Oh my goodness, friends, let me tell you about this Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake that’s about to rock your dessert world! This indulgent masterpiece combines a fudgy brownie base with creamy cheesecake, gooey caramel, and chunks of Milky Way candy bars. Trust me when I say this dessert will have everyone begging for the recipe! I created this for my sister’s birthday last year, and now my family requests it for EVERY special occasion.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Show-stopping dessert that looks like it came from a fancy bakery, but is surprisingly simple to make!
- Perfect balance of textures – fudgy brownies, silky-smooth cheesecake, and chewy candy pieces create an irresistible combination.
- Make-ahead friendly – actually tastes even better after chilling overnight, making it perfect for entertaining.
- Customizable – swap in your favorite candy bars or drizzle with chocolate sauce for endless variations.
Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Ingredients
- Brownie mix – forms the perfect fudgy foundation for our cheesecake. Use your favorite brand for that special touch!
- Cream cheese – the star of the show that creates that luxurious, tangy cheesecake layer. Make sure it’s fully softened for a smooth texture.
- Granulated sugar – sweetens the cheesecake filling without overwhelming the candy flavors.
- Vanilla extract – enhances all the other flavors and adds that classic cheesecake taste. Pure vanilla makes a difference here!
- Egg – binds the cheesecake layer together and gives it that perfect texture.
- Caramel sauce – creates magnificent swirls throughout and adds that signature Milky Way flavor. Store-bought works great, but homemade is divine if you have the time!
- Milky Way bars – the candy magic that transforms this from an ordinary cheesecake into something spectacular. Those little chunks of chocolate-covered nougat and caramel melt into pools of deliciousness.
The full ingredient list with measurements will be available in the recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
- Preheat your oven according to the brownie mix package directions and prepare a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the brownie batter according to package instructions and spread it evenly in your prepared pan. Don’t worry about baking it yet – we’re creating layers!
- Make your cheesecake layer by beating the softened cream cheese until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for that silky-smooth texture!
- Add sugar and vanilla to the cream cheese and beat until well combined and smooth. No lumps allowed in our cheesecake!
- Mix in the egg until just incorporated – don’t overmix once the egg is added or you’ll incorporate too much air.
- Carefully spread the cheesecake mixture over the brownie batter, creating an even layer.
- Drizzle half the caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer in a zigzag pattern.
- Sprinkle half the chopped Milky Way pieces evenly across the top.
- Bake until set – the brownie layer should be cooked through and the cheesecake layer should be just set but still slightly jiggly in the center, about 35-40 minutes.
- Cool completely before adding the remaining caramel sauce and Milky Way pieces on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before cutting into squares. I know waiting is torture, but I promise it’s worth it!
Pro Tips for Making Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake
- Don’t overbake! The cheesecake will continue to set as it cools. You want the center to be slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven.
- For clean cuts, chill the cheesecake thoroughly, then dip your knife in hot water and wipe dry between each cut.
- Reserve a few extra Milky Way pieces for garnishing the top just before serving – it makes the presentation even more impressive!
- Line your pan with parchment paper with overhang on the sides to easily lift out the entire dessert for cutting.
- For extra indulgence, warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling it on top of the cooled cheesecake.
- Let the cream cheese come to room temperature naturally for the smoothest texture – microwaving can create hot spots that won’t blend properly.
How to Serve
This heavenly dessert deserves a special presentation! Serve each square on a pretty dessert plate with a dollop of whipped cream and an extra drizzle of warm caramel sauce. For an over-the-top presentation, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.
This cheesecake pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or espresso to cut the sweetness. For a delightful dessert party, cut into smaller squares and serve alongside other mini cheesecake varieties.
These squares are substantial, so smaller portions might be appropriate after a big meal. But who am I kidding? Everyone will want a full-sized piece once they see this beauty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead
This dessert actually improves with time! Make it up to 2 days ahead and keep refrigerated. The flavors meld together beautifully, and the texture gets even more luscious. If you’re planning for a special occasion, I highly recommend making it the day before.
Storage
Store leftover cheesecake squares in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Place parchment paper between layers if you need to stack them to prevent sticking.
Freezing
These cheesecake squares freeze beautifully! Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Having a stash of these in your freezer is like having a dessert emergency fund – you never know when you’ll need a spectacular sweet treat!
Thawing
Thaw frozen pieces overnight in the refrigerator, or for about 2 hours at room temperature. If you’re really in a hurry, a 30-second zap in the microwave will do the trick, but be careful not to melt the cheesecake completely.
FAQs
Can I use a different candy bar instead of Milky Way?
Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with Snickers, Twix, or even Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Each candy will give the cheesecake its own unique flavor profile. I’ve made it with a combination of leftover Halloween candy before, and it was a huge hit! Just make sure to chop them into small enough pieces so they’ll distribute evenly.
My cheesecake cracked on top. Did I do something wrong?
Not at all! Cheesecakes sometimes crack, but the wonderful thing about this recipe is that any cracks will be covered with caramel sauce and candy pieces. If you’re concerned about cracks, you can bake it in a water bath – place the pan in a larger pan filled with about an inch of hot water before putting it in the oven. But honestly, with all those delicious toppings, no one will ever notice!
Can I make this recipe with a homemade brownie base instead of a mix?
Yes, your favorite homemade brownie recipe will work beautifully! Just prepare the batter as you normally would and follow the same layering instructions. If your brownie recipe typically requires a different baking time than what’s on the box mix, you might need to adjust the overall baking time slightly. Just keep an eye on it and use the jiggle test for the cheesecake layer to determine when it’s done.
How far in advance can I make this for a party?
This is a perfect make-ahead dessert! You can prepare it up to 2 days before your event and keep it refrigerated. In fact, the flavors develop and improve after a day in the refrigerator. Just add the final garnishes right before serving for the freshest presentation. If you need to make it even further ahead, you can freeze the uncut cheesecake for up to a month – just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake
Equipment
- 9×13 Baking Dish
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base
- 1 box brownie mix prepared according to package instructions
For the Cheesecake Layer
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg lightly beaten
For the Toppings
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 4 bars Milky Way candy bars chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven according to the brownie mix instructions and prepare a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper or non-stick spray.
- Prepare the brownie batter according to package instructions and spread it evenly in the baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add sugar and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and mix until smooth.
- Mix in the egg until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Carefully spread the cheesecake mixture over the brownie layer, smoothing it out evenly.
- Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer in a zigzag pattern.
- Sprinkle half of the chopped Milky Way bars evenly over the top.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the brownie layer is set and the cheesecake layer is just slightly jiggly in the center.
- Cool completely before adding the remaining caramel sauce and Milky Way pieces on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight before slicing and serving.