Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

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Ready to win dessert forever? These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are here to make your sweet tooth swoon. Imagine rich fudgy brownie layers, creamy cheesecake swirls, gooey caramel sauce, and melty chunks of Milky Way bars all baked into one drool-worthy dessert.

It’s a mashup of your favorite treats: brownie caramel cheesecake, caramel cheesecake brownies, and candy bar bliss. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, potluck, or just yourself (no shame here!), this dessert brings the drama in the best way.

Why You’ll Love These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Fudgy, creamy, caramel-y – Every bite has something magical.
Starts with a boxed brownie mix, so it’s easy and foolproof.
Cheesecake filling is super smooth and takes minutes to make.
Swirls of caramel brownie cheesecake goodness keep each square irresistible.
Chopped Milky Way bars melt into little pockets of heaven. Enough said.

They’re rich, decadent, and absolutely worth licking the spatula for.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Brownie Base

1 box brownie mix – Plus the eggs, oil, and water listed on the package
Milky Way bars – Six of them, chopped into bite-sized candy bliss

Cheesecake Swirl

Cream cheese – 16 oz, softened
Granulated sugar – Just enough to sweeten the swirl
Vanilla extract – Adds warmth and flavor
1 egg – For structure and silkiness
Caramel sauce – 1 cup, swirled over and into the top for sticky-sweet drama

Scroll to the recipe card below for exact amounts and steps.

How to Make Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Step 1: Prepare Your Brownie Layer

Preheat your oven according to the brownie mix package and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Prepare the brownie batter as directed and pour about 2/3 of it into the pan. Save the rest for later it’s going to be part of the magic.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Swirl

In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, vanilla, and egg until smooth and creamy. This is your cheesecake layer.

Step 3: Layer It Up

Spoon the cheesecake mixture gently over the brownie batter in the pan. Then drizzle caramel sauce over the top (as much or as little as your caramel-loving heart desires). Dollop the remaining brownie batter across the top and gently swirl everything together with a knife.

Sprinkle chopped Milky Way bars evenly over the top. They’ll melt into the batter and create gooey candy bits in every bite.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Bake according to the brownie mix instructions usually 35–40 minutes. The center should be set but still a little soft. Cool completely before slicing. (We know, it’s hard. But worth it.)

Estimated Nutrition

Per Square (1 of 16):

Calories: ~380
Carbs: 38g
Fat: 22g
Protein: 5g
Sugar: 32g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Sweet Success

Soften cream cheese fully so your cheesecake layer mixes smooth and silky.
Use good-quality caramel sauce or make your own if you’re feeling fancy.
For extra caramel flair, drizzle more on top after baking.
Chill before slicing for clean, neat bars (and that satisfying bite!).

How to Serve These Brownies

These caramel cheesecake brownies are fantastic chilled, at room temp, or even slightly warm with a scoop of ice cream (you’re welcome). They hold their shape well, so they’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or devouring over your kitchen sink. No judgment.

Make Ahead & Storage

Make Ahead: You can bake these a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. The flavors actually get better overnight.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container. They thaw beautifully.

A Little Kitchen Story

The first time I made these, it was a Sunday “treat yourself” bake session. I had a box of brownie mix, cream cheese, and leftover Halloween candy. Fifteen minutes and one dangerously good batter later, I popped them in the oven. My husband took one bite and said, “This is what heaven tastes like.” Now I keep a stash of Milky Ways in the freezer… just in case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of a mix?

Absolutely! If you’ve got a favorite brownie recipe, go for it. Just use enough for a 9×13-inch pan.

Can I substitute the Milky Way bars?

Yep! Snickers, Rolos, or any caramel-filled chocolate candy works great.

What if I don’t have caramel sauce?

You can skip it, but the flavor won’t be quite as dreamy. A spoonful of dulce de leche or even butterscotch sauce would be a delicious sub.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes just use a larger pan (like a sheet pan) and adjust baking time as needed. Check at 35 minutes and go from there.

How do I know when it’s done?

The center should be just set, not jiggly. A toothpick may come out a little gooey that’s okay! Overbaking dries it out.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free brownie mix and check that your caramel sauce and candy bars are GF-friendly.

Can I serve them warm?

Yes, but they’ll be a little messier (and more amazing). Warm with ice cream = brownie bliss.

Are these rich?

Very. Think creamy cheesecake meets brownie cheesecake caramel bar. A little square goes a long way.

Final Thoughts

If brownies, cheesecake, and caramel had a dessert love child, these Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies would be it. Easy to make, impossible to resist, and packed with all the things you crave caramel brownie cheesecake recipe goals, achieved.

Ingredients and instructions are listed in the recipe card below. Bake, swirl, and enjoy!