Galaxy Caramel Brownies

Prepare to embark on a delectable journey with these incredibly rich and satisfying Milky Way Brownies! Imagine the iconic candy bar – with its harmonious blend of creamy chocolate nougat, luscious caramel, and smooth milk chocolate – transformed into a fudgy, multi-layered brownie masterpiece. These aren’t just any ordinary brownies; they are a celebration of indulgence, crafted for those who truly appreciate the art of caramel and chocolate confectionery. If you’re a devoted caramel enthusiast, these decadent brownies are designed to captivate your taste buds from the very first bite.

My quest for the ultimate caramel brownie led me to create this recipe, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. My book club friends, known for their discerning palates, were absolutely captivated by these extraordinary treats, proclaiming them “out of this world.” Whether you’re planning for a special occasion, a gathering of loved ones, or simply craving a luxurious dessert, these layered caramel brownies are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression and satisfy even the most intense sweet tooth.

Three decadent Milky Way Brownies artfully arranged on a pristine white ceramic tray, showcasing their irresistible layers of chocolate and caramel.

Why These Layered Caramel Brownies Are a Must-Bake Indulgence

There are countless reasons why these extraordinary Milky Way Brownies deserve a prime spot in your baking repertoire. Beyond their stunning appearance, their flavor profile and practical advantages make them an absolute essential for any dessert lover:

An Authentic Candy Bar Experience: If you adore the classic Milky Way Candy Bar’s perfect symphony of chewy chocolate nougat, rich caramel, and smooth milk chocolate coating, then these brownies are your dream come true. Each layer is meticulously designed to replicate those beloved flavors and textures, ensuring an authentic and deeply satisfying experience with every mouthful.
Effortless Caramel Perfection: Forget the complexities of making caramel from scratch! This recipe brilliantly simplifies the process by utilizing good quality store-bought soft caramels. Simply melt them with a touch of heavy cream, and you’ll achieve a silky-smooth, perfectly gooey caramel layer that tastes homemade without the fuss. This ingenious shortcut saves significant time and effort, allowing you to focus on assembling your layered masterpiece.
Generous Portions for Any Crowd: These brownies are incredibly rich and satisfying, meaning a small slice goes a long way. While a standard 9×13-inch pan typically yields around 24 servings, the intense flavor and decadent nature of these Milky Way Brownies allow for smaller cuts, easily serving 48 people. This makes them an ideal choice for large gatherings, holiday parties, or any occasion where you need to feed a crowd without compromising on quality or indulgence. They are a cost-effective and delicious solution for satisfying many sweet cravings.
A Truly Decadent Treat: Sometimes, you just need to spoil yourself (or someone special!). For me, caramel reigns supreme over fudge or plain chocolate toppings on ice cream. While I usually pick caramel, combining both is truly a spectacular idea. So, when Mother’s Day arrived, I decided to craft a dessert just for me, a tribute to being the mom in the household! A layered dessert bursting with chocolate and caramel, like these Milky Way Brownies, was the perfect choice. And I knew my own mother, a connoisseur of fine sweets, would wholeheartedly approve of this exquisite creation.

Essential Ingredients for Your Milky Way Brownies

Crafting these exceptional brownies begins with selecting the right ingredients. While many items are common pantry staples, paying attention to a few specifics will elevate your final product from good to truly extraordinary. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why:

Pantry Staples: Gather your foundational baking items, including Granulated Sugar, All-Purpose Flour, fine Table Salt, and neutral-flavored Vegetable Oil. These form the base of your fudgy brownie layer.
Baking Powder: Crucially, this recipe calls for baking powder, not baking soda. Baking powder helps give the brownies a slight lift and tender texture. Always check the expiration date on your baking powder before you begin; it typically has a shelf life of 6 months to a year once opened, and stale powder won’t activate properly.
Eggs: I consistently use large eggs for my baking unless explicitly stated otherwise. They provide essential structure, moisture, and richness to the brownie batter.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient is vital for creating luxurious, smooth layers of both the nougat and caramel. Opt for heavy cream with at least 36% butterfat content for the best texture and richest flavor. Do not substitute with lighter creams or milk, as they lack the necessary fat for optimal results.
Butter: For the brownie base, I prefer using salted butter. The subtle saltiness perfectly complements the sweetness of the chocolate. If you only have unsalted butter, you may wish to add a tiny pinch more salt to the brownie batter to balance the flavors.
Vanilla Extract: Never compromise on flavor by using imitation vanilla. Invest in good quality pure vanilla extract; its complex, aromatic notes will significantly enhance the overall taste of your brownies.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Quality chocolate makes a difference. For a rich, balanced chocolate flavor that isn’t overly sweet, I typically keep Ghirardelli semi-sweet chocolate chips on hand. Their consistent melt and delicious taste are perfect for both the nougat and ganache layers.
Marshmallow Creme: The secret to the airy, chewy nougat layer is Marshmallow Creme. I find that Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme delivers the ideal texture and sweetness for this component.
Cocoa Powder: For an intense chocolate flavor in your brownies, use good quality cocoa powder. It’s essential to sift it first to remove any lumps, ensuring a smooth, even brownie batter without pockets of dry cocoa.
Soft Caramel Candy: This is where the magic of easy caramel comes in. I highly recommend using Werther’s brand soft caramels for their rich flavor and smooth melting consistency. For this recipe, you’ll need approximately three 5.5-ounce bags, or about one pound of unwrapped caramels.

A perfectly stacked duo of Milky Way Brownies rests on a pristine white plate, highlighting their distinct, delicious layers.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Perfect Milky Way Brownies

While these brownies involve multiple layers and a few bowls, the effort is undeniably worth it for such a special, show-stopping treat. Each layer builds upon the last, creating a symphony of textures and flavors reminiscent of your favorite candy bar. Follow these detailed steps to ensure perfection:

Bake the Fudgy Brownie Base: Begin by preparing your classic fudgy brownie layer. Carefully mix your dry and wet ingredients until just combined, being mindful not to overmix, which can lead to tough brownies. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan. The key to perfect brownies is not to overbake them; start checking for doneness with a toothpick about 5 minutes before the suggested baking time. The toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter, for a truly fudgy center. Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. This is a critical step, as attempting to add subsequent layers to warm brownies will result in a melty mess.
Create the Silky Chocolate Nougat Layer: This layer mimics the iconic chocolate nougat of a Milky Way bar. First, gently melt your semi-sweet chocolate chips with a portion of heavy cream until smooth and glossy. You can do this in a microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently, or over a double boiler. Once the chocolate is melted, stir in the marshmallow cream until it’s fully incorporated and the mixture is uniform and sticky. This marshmallow cream gives the nougat its distinctive chewy, airy texture. PRO-Tip: The nougat layer can be quite sticky! Use a greased offset spatula to effortlessly spread this fluffy layer evenly over your completely cooled brownie base. Once spread, place the pan in the refrigerator to chill and set the nougat layer firmly.
Prepare the Luscious Caramel Layer: Next, it’s time for the irresistible caramel. In a microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, combine your unwrapped soft caramels with the remaining heavy cream. Heat gently, stirring frequently, until the caramels are completely melted and the mixture is smooth and pourable. This may take a little longer than melting chocolate, so be patient and stir well to prevent scorching. As soon as the caramel is ready, immediately drizzle it over the chilled chocolate nougat layer. Working quickly, use your greased offset spatula to spread the warm caramel into an even, consistent layer before it starts to set. Return the pan to the refrigerator once more to allow the caramel to firm up properly.
Finish with a Glossy Chocolate Ganache Topping: The final layer is a smooth, rich chocolate ganache that provides a beautiful finish and echoes the chocolate coating of the candy bar. Melt your remaining semi-sweet chocolate chips with the vegetable oil until perfectly smooth and fluid. The oil helps create a glossy finish and prevents the chocolate from becoming too hard when chilled. Pour this luxurious chocolate topping over the firm caramel layer and spread it gently with an offset spatula. For an elegant touch, you can use a cake frosting comb or the back of a spoon to create decorative patterns in the ganache, or simply leave it plain and smooth. Chill the brownies one last time for at least two hours (or preferably longer) to ensure all layers are well-set and easy to slice.

Expert Tips for Serving and Storing Your Decadent Brownies

These multi-layered Milky Way Brownies are a showstopper, but their gooey nature requires a few expert tips to ensure they are served and enjoyed at their best. Proper handling will make all the difference in presentation and taste:

Optimal Slicing for Gooey Layers: Due to the soft and sticky nature of the nougat and caramel layers, these brownies are best sliced when thoroughly chilled. Before cutting, ensure the entire pan has been in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or even overnight, until all layers are firm. For the cleanest cuts, use a large, sharp knife that has been dipped in very hot water and then wiped completely dry between each slice. This technique helps the knife glide through the sticky layers without dragging or tearing.
Serve Chilled and Promptly: These brownies are best served directly from the refrigerator. The caramel layer, in particular, will begin to soften and ooze at room temperature, especially on a warm day. If you’re serving them at a party, cut them just before your guests arrive and keep them chilled until it’s time to enjoy.
Portion Control is Key: These brownies are incredibly rich, indulgent, and satisfying. Therefore, serve small slices! Their intense flavor means a little goes a long way, and your guests can always come back for a second, modest portion if they desire more of this chocolate and caramel heaven.
Garnish Not Needed: With their beautiful, distinct layers of rich chocolate, fluffy nougat, and golden caramel, these brownies are visually stunning on their own. There’s absolutely no need for additional garnishes; their natural elegance speaks for itself.
Storage Perfection: To maintain their freshness and structural integrity, store any leftover Milky Way Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Two exquisitely crafted Milky Way Brownies resting on a square white plate, perfectly displaying their rich, layered composition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Milky Way Brownies

What exactly is in a classic Milky Way Candy Bar?

The iconic Milky Way Bar features a generous, thick layer of fluffy chocolate nougat, topped with a delicate yet rich layer of gooey caramel, all enrobed in a smooth coating of milk chocolate. Our brownies aim to capture this exact flavor and texture profile in a delightful baked form.

What defines nougat, especially in candy bars?

Nougat, pronounced NOO-guht, has different forms. In Southern Europe, it’s traditionally a confection made from sugar or honey, roasted nuts, and sometimes candied fruit. However, the nougat found in popular American and UK candy bars, like the Milky Way, is typically a softer, aerated confection. It’s primarily made with sucrose and corn syrup, lightened and given its characteristic chewiness by whipping agents such as egg whites. This creates a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that is distinct from its European counterpart.

What’s the best technique for neatly slicing these gooey brownies?

Slicing gooey, multi-layered brownies can be tricky, but with the right method, you’ll achieve perfect squares every time. First, always line your baking pan with nonstick foil, leaving an overhang on the sides. This allows you to easily lift the entire slab of brownies out of the pan once chilled. Next, it’s crucial to chill the brownies thoroughly in the refrigerator until the caramel and nougat layers are completely firm—ideally for at least 2-3 hours. Once firm, lift the brownies onto a cutting board using the foil overhang. Due to the sticky nature of the caramel and marshmallow fluff, the best way to slice them is while they are very cold. Use a long, sharp chef’s knife that has been dipped in hot water and then wiped completely dry. Reheat and wipe the knife after every few cuts to prevent sticking and ensure clean, precise edges. This simple trick makes an enormous difference!

Can I make these Milky Way Brownies ahead of time?

Absolutely! These brownies are an excellent make-ahead dessert, making them perfect for parties and gatherings. You can prepare them up to 2-3 days in advance. Simply follow all the steps, allowing them to chill thoroughly. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In fact, chilling them overnight often enhances the set of the layers and makes them even easier to slice, resulting in a more polished presentation.

Are there any substitutions I can make for the ingredients?

While the recipe is optimized for the best results, minor substitutions can sometimes work. For chocolate chips, other good quality semi-sweet brands will work if Ghirardelli is unavailable. For caramels, any brand of soft, chewy caramels will generally melt down well, but taste can vary. Do not substitute heavy cream for lighter dairy products, as the fat content is crucial for the layers’ texture. For the brownie base, avoiding substitutions will ensure the fudgiest result.

Explore More Decadent Dessert Recipes

If you’ve fallen in love with the rich flavors of chocolate and caramel in these Milky Way Brownies, you’re in for a treat! Here are more delightful recipes that explore the glorious combination of these ingredients, as well as other irresistible desserts that are sure to satisfy your sweet cravings:

Homemade Chocolate Caramels: Indulge in the rich, chewy goodness of classic chocolate caramels, a perfect bite-sized treat.
Velvety Cream Caramels: Discover the simple elegance of homemade cream caramels, a smooth and buttery delight.
Milky Way Cookies: If you adore the candy bar, these cookies offer a delightful twist, blending its flavors into a chewy cookie form.
Creamy Milky Way Fudge: Experience the richness of Milky Way in a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth square, perfect for gifting or sharing.
Delectable Chocolate Caramel Streusel Bars: Enjoy layers of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a buttery streusel topping in these irresistible bars.
More of the Best Dessert Recipes: Dive into a curated collection of top-rated dessert recipes, guaranteed to inspire your next baking adventure.

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The Recipe:

Milky Way Brownies Recipe

Prep Time
30 minutes

Cook Time
40 minutes

Total Time
1 hour 10 minutes

Yield
36 brownies

These layered brownies expertly mimic the rich and delightful flavors of classic Milky Way candy bars, creating a truly decadent dessert experience.

Ingredients

For the Brownie Base:

½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup all-purpose flour
⅔ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted)
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, melted
2 cups granulated sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Nougat Fluff Layer:

2 cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons heavy cream
2 cups Marshmallow Creme (from two 7-ounce jars)

For the Luscious Caramel Layer:

1 pound soft caramel candies (unwrapped – approximately three 5.5-ounce bags of Werther’s Original Chewy Caramels recommended)
3 tablespoons heavy cream

For the Glossy Chocolate Topping:

2 cups (12 ounces) semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Instructions

Prepare Pan & Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick foil, ensuring there’s an overhang on the sides for easy removal, and set aside.
Mix Brownie Batter: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, sifted cocoa powder, baking powder, eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat until all ingredients are just combined and smooth.
Bake Brownies: Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the edges of the brownies begin to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Allow the brownies to cool completely on a wire rack.
Create Fluff Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 cups of chocolate chips with 3 tablespoons of cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until the mixture is smooth and melted (about 1-2 minutes total). Stir in the marshmallow creme until fully combined. Spread this sticky fluff layer evenly over the cooled brownies using a greased offset spatula. Chill the pan in the refrigerator.
Prepare Caramel Layer: In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the unwrapped caramels with 3 tablespoons of cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the caramels are completely melted and smooth (this may take 2-4 minutes). Drizzle the warm caramel over the chilled fluff layer, then quickly spread it into an even layer with a greased offset spatula. Return the pan to the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the final chocolate layer.
Add Chocolate Topping & Chill: In a third microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining 2 cups of chocolate chips with the vegetable oil until smooth. Pour this chocolate topping over the firm caramel layer and spread evenly with an offset spatula. Chill the brownies in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until all layers are well set. For the cleanest slices, use a sharp knife dipped in very hot water and wiped dry before each cut. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

Notes

The brownie layer of this recipe has been adapted from a classic Hershey’s recipe, ensuring a consistently fudgy and delicious base.

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