candy or any time you need a chocolate fix
The contrasting textures in these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies provide an exciting sensory experience in every bite
They’re freezer-friendly, so you can always have a stash of Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies ready for unexpected guests

Ingredients for Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

For the Brownie Layer

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

For the Cheesecake Layer

16 ounces (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 fun-size Milky Way bars (or 24 mini bars), chopped

For the Topping

⅓ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
¼ cup chocolate chips, melted
Extra chopped Milky Way pieces for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Tips:

For the cream cheese, make sure it’s fully softened to avoid lumps in your cheesecake layer
The Milky Way bars can be replaced with Snickers or Three Musketeers for different flavor variations
For the caramel sauce, a thicker sauce works best for drizzling—if yours is thin, reduce it slightly on the stovetop

Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions for Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Chop the Milky Way bars into small pieces, about ½-inch chunks. Set aside.

Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies step1

Make the Brownie Layer

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, remove from heat and whisk in the sugar until well combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Spread about ¾ of the brownie batter into the prepared pan, reserving the rest for the top layer.

Prepare the Cheesecake Layer

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Fold in about ¾ of the chopped Milky Way pieces, reserving the rest for the top.

Assemble and Bake

Pour the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer, spreading evenly to the edges.
Dollop the remaining brownie batter by spoonfuls over the cheesecake layer. Use a knife to gently swirl the batters together, creating a marbled effect.
Sprinkle the remaining Milky Way pieces over the top.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Allow to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.

Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies step3

Add the Final Touches

Once chilled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift the brownies out of the pan onto a cutting board.
Drizzle with caramel sauce and melted chocolate in a decorative pattern.
Sprinkle with additional chopped Milky Way pieces if desired.
Cut into squares using a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat slices.

Emma’s Kitchen Notes for Perfect Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

The key to perfect layers is allowing the brownie batter to set slightly before adding the cheesecake layer. If time allows, refrigerate the bottom layer for 10-15 minutes before adding the cheesecake mixture.
For cleaner cuts, chill the brownies thoroughly before slicing. Run your knife under hot water and wipe dry between each cut.
Make-ahead option: These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated. In fact, I think they taste even better on day 2 when the flavors have had time to meld.
Storage instructions: Store these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Can I use a brownie mix instead of making the brownie layer from scratch?

Yes! To save time, you can use your favorite box brownie mix for the base of these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies. Prepare according to package directions, then proceed with the recipe as written, starting with the cheesecake layer. Just be aware that the texture and flavor may differ slightly from the homemade version.

My cheesecake layer cracked. What did I do wrong?

Cracking typically happens when cheesecake is overcooked or cools too quickly. For perfect Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies, make sure you’re not overbaking—the center should still be slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven. Also, let the brownies cool at room temperature before refrigerating. The good news is that even with cracks, they’ll still taste amazing, and the caramel drizzle can cleverly hide any imperfections!

Can I freeze these brownies?

Absolutely! These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies freeze beautifully. Cut them into squares, place in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to enjoy.

Can I use full-size Milky Way bars instead of fun-size?

Yes, you can use any size Milky Way bars for these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies. Just chop them to about ½-inch pieces and measure by volume—you’ll need approximately 1½ cups of chopped Milky Ways total for the recipe.

What can I substitute for Milky Way bars?

If you don’t have Milky Way bars, you can substitute other candy bars like Snickers (for a nuttier version), Three Musketeers (for more nougat), or Mars bars (which are very similar to Milky Ways). You could also use caramel-filled chocolate chips or even a combination of plain chocolate chips and caramel bits.

Conclusion: Why These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies Will Be Your New Signature Dessert

These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies have quickly become my signature dessert—the one that friends and family specifically request whenever I ask what to bring to a gathering. There’s just something magical about the combination of fudgy brownies, creamy cheesecake, and the nostalgic caramel-chocolate charm of Milky Way bars. It’s a flavor trio that wins over everyone, from sophisticated dessert lovers to the pickiest kids—similar to the crowd-pleasing appeal of brookie bars.

What I love most about these brownies is how they elevate something simple, like a candy bar, into a bakery-worthy dessert. They’re proof that impressive recipes don’t require fancy tools or rare ingredients—just a little creativity and flavor balance, much like what makes pistachio chocolate bars or sweet potato brownies so irresistible.

If you loved these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies, you might also fall for:

Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart – sophisticated and indulgent
Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Bars – the ultimate nostalgic mashup
Chocolate Doughnut Cake – rich, easy to slice, and perfect for parties

Have you tried baking these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies? What’s your dream candy bar remix—Snickers, Twix, or something totally wild? Share your delicious ideas in the comments below—I’m always up for a new baking adventure!

Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

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