If you are a fan of fudgy brownies and the gooey, caramel-filled delight of Milky Way bars, then you are absolutely going to love this Milky Way Brownies Recipe. It’s an irresistible mash-up that brings the chewy, rich chocolate and creamy caramel of Milky Ways right into the heart of a classic brownie. This dessert is perfect for those moments when you want something a little extra special but quick enough to whip up on a whim. Each bite boasts a delightful mix of textures and flavors that feel indulgent yet comforting—trust me, these brownies have a way of making any day better.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the rich texture and decadent taste of these brownies.
- Brownie mix: The base that guarantees chocolatey goodness with fudgy texture without the fuss of measuring cocoa and flour.
- Eggs (3): They bind the batter and add moisture to keep the brownies dense but tender.
- Oil (1/3 cup): Adds richness and keeps the brownies moist and soft.
- Milk (1 cup): Helps create a smooth batter and blends all flavors perfectly.
- Mini or snack size Milky Way bars: These are the star attraction, adding chewy caramel and nougat pockets throughout the brownies.
- Caramel sauce/topping (1 jar): Layers in gooey, luscious caramel that’s pure indulgence.
- Chocolate frosting (homemade or store-bought): A luscious finishing layer that pulls everything together with an extra hit of chocolate.
How to Make Milky Way Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Brownie Batter
Start by combining the brownie mix, eggs, oil, and milk in the mixing bowl of your stand mixer. Blend everything until smooth, then crank the mixer to high for one minute to get that perfect, velvety batter. This step ensures your brownies will have the ideal consistency—moist but not too wet.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Pan
Line a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. This makes it easier to lift the brownies out once baked and keeps the edges clean. Pour half of your brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan—this forms the sturdy first layer that will hold all the delicious toppings.
Step 3: Add the Caramel Layer
Drizzle half of the jar of caramel sauce evenly over the brownie batter. That rich caramel will melt into the brownie base while baking, bringing those sweet, buttery notes that make this recipe stand out.
Step 4: Sprinkle the Milky Way Bars
Break up about half of your Milky Way bars into bite-sized chunks and spread them evenly on top of the caramel layer. The candy bars create delightful pockets of chewy nougat and caramel that beep up the classic brownie experience.
Step 5: Top with Remaining Batter and Bake
Pour the remaining brownie batter over the Milky Way pieces, making sure it’s spread evenly. Follow the baking time as stated on your brownie mix package—usually around 25 minutes. The brownies should come out gooey yet baked through.
Step 6: Prepare the Milky Way Topping
While your brownies bake, open the rest of the Milky Way bars and break them in half. This will be used after baking to decorate and add texture to your finished brownies.
Step 7: Cool the Brownies
Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and transfer the pan to a wire rack. Cooling completely is important because it helps the layers set and makes spreading the frosting easier without melting.
Step 8: Frost and Garnish
After the brownies have cooled, spread a thick layer of chocolate frosting evenly on top. Then press the broken Milky Way halves into the frosting for a decorative and tasty crown on your masterpiece. Cut into 3×2 inch pieces, and get ready to enjoy a truly indulgent treat!
How to Serve Milky Way Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
To give your Milky Way Brownies Recipe an extra festive touch, consider sprinkling some extra chopped nuts, sea salt flakes, or a light drizzle of caramel or chocolate syrup on top. These little additions highlight the chocolate and caramel flavors, while also adding a nice crunch or hint of saltiness that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
These brownies are decadently rich, so pairing them with something light like fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream works beautifully. The cool creaminess of ice cream contrasts the warm caramel and chocolate, making each bite feel like a mini dessert symphony.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the brownies in small ramekins or as a part of a dessert platter alongside different candies and nuts. You could even cut squares and stack them between layers of whipped cream and fruit for a show-stopping brownie trifle. Presentation can make your Milky Way Brownies Recipe feel like a special occasion anytime!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Milky Way Brownies left (which might be hard!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and moist while preserving all the gooey layers and chocolatey richness.
Freezing
You can freeze these brownies to enjoy later. Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, pop your brownie in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This will slightly melt the caramel and chocolate frosting again, delivering a lovely warm bite that tastes just as incredible as the first day.
FAQs
Can I use homemade brownie batter instead of mix?
Absolutely! If you prefer making brownie batter from scratch, go for it. Just make sure the batter isn’t too thin; a thicker consistency will better support the Milky Way pieces and caramel layers.
What kind of caramel sauce works best?
Using a good quality caramel sauce or topping with a thick but pourable texture works best. It should be sweet and buttery without being too runny or too stiff for easy layering.
Can I substitute Milky Way bars with a different candy?
You can experiment with other caramel and chocolate-filled candies like Snickers or Twix, but keep in mind each has a slightly different texture and sweetness that will change the final flavor profile.
Is it necessary to cool the brownies before frosting?
Yes, cooling completely is key to preventing the frosting from melting into the brownies. Patience here means a neater finish and a better texture overall.
How do I prevent the brownies from being too gooey?
Make sure to follow baking times carefully and allow proper cooling. Using the right amount of caramel and Milky Way pieces also helps—too much can make the brownies overly soft.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that effortlessly combines classic brownie goodness with the delightful chew and caramel richness of Milky Way bars, this Milky Way Brownies Recipe is your new best friend. It’s fun to make, sure to impress, and so darn tasty. Next time you want to treat yourself or surprise your loved ones, whip up a batch and watch these brownies disappear faster than you can say “yum.”
Print
Milky Way Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 9 brownies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Milky Way Brownies are a decadent dessert that combines rich, fudgy brownie layers with gooey caramel and mini Milky Way candy bars both baked inside and used as a topping. The brownies are topped with luscious chocolate frosting and extra Milky Way pieces, creating a delightful treat perfect for any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 box Brownie mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup milk
Fillings and Toppings
- 1 package mini or snack size Milky Way candy bars (about 10–12 bars)
- 1 jar (about 12 oz) Caramel Sauce/Topping
- Chocolate frosting (homemade or store-bought, enough to spread on a 9×9 inch pan of brownies)
Instructions
- Mix the Brownie Batter: In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer, combine the brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk. Mix until all ingredients are well blended, then increase the speed to high and mix for 1 full minute to ensure a smooth batter.
- Prepare the Pan: Line the bottom of a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier. Pour half of the prepared brownie batter evenly into the pan.
- Add Caramel Layer: Pour half of the caramel sauce evenly over the brownie batter layer to create a rich, gooey middle layer.
- Sprinkle Milky Way Bars: Break up about half of the mini Milky Way bars into small pieces and sprinkle them evenly over the caramel layer for added texture and chocolate-caramel flavor.
- Top with Remaining Batter: Carefully pour the remaining half of the brownie batter over the Milky Way pieces, spreading gently to cover them. Bake in a preheated oven according to the brownie mix package instructions (typically 25 minutes) or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Prepare Extra Milky Way Bars: While the brownies bake, break the remaining Milky Way bars in half and set aside for topping after baking.
- Cool the Brownies: Remove the brownies from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack. Allow the brownies to cool completely to room temperature so the frosting will spread smoothly without melting.
- Frost and Decorate: Once cool, spread an even layer of chocolate frosting over the brownies. Press the reserved broken Milky Way bars into the frosting for a decorative and tasty finish. Cut into 3×2 inch pieces, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Using parchment paper makes it much easier to lift the brownies from the pan for cleaner cutting.
- You can use homemade chocolate frosting or a store-bought tub for convenience.
- Ensure brownies are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting and sliding of the frosting.
- For a more intense chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate caramel sauce and rich chocolate frosting.
- Storage: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
