Milky Way Brownies - Better than the Candy - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (2024)

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posted by Liz Berg

on April 4, 2024

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Milky Way Brownies are perfect for the caramel lovers you know! The flavors of the classic candy bar are transformed into decadent brownies!

These Caramel Brownies are out of this world and my book club friends went crazy for them!!

Milky Way Brownies - Better than the Candy - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (1)

Table of Contents hide

1 Why You Must Make

2 Ingredient Notes:

3 How to Make

4 Tips for Serving

5 Frequently Asked Questions

6 You May Also Like:

7 Milky Way Brownies Recipe

Why You Must Make

If you love Milky Way Candy Bars with their tasty combination of chocolate nougat, caramel, and milk chocolate, these brownies will win you over with your first bite.
There is no need to make homemade caramel! Just melt good quality storebought caramels with some cream and you’re set!
You only need a small slice to get your fix, so this is a perfect recipe for when you need to serve a crowd. Normally, a 9 x 13-inch pan will serve 24, but this recipe should serve 48!

The hubby doesn’t go ape for caramel as I do. I’ll always pick caramel sauce to drizzle on top of my vanilla ice cream over fudge or chocolate. Every single time. Though using BOTH fudge and caramel toppings is a spectacular idea. So when Mother’s Day rolled around, I figured I could make a treat just for me. I AM the mom in the household, so why not? And a dessert with chocolate and caramel-like these Milky Way Brownies would be ideal. And I know my mom would approve of these, too.

Ingredient Notes:

Pantry Staples – Table Salt, Sugar, All-Purpose Flour, Vegetable Oil
Baking powder – NOT baking soda. Baking powder often expires in your pantry. Check the expiration date before starting the recipe. Its lifespan is 6 months to a year.
Eggs – I use large eggs unless otherwise stated
Heavy Cream – Should have 36% butterfat
Butter – I used salted butter
Vanilla Extract – Never use imitation vanilla flavoring. The flavor is inferior.
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – I typically keep Ghiradelli chocolate chips on hand
Marshmallow Creme – I use Kraft Jet-Puffed Marshmallow Creme
Cocoa Powder – Make sure to sift first
Soft Caramel Candy – I use Werther’s brand soft caramels. I used 3 5.5-ounce bags.

Milky Way Brownies - Better than the Candy - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (2)

How to Make

There will be a lot of bowls to wash, but for a special treat, they’re worth the effort. Here are the layers:

First, make the brownies. Be careful not to overbake by checking with a toothpick about 5 minutes before you think they’ll be done. Cool completely.
Next, make the chocolate nougat by first melting the chocolate chips with the cream, then mixing in the marshmallow cream. PRO-Tip: use a greased offset spatula to spread the sticky fluff over the brownies. Chill.
Then, melt the caramels with the cream, drizzle over the nougat, and spread quickly with a greased offset spatula. Chill to let the caramel firm up.
Make the ganache with chocolate chips and oil. Spread over the caramel. You may use a cake frosting tool to make a pattern in the ganache or keep the top plain.

Tips for Serving

Cut these right before you plan to serve them and keep them chilled. The caramel starts to ooze after they are placed on a serving tray!
Serve small slices as they are extremely rich! You can always go back for seconds.
No need to garnish as these are pretty enough on their own!

Milky Way Brownies - Better than the Candy - That Skinny Chick Can Bake (3)

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s in a Milky Way Candy Bar?

A Milky Way Bar has a thick layer of chocolate nougat with a thin layer of caramel on top and coated in milk chocolate.

What is Nougat?

The nougat (pronounced NOO-guht) that’s popular in southern Europe is a confection made of sugar, roasted nuts, and sometimes candied fruit. But in the US and UK, the nougat found in candy bars is made of sucrose and corn syrup and aerated with a whipping agent like egg whites.

What’s the Best Way to Slice Gooey Brownies?

First, line your baking pan with nonstick foil so they release easily from the pan. Then, before you slice them, pop the pan into the refrigerator until the caramel layer gets firm.
Next, remove the brownies, using the foil, to a cutting board. Due to the sticky nature of the caramel and fluff layers, it’s best to slice while they are chilled with a hot, dry knife. Wipe off and reheat the knife frequently.

Milky Way Brownies Recipe

Prep Time30 minutes

Cook Time40 minutes

Total Time1 hour 10 minutes

Yield36 brownies

Layered brownies mimicking delicious Milky Way candy bars

Ingredients

Brownies

½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
2 eggs
½ cup cream
1 cup flour
⅔ cup cocoa (sifted)
1 cup 2 sticks butter, melted
2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla

Chocolate Fluff Layer

2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons cream
2 cups Marshmallow Creme (I used 2 7-ounce jars)

Caramel Layer

1 pound caramels (unwrapped (I used three 5.5 ounce bag Werther's Original Chewy Caramels))
3 tablespoons cream

Chocolate Topping

2 cups (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
2 teaspoons vegetable oil

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 9 x 13 pan with nonstick foil and set aside.
Mix butter, sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, eggs, cream, and vanilla in a large bowl; beat until combined. Spread batter in prepared pan.
Bake for 35 minutes or until brownies begin to pull away from the sides of the pan. Cool completely.
Make the fluff layer by melting chocolate chips in the microwave with cream. Zap for about a minute, stir, then continue microwaving and stirring at 15-30 second increments till chips are melted and the mixture is smooth. Stir in marshmallow creme until well combined. Spread over cooled brownies.
Make the caramel layer by melting caramels with cream in the same manner as for chocolate chips. It will take a little longer to melt the caramels. Drizzle over the fluff layer then spread into an even layer. Chill while making the chocolate layer.
Make the chocolate topping by melting chocolate chips with oil in the microwave till smooth. Pour over caramel and spread with an offset spatula. Chill at least 2 hours before cutting (use a knife dipped in very hot water, then dry to cut). Chill until ready to serve.

Notes

Brownie layer adapted from Hershey's.

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70 Comments on “Milky Way Brownies”

Judee gluten free A-Z Blog — April 9, 2024 @ 11:32 pm Reply

OMG! How decadent are these and I do love Milky Ways !! Such a delicious dessert.
Sara — June 18, 2021 @ 1:54 pm Reply

Could ganache be used instead of chocolate and oil for the top layer??
- Liz Berg — June 18, 2021 @ 3:40 pm Reply
  
  Hi, Sara. Yes, definitely! Just make sure it’s thick enough to be a good topping 🙂
Andrea — June 12, 2021 @ 2:32 pm Reply

Dear Liz, what a wonderful decadent dessert treat – love the combination of chocolate and caramel – they look way better and much more delicious than the “original”.
Valentina — June 7, 2021 @ 4:06 pm Reply

These look absolutely incredible, Liz! The jumped out at me on FB and now I want to jump into my computer. I’d take this over the candy bar any day — for one thing, the serving sizes are bigger. 😀 ~Valentina
Ben | Havocinthekitchen — June 6, 2021 @ 8:31 am Reply

I haven’t had a Milky Wag bar for ages (Seriously, I think at least 15 years!) that I don’t even remember much their taste. So thanks to such a delicious reminder. The brownies look and sound fabulous, and I think you’ve nailed mimicking this chocolate bar!
angiesrecipes — June 6, 2021 @ 1:33 am Reply

Who needs milky way if I could have these brownies?!! They look incredibly delicious, Liz.
stephanie — September 5, 2014 @ 3:47 pm Reply

Is the chocolate fluff layer able to be piped (on a cupcake?)
Liz Berg — July 15, 2014 @ 6:57 am Reply

Sure, feel free to share away! Thank you!!!
Kim — May 19, 2013 @ 11:50 pm Reply

Another winner, Liz! Of all the desserts at the party tonight, this was the tray that vanished first. Thanks for posting!
Diane Balch — May 18, 2013 @ 1:32 pm Reply

I worship carmel also and the rest of my family doesn’t get it… love these brownies. Thanks so much for sharing them with us on foodie friday.
maria @close to home — May 17, 2013 @ 12:07 pm Reply

wow these look absolutely amazing. thanks for linking up to friday food frenzy. Have a great weekend.
Lori @ Foxes Love Lemons — May 16, 2013 @ 9:59 am Reply

These would be perfect in my house, because I love COLD brownies! I know most people like them warm out of the oven, but I don’t. Even just “regular” chocolate brownies – I put them in the fridge and eat them cold 🙂
Renee — May 15, 2013 @ 7:57 pm Reply

What a perfect treat to make for yourself. I’m a big fan of caramel too. I like it on ice cream and lots of other things too. Good thing my husband likes it as much as I do.
Katie — May 15, 2013 @ 4:26 pm Reply

Holy moly. Those are brownie perfection on a plate! I love Milky Ways, but I think I like the idea of eating them in brownie form even more so!
Katy — May 15, 2013 @ 1:42 pm Reply

They are little squares of heaven – and the precision of your layers is amazing!
Nancy @ gottagetbaked — May 15, 2013 @ 12:11 pm Reply

Lizzy, you should be able to have whatever you want, not only on Mother’s Day but everyday! These bars are ohmahgaw amazing. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love chocolate and caramel. I hope you had a fabulous weekend being pampered by your family!
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes — May 14, 2013 @ 9:41 pm Reply

I really need to bake these. They look amazing.
Ramona — May 14, 2013 @ 4:51 pm Reply

Caramel… chocolate… why do you have to choose when you can have both. 🙂 YUM!! These are fantastic and so decadent looking. I hope you had the best Mother’s Day Lizzy…. you deserve it. 🙂
Dorothy at ShockinglyDelicious — May 14, 2013 @ 3:15 pm Reply

Oh yeah, oh yeah. Need. Want. Great recipe for #SundaySupper!
Nami | Just One Cookbook — May 14, 2013 @ 1:53 pm Reply

I didn’t grow up with too many sweets and I’m a late bloomer for caramel love. This looks so good!! Those layers are beautiful…and I’d love to bite into it!
Sandra — May 14, 2013 @ 1:14 pm Reply

Danger Will Robinson!!! I would so hoard these.
Family Foodie — May 14, 2013 @ 11:01 am Reply

That stack of brownies looks incredible! My kids would die for these! We are fans of anything with chocolate and caramel!
steph@stephsbitebybite — May 14, 2013 @ 8:38 am Reply

Want want want!
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. — May 14, 2013 @ 12:44 am Reply

Liz, I can’t even begin to tell you how madly in love I am with these! My favorite candy bar turned into one of my favorite desserts! Just brilliant!
Courtney @ Neighborfood — May 13, 2013 @ 11:09 pm Reply

Oh the gooeyness sounds perfect to me! I think I’d probably leave them out on purpose just to enjoy that melty goodness!
Patti — May 13, 2013 @ 2:55 pm Reply

Those brownies are a work of art Liz! Hope you had a great day!
wok with ray — May 13, 2013 @ 12:18 pm Reply

What a stack of deliciousness and sweetness of those brownies. I hope you had a wonderful mother’s day, Liz! 🙂
Debra — May 13, 2013 @ 11:42 am Reply

Loving this candy bar theme you have going.
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom — May 13, 2013 @ 10:38 am Reply

oh Liz!!
LOVE these brownies!! I am the same way. . give me caramel and more caramel and then some hot fudge! I will definitely be trying this recipe. . brownies are my husband’s favorite!
I hope you had a fabulous mother’s day, Liz!!
Sheila — May 13, 2013 @ 10:21 am Reply

Hokey Smokers! These look amazing.
Victoria B. — May 13, 2013 @ 7:39 am Reply

Those look amazing! I think I am going to have to make this at some get together or another. Who doesn’t love milky way’s and brownies?
foodwanderings — May 13, 2013 @ 7:24 am Reply

I bet you had a wonderful Mother’s Day with these beauties. You always execute your desserts to perfection, Liz.
Medeja — May 13, 2013 @ 6:15 am Reply

I also love caramel 🙂 I would probably double it 😀 wonderful brownies!
Caroline Taylor — May 13, 2013 @ 6:05 am Reply

These sound amazing, you’ve made me so hungry!
Angie@Angie's Recipes — May 13, 2013 @ 12:03 am Reply

So many gorgeous layers! These are rich and irresistible, Liz.
JanetFCTC — May 12, 2013 @ 11:47 pm Reply

Oh my gosh, these look wonderful, Liz!!! This would be an amazing “hide in the closet and eat until I’m sick” sort of treat to make oneself hehe
Hotly Spiced — May 12, 2013 @ 9:21 pm Reply

Lizzy…I’m getting very concerned about your husband because so many of your posts start with telling us how this is something he didn’t like. Is he a very thin man? As for me, I would love these. They look really decadent. We can’t buy that marshmallow stuff here. I wonder if I could substitute actual marshmallows or make my own marshmallow. Hmmm…something to add to the ‘to try’ list xx
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust — May 12, 2013 @ 9:16 pm Reply

These are awesome! I love, love milky way anything!
Annamaria @ Bakewell Junction — May 12, 2013 @ 8:52 pm Reply

Lizzy,
Happy Mother’s Day. I love Milky Way’s and your brownies look delicious!
Annamaria
Jennifer Eloff — May 12, 2013 @ 8:46 pm Reply

Wow, how on earth do you stay so skinny? I could not stop at one! Happy Mother’s Day, Lizzy! 🙂
Yvonne @ bitter baker — May 12, 2013 @ 8:21 pm Reply

I love caramel as well.. Milky way is probably my favorite chocolate bar! I don’t think I’ll have any trouble squeezing down a few of these brownies!
Heather @girlichef — May 12, 2013 @ 7:00 pm Reply

Sheer Decadence – that is all I can say. These are gorgeous!
The Café Sucre Farine — May 12, 2013 @ 6:12 pm Reply

OH MY GOODNESS!!!! I do believe we’re soul-sisters, for sure when it comes to the caramel thing. These look phenomenal Lizzie.
Sarah — May 12, 2013 @ 5:10 pm Reply

Ohhh man I wish I had someone to make this for! I bet its amazing
Tara — May 12, 2013 @ 4:43 pm Reply

Those look like perfection, I am with you on the caramel. My fav!!
Choc Chip Uru — May 12, 2013 @ 4:30 pm Reply

That’s genius my friend, these are my favourite chocolates in the world 🙂
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Bonnie Banters — May 12, 2013 @ 4:07 pm Reply

I’d gladly love to indulge in these decadent brownies for Mother’s Day…Hope your Mother
‘s Day is as spectacular as you and your baking Liz!
Kim @ Soliloquy Of Food & Such — May 12, 2013 @ 3:57 pm Reply

If that skinny chick can bake….then this chubby chick can eat :o)
Pinning – I love Milky Ways!! In Canada they are hard to find, but Canadian Mars bars are the exact same (no nuts in a CA Mars bar…go figure). Stopping by from Mop It Up Monday – have a great week!
Winnie — May 12, 2013 @ 3:43 pm Reply

WOW – these look absolutely GREAT
I’m not familiar with these brownies, and the seem heavenly to me
Pinned
kale — May 12, 2013 @ 3:31 pm Reply

I am firmly in support of caramel AND fudge. 🙂
dedy oktavianus pardede@Dentist_Chef — May 12, 2013 @ 3:29 pm Reply

This is too good to be true…
what a choco overload brownies,
You should publish your recipes Liz
Laura Dembowski — May 12, 2013 @ 3:24 pm Reply

Oh, man, yes to caramel anything and everything! This is such a creative idea. They are so pretty too with all the layers. I know mine would have been all messed up when I cut them, but you did such a perfect job!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) — May 12, 2013 @ 1:56 pm Reply

Sometimes you gotta look at your man and say “I don’t care what you say I’m making what I want!” good job 😛
The Wimpy Vegetarian — May 12, 2013 @ 1:56 pm Reply

What a fantastic idea for a brownie! I love caramel too, and will usually opt for it over most anything else, so these are right up my alley !
Wendy (The Weekend Gourmet) — May 12, 2013 @ 12:47 pm Reply

Lord have mercy…who wouldn’t want a plate of these gorgeous brownies?!?!? Holy yum. You always get such clean cuts on your bars…what’s your secret, Lizzy?
john@kitchenriffs — May 12, 2013 @ 12:42 pm Reply

Gosh, I haven’t thought of Milky Way candy bars in years. It used to be one of my favorites (along with 3 Musketeers). So you know I’m all in when it comes to these brownies. Excellent stuff – thanks.
Soni — May 12, 2013 @ 12:20 pm Reply

Love caramel and these milkyway brownies look absolutely decadent!! All your desserts do 🙂 Happy Mother’s Day Liz 🙂
Cindys Recipes — May 12, 2013 @ 11:26 am Reply

You had me at chocolate fluff! lol
elisabeth@foodandthrift — May 12, 2013 @ 11:16 am Reply

Lizzy, I’m with you…just love caramel toppings, drizzle, and anything that has caramel filling as well!
Your Milky Way inspired brownies look so perfect, creamy, dreamy and totally droolworthy delicious!
A recipe truly inspiring and for keeps…thanks for sharing!
Have a wonderful, and Happy Mother’s Day with your beautiful family! xoxo
anne — May 12, 2013 @ 10:13 am Reply

You go , Boss lol Those fantastic milky way brownies are just a sight for a sore eyes 😉
Happy Mother’s Day , you AWESOME Mom !!!!
gloria — May 12, 2013 @ 10:10 am Reply

Happy mothers day dear Lizzy! This look really delicious and still Im waitingmy breakfast lol:-) 🙂
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers — May 12, 2013 @ 9:41 am Reply

Happy Mother’s Day Liz! Your brownies look incredible! I love milk way and and I would love some of these brownies!
Joana — May 12, 2013 @ 7:24 am Reply

They look really delicious 😀 Here in Portugal our Mother’s Day is always the first Sunday of May, so it was May 5th. But have a wonderful mother’s day 😀
Hezzi-D — May 12, 2013 @ 7:20 am Reply

I’m with you-I go crazy for caramel! Milky Ways are definitely tied with Twix as my favorite candy bar. I can’t even imagine how yummy these are-looking at the picture they look even better then the candy bar!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen — May 12, 2013 @ 6:43 am Reply

These are sensational Liz, and for me the ultimate mix is caramel and chocolate too, can´t be beat! You ARE the best baking mom, you make the best treats! My mom couldn´t bake for her life.
Happier Than A Pig in Mud — May 12, 2013 @ 5:48 am Reply

Wow, they really do look like special brownies! Happy Mother’s Day Liz-enjoy:@)
The Ninja Baker — May 12, 2013 @ 3:38 am Reply

Are these legal, Liz? Oh, my goodness they look perfect!! And I know they are perfectly delicious.
So glad you treated yourself to what you wanted for Mother’s Day =)
You deserve the best!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) — May 12, 2013 @ 2:05 am Reply

These brownies look fabulous, I love the layers. Happy Mother’s Day!
The Farmers Wife — May 12, 2013 @ 2:01 am Reply

Oh my… Milky Ways are my absolute FAVORITE candy bar in the entire world! And this just takes it to a whole new level of awesomeness! Happy Mother’s Day Liz!