Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies 🍫🍰✨

🍽️ Tip: These Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies are the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves a sweet, decadent dessert! Combining a rich, fudgy brownie base with a creamy cheesecake layer, gooey caramel sauce, and the delicious crunch of Milky Way bars, these brownies are a must-try. Each piece contains around 350-400 calories, making it a perfect treat for a special occasion or when you want to satisfy your sweet tooth. Best served chilled or at room temperature for the full melt-in-your-mouth experience.

🌟 Ingredients:

For the Brownie Base:

• 1 box brownie mix (plus ingredients needed per package instructions) 📦

For the Cheesecake Layer:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar 🍚

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🍦

• 1 egg 🥚

For the Topping:

• 1 cup caramel sauce 🍮

• 6 Milky Way bars, chopped 🍫

📝 Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brownie Base:

   • Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on the brownie mix package (usually 350°F or 175°C).

   • Grease and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal of the brownies once baked.

   • Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions, adding the required eggs, oil, and water. Mix until smooth.

   • Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly across the bottom. Bake according to the package instructions, usually for about 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool while you prepare the cheesecake layer.

2. Make the Cheesecake Layer:

   • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and egg, and beat again until well combined.

   • Once the brownie base has cooled slightly, spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the top of the brownies, covering the entire surface.

3. Bake the Cheesecake Brownies:

   • Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and lightly golden around the edges. The center should still be slightly jiggly.

   • Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before adding the caramel and Milky Way topping.

4. Prepare the Caramel and Milky Way Topping:

   • Once the brownies have cooled, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake layer, spreading it out evenly.

   • Sprinkle the chopped Milky Way bars generously over the caramel topping. You can add as many or as few as you like for that extra layer of chocolatey goodness!

5. Chill and Serve:

   • Refrigerate the brownies for at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled and set. This helps the layers firm up and makes the brownies easier to cut into squares.

   • Once chilled, slice into squares or bars and serve!

🍦 Serving Suggestion: These brownies are best served chilled for a rich, creamy experience. For extra indulgence, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce on top.

💡 Energy-saving Tip: To save energy, consider using a countertop convection oven or toaster oven for smaller batches, as they heat up faster and consume less power. You can also prepare the cheesecake layer while the brownies bake to save time.

💡 Nutritional Benefits and Considerations:

• Beneficial For: These brownies are a perfect treat for chocolate and caramel lovers. They offer a satisfying mix of flavors and textures—from the fudgy brownie base to the creamy cheesecake filling and caramel topping.

• Not Suitable For: Individuals with dairy or gluten sensitivities should avoid this dessert. The caramel and chocolate make this a high-sugar dessert, so those monitoring their sugar intake should enjoy it in moderation.

💡 Additional Tips:

• For a fun variation, you can swap the Milky Way bars with other candy bars like Snickers or Twix for a different twist.

• If you prefer a more intense caramel flavor, you can make homemade caramel sauce using sugar, butter, and cream for a richer taste.