Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are a delightful treat that combines layers of rich brownie, creamy cheesecake, and luscious caramel, topped off with chunks of Milky Way bars. These brownies are perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to cozy family gatherings. Their unique combination of flavors and textures will leave everyone wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Decadent Flavor: The blend of chocolate brownie, creamy cheesecake, and sweet caramel creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these brownies can be whipped up in no time.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for parties, potlucks, or just a special treat at home, they suit any event.
• Impressive Presentation: The layered look makes these brownies visually appealing and impressive to serve.
• Kid-Friendly: Everyone loves chocolate and caramel; this dessert is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking these delicious Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13 inch baking pan: This size is perfect for even baking and helps achieve the right thickness for layers.
• Mixing bowls: Using different sizes allows for proper mixing of wet and dry ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: A whisk ensures that your batter is well combined without lumps for the best texture.
• Medium saucepan: Ideal for making the caramel layer; it allows for easy stirring while heating.

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 your 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 well 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. Avoid overmixing.

Step 2: Bake the Brownie Base

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

Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Layer

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

Step 4: Assemble the Caramel and Cheesecake Layers

Once your brownie base has baked partially, pour the caramel sauce evenly over it. In another bowl, beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Add in an egg along with vanilla extract; mix well until combined. Spread this cheesecake mixture evenly over the caramel layer.

Step 5: Bake and Add Milky Way

Bake again for an additional 15-20 minutes or until set through. Remove from oven and allow cooling completely. Once cooled down, sprinkle chopped Milky Way bars evenly across the top.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate your brownies for at least 2 hours or ideally overnight to set them completely before cutting into squares to serve. Enjoy!

How to Serve Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are a delightful treat that can be served in various ways to enhance their rich flavors. Whether for a special occasion or a casual gathering, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.

Classic Presentation

• Plate with Whipped Cream: Serve each brownie with a dollop of whipped cream on the side for added creaminess.
• Garnish with Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle chocolate shavings on top for an elegant touch and extra chocolate flavor.

Pairing with Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy vanilla complements the rich brownies perfectly, creating a delightful contrast.
• Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Enhance the caramel flavor by pairing it with salted caramel ice cream for a sweet and salty treat.

Coffee or Tea Complement

• Espresso: A shot of espresso pairs wonderfully, balancing the sweetness of the brownies.
• Herbal Tea: Serve with herbal tea like chamomile for a soothing finish after a rich dessert.

How to Perfect Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Achieving the perfect Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies requires attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your brownies turn out delicious every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and cream cheese are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep your brownies from becoming tough; overmixing can lead to dense brownies.
• Cool Completely Before Cutting: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before cutting to ensure clean slices and prevent them from falling apart.
• Chill for Better Texture: Refrigerating the brownies overnight enhances their flavor and helps them set properly, making them easier to cut.

Best Side Dishes for Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

To complement your Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies, consider these delightful side dishes that pair well with their rich flavors.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mixture of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the brownies.
2. Chocolate Chip Cookies: Classic cookies add an additional layer of chocolate flavor, perfect for chocolate lovers.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses adds a savory note, balancing out the sweetness of the dessert.
4. Nutty Granola Bars: Homemade granola bars bring crunch and healthy fats, making for an interesting texture contrast.
5. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Serve extra caramel sauce on the side for those who want an indulgent extra topping.
6. Coffee Cake: A slice of coffee cake adds warmth and spice that pairs nicely with the rich chocolate brownie flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing the brownies to cool completely before cutting is crucial. This helps the layers set properly and makes for cleaner cuts.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to dense brownies. Stir just until ingredients are combined for a lighter texture.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups carefully to ensure proper ratios.
• Using Cold Cream Cheese: Always soften cream cheese before mixing. Cold cream cheese doesn’t blend well, leading to lumps in your cheesecake layer.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature: Each oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures for perfect results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep the brownies separate from other foods to maintain their flavor.

Freezing Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

• Wrap individual brownies in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm but not hot.
• Stovetop: Place a brownie in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use another chocolate bar instead of Milky Way?

Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite chocolate or caramel candy bars for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when the brownies are done baking?

The edges should look set, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What should I do if my caramel is too thick?

If your caramel becomes too thick, add a bit of heavy cream or milk and gently heat while stirring until smooth.

How long do these brownies need to chill before serving?

It’s best to refrigerate them for at least 2 hours or overnight. This allows all layers to set properly.

Final Thoughts

Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are a delightful treat that combines rich brownie layers with creamy cheesecake and gooey caramel. They are perfect for any occasion and can easily be customized by using different chocolate bars or adding nuts. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!