Milky Way Brownies are rich, fudgy, and packed with gooey caramel for the ultimate chocolate treat. Perfect for parties or family gatherings, these brownies are easy to make and irresistibly delicious!

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Table of Contents

Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How to Make Milky Way Brownies
Why You'll Love This Milky Way Dessert Recipe
Recipe FAQ
Serving FAQ
Storage FAQ
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Table of Contents

Whip up these rich and decadent Milky Way Brownies for a chocolate lover's dream come true! Each bite is packed with gooey caramel and fudgy goodness, making them irresistible for any occasion. These easy brownies are perfect for bake sales, family gatherings, or just a sweet treat at home. Plus, with Milky Way candy bars baked right in, you’ll get that iconic flavor in every bite.

This recipe is simple to make, and you can follow the guide below. We’ve included step-by-step photos and directions, pro tips, and tricks. Plus, you'll find answers to all the most frequently asked questions!

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These Milky Way Brownies take less than an hour to make, but they deliver a rich, fudgy treat everyone will love. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or family movie nights, these brownies are packed with caramel and chocolate goodness.

The gooey Milky Way candy bars make each bite extra special, and the chewy texture keeps you coming back for more. Try this easy recipe at home and impress your friends with this decadent dessert!

Ingredients

What you'll need to make this Milky Way Dessert recipe:

For The Brownies:

1⅓ cups of all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Hershey’s cocoa powder)
½ teaspoon of salt
1¼ cups of semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup of salted sweet cream butter
⅔ cup of light brown sugar, packed
1 cup of granulated sugar
2 extra-large eggs, room temperature
2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
1¾ cups of unwrapped Milky Way minis

For The Ganache:

½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons of heavy cream
1½ cups of unwrapped Milky Way minis

Substitutions and Additions

Personalize your Milky Way Brownies recipe by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make your brownies uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:

Add Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle in pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture that balances the gooey sweetness of your brownies. These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this recipe using Milky Way candy bars.

Substitute Milky Way Bars: Use Snickers or Twix for a different twist in your Milky Way Brownies.

Substitute Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Try dark chocolate chips for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor in your brownies.

How to Make Milky Way Brownies

Follow along with our step-by-step instructions and pictures to make the perfect Milky Way Brownies. Check out the helpful tips and tricks listed below for extra guidance. Let’s get started and bake something delicious!

For The Brownies

FIRST STEP: Line a small cookie sheet with parchment paper. Unwrap 36 milky way minis candies (approx 1¾ cups). Place them on the cookie sheet and place in the freezer while making the brownie batter.

SECOND STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper or heavy-duty aluminum foil, making sure to leave an overhang to help lift the brownies out of the pan.

Lightly spray the lined baking dish with baking spray. You can use Baker’s Joy or a generic version. Set it aside.

Pro Tip

Lining the pan with parchment paper will allow you to lift the entire baked brownies out of the pan for easier cutting once cooled.

THIRD STEP: Using a small mixing bowl (3-4 cups), whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set dry ingredients aside.

flour, cocoa and slat whisked together in a bowl

FOURTH STEP: Using a medium-sized microwave-safe mixing bowl (2-3 quarts), combine the semisweet chocolate chips and butter.

Microwave for one minute, stir, and heat in 15-second intervals until the mixture is melted and smooth.

chocolate chips and butter mixed in a bowl

FIFTH STEP: Add the light brown and granulated sugars to the chocolate mixture, and continue stirring until incorporated.

brown and white sugar added to the chocolate mixture in a bowl

SIXTH STEP: Stir in the eggs, one at a time, until no egg streaks are visible.

SEVENTH STEP: Stir in the vanilla extract.

EIGHTH STEP: Stir in ½ of the flour mixture at a time. Stir just until all the flour mixture is added, and do not over mix.

Pro Tip

Over mixing the batter can lead to dense brownies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to maintain a fudgy texture.

NINTH STEP: Spoon ½ of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread the batter to the edges of the pan.

TENTH STEP: Remove the Milky Way minis from the freezer and evenly place them on top of the batter.

milky way minis placed over the brownie layer

ELEVENTH STEP: Spoon and spread the remaining batter over the top of the Milky Way minis layer.

Bake brownies for 30–35 minutes (begin checking at the 25-minute mark) until a toothpick inserted comes away clean.

Pro Tip

Oven temperatures vary and may need to be recalibrated periodically to ensure they are accurate. Make sure to check your brownies at the lower end of the recommended bake time.

batter spread over the top of milky way minis

For The Ganache

FIRST STEP: Using a small heat-proof bowl, add the ½ cup semisweet chocolate and heavy cream.

Microwave for 30–40 seconds. Stir until the ganache is smooth.

chocolate and cream in a clear bowl and spoon in it

SECOND STEP: Once the brownies are baked, pour the ganache over the top of the brownies.

Use an offset spatula or silicone spatula to spread the ganache to the edges.

ganache spread over the brownies, with a spatula

THIRD STEP: Evenly space the remaining 1½ cups of Milky Way minis over the top of the ganache. Allow the brownies to cool completely.

FOURTH STEP: Use the parchment paper to lift the brownies from the pan. Use a large sharp kitchen knife to carefully cut four slices x four slices before serving.

Milky Way Brownies stacked on a plate and others cut into pieces

How To Serve Milky Way Brownies

Milky Way Brownies are a crowd-pleasing dessert that works for all kinds of occasions! Whether it's a casual family gathering or a special event, these brownies are perfect. Here are some fun ways to serve them:

Birthday Parties: Kids love these gooey brownies! The mix of caramel and chocolate makes them an instant hit at any party. Pair with ice cream or milkshakes for an extra treat.
Holiday Gatherings: Serve these brownies during the colder months for a cozy dessert. They’re a great addition to any holiday cookie platter or alongside hot cocoa.
Potlucks or Picnics: These brownies are easy to transport, making them perfect for outdoor events. Pair them with fruit salad or lemonade for a balanced snack.

Why You'll Love This Milky Way Dessert Recipe

Milky Way Brownies are a beloved favorite for many reasons. These indulgent treats bring together rich flavors and a fun twist on classic brownies.

A Delicious Chocolate Caramel Combo: This recipe combines fudgy brownies with gooey caramel from the Milky Way bars, creating a dessert that’s irresistible. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of chocolate and caramel, making it a true delight for any chocolate lover.
Simple Yet Impressive: These brownies are easy to make but still look and taste impressive. Whether for a casual gathering or a special event, their decadent flavor and presentation always stand out.
Comfort and Fun in Every Bite: The chewy texture and sweet caramel drizzle evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia. Whether shared with family or enjoyed solo, these brownies offer a delightful, feel-good experience.

A Milky Way Brownie isn't just a dessert—it's a fun and delicious treat that will leave everyone wanting more!

Recipe FAQ

Can I use store-bought brownie mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a store-bought brownie mix to save time, but adding Milky Way bars gives a unique twist.

How do I keep the brownies from sticking to the pan?
Grease your baking pan with butter or non-stick spray, and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Should I freeze the Milky Way bars before baking?
Freezing the Milky Way bars before baking helps prevent them from melting too quickly and keeps their gooey texture.

How do I know when the brownies are fully baked?
Bake the brownies until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.

Milky Way Brownies and a hand holding a slice of it

Serving FAQ

Can I serve Milky Way Brownies warm or cold?
You can serve Milky Way Brownies both warm and cold. Warm brownies offer a gooey, melty chocolate experience.

How should I cut the brownies for serving?
Let the brownies cool completely before cutting. Use a sharp knife for clean slices, wiping the blade between cuts.

What is the best way to present these brownies for a party?
Cut the brownies into small squares and place them on a decorative tray. Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for flair.

Can I top the brownies with anything before serving?
Yes, try topping the brownies with whipped cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, or an extra drizzle of melted chocolate.

Storage FAQ

For the best results, follow the directions below for optimal storage of a Milky Way Brownie. Whether you’re making them ahead, storing leftovers, or reheating, we’ve got you covered with the best tips and tricks!

Can I prepare Milky Way Brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the brownies ahead and store them in an airtight container for up to two days.

What’s the best way to store leftover Milky Way Brownies?
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for up to three days.

Can I freeze Milky Way Brownies?
Yes, wrap the brownies individually in plastic wrap and freeze them in an airtight container for up to one month.

How do I thaw and reheat frozen Milky Way Brownies?
Thaw brownies at room temperature for a few hours, then warm them in the microwave for ten to fifteen seconds.