October 6, 2024
Review RecipeMilky Way Brownies
Milky Way brownies are a decadent fusion of rich chocolate and creamy caramel, delivering the perfect taste experience in every bite for any chocolate lover.
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Our Milky Way brownie recipe takes the familiar flavors of your favorite candy bar and elevates them into a decadent dessert experience. These are not your average chocolate brownies. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of rich, fudgy chocolate, gooey caramel, and the delightful crunch of Milky Way pieces, all topped with a silky homemade chocolate ganache.
Let’s Dish: About These Brownies
Main Ingredients: All-purpose flour, cocoa powder, chocolate chips, butter, sugar, eggs, Milky Way minis.
Quick Steps: Make brownie batter, layer with frozen Milky Way minis, bake, top with chocolate ganache and more Milky Way minis.
Total Time & Yield: 40 minutes total, makes 16 servings.
Why This Recipe
- The balance of flavors and textures in this recipe creates a Milky Way brownie that’s not overly sweet, yet irresistibly rich and indulgent.
- Our version uses fresh brownie batter made from scratch, avoiding boxed mixes that many other recipes rely on.
- Our recipe stands out because layers of chopped Milky Way minis are baked directly into the brownies, giving a rich chocolate-caramel flavor throughout every bite.
- Additionally, the smooth chocolate ganache topping offers a more decadent and polished finish compared to the common caramel drizzle seen in other variations.
Milky Way Brownies Ingredients
Pantry staples work together to create the chocolatey brownie base for this recipe, while the Milky Way minis are the highlight of this confection.
They are a great way to use up leftover Halloween candy and infuse the brownies with nougat, caramel, and chocolate flavors.
The chocolate ganache on top is a simple combination of semi-sweet chocolate chips and cream and is the perfect way to finish this indulgent dessert.
Here’s what you’ll need:
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
COCOA POWDER: For a darker chocolate flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder.
SEMISWEET CHOCOLATE CHIPS: Dark chocolate chips can be used for a more intense chocolate flavor.
LIGHT BROWN SUGAR: Dark brown sugar can be used for a deeper molasses flavor.
VANILLA EXTRACT: Almond or hazelnut extract can be used for a nutty twist.
How To Make This Milky Way Brownies Recipe
Follow these step-by-step instructions to make these delicious brownies. It is easy to mix up the brownie batter and layer it with the Milky Way bars before topping them with the rich chocolate ganache.
For The Brownies
STEP ONE: 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.
STEP TWO: 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. This will allow you to lift the entire baked brownies out of the pan for easier cutting once cooled.
Lightly spray the lined baking dish with baking spray. You can use Baker’s Joy or a generic version.
STEP THREE: Using a small mixing bowl (3-4 cups), whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set dry ingredients aside.
STEP FOUR: 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.
STEP FIVE: Add the light brown and granulated sugars to the chocolate mixture, and continue stirring until incorporated.
STEP SIX: Stir in the eggs, one at a time, until no egg streaks are visible.
STEP SEVEN: Stir in the vanilla extract.
STEP EIGHT: Stir in ½ of the flour mixture at a time. Stir just until all the flour mixture is added, and do not overmix.
Overmixing the batter can lead to dense brownies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to maintain a fudgy texture.
STEP NINE: Spoon ½ of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread the batter to the edges of the pan.
STEP TEN: Remove the Milky Way minis from the freezer and evenly place them on top of the batter.
STEP ELEVEN: 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.
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.
For The Ganache
STEP ONE: 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.
STEP TWO: 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.
STEP THREE: Evenly space the remaining 1½ cups of Milky Way minis over the top of the ganache. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
STEP FOUR: 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.
How To Serve
These brownies are perfect for various occasions. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
Pair them with a big glass of milk, Wendy’s Frosty, or a homemade hot chocolate for a comforting snack.
For a gourmet touch, consider serving them with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt. The possibilities are endless!
MORE BROWNIE RECIPES
If you are looking for more brownie recipes to add a bit of decadence to your day, check out our caramel brownies and coconut brownies too.
Storage
Here are a few handy tips for storing your Milky Way brownies to keep them fresh so that you can enjoy them later.
MAKE AHEAD: This fudgy brownie recipe can be made a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
IN THE FRIDGE: Store the brownies in an airtight container for up to five days.
IN THE FREEZER: For longer storage, wrap these chocolate brownies individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to three months.
REHEATING: Thaw the brownies at room temperature. If desired, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Why We Love This Recipe
TASTE: The combination of rich chocolate and caramel from the Milky Way minis is simply irresistible.
EASE OF PREPARATION: The recipe is straightforward, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
CROWD-PLEASER: These brownies are always a hit, loved by both kids and adults.
Our Milky Way brownies recipe is a delightful fusion of rich chocolate and creamy caramel, making it a favorite for many. Dive into this irresistible treat and experience a burst of flavors with every bite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular-sized Milky Way bars instead of minis?
Yes, just chop the chocolate bars into smaller pieces to mimic the size of the minis.
What can I use if I don’t have parchment paper?
Heavy-duty aluminum foil can be used as a substitute for parchment paper to line the pan.
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet?
Absolutely! It will give your homemade brownies a richer chocolate flavor.
How do I know when the brownies are fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your brownies are finished baking.
What’s the best way to cut the brownies?
Use a sharp kitchen knife and make sure the brownies have cooled completely.
Do I have to use Hershey’s cocoa powder?
Any unsweetened cocoa powder will work for these easy brownies.
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Milky Way Brownies
Milky Way brownies are a decadent fusion of rich chocolate and creamy caramel, delivering the perfect taste experience in every bite for any chocolate lover.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 16
Ingredients
Brownies
- 1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, I used Hershey’s cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1¼ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup salted sweet cream butter
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 extra large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups unwrapped Milky Way minis
Ganache
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1½ cups unwrapped Milky Way minis
Instructions
Brownies
- 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 them in the freezer while making the brownie batter.
- 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 (Baker’s Joy or a generic version). Set it aside.
- Using a small mixing bowl (3-4 cups), whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Set it aside.
- Using a medium-sized microwave-safe mixing bowl (2-3 quarts), combine the semisweet chocolate chips and butter. Microwave for 1 minute, stir, and heat in 15-second intervals until the mixture is melted and smooth.
- Add the light brown and granulated sugars to the chocolate mixture, and continue stirring until incorporated.
- Stir in the eggs, one at a time, until no egg streaks are visible.
- Stir in the vanilla.
- Stir in ½ of the flour mixture at a time. Stir just until all the flour mixture is added, and do not overmix.
- Spoon ½ of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread the batter to the edges of the pan.
- Remove the Milky Way minis from the freezer and evenly place them on top of the batter.
- Spoon and spread the remaining batter over the top of the Milky Way minis layer. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes away clean. (All stoves cook differently, so begin checking at the 25-minute mark)
Ganache
- Using a small heat-safe mixing bowl, add the ½ cup semisweet chocolate and heavy cream. Microwave for 30-40 seconds. Stir until the ganache is smooth.
- 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.
- Evenly space the remaining 1½ cups of Milky Way minis over the top of the ganache. Allow the brownies to cool completely.
- Use the parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the pan. Use a large sharp kitchen knife to carefully cut 4 slices x 4 slices before serving.
Notes
- Lining the pan with parchment paper will allow you to lift the entire baked brownies out of the pan for easier cutting once cooled.
- Overmixing the batter can lead to dense brownies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to maintain a fudgy texture.
- 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.
Nutrition
Calories: 579kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 65mg | Sodium: 260mg | Potassium: 226mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 58g | Vitamin A: 496IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 87mg | Iron: 2mg
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Comments
Maura says
My grandfather’s favorite candy, these brownies were a big hit with him and his sweet tooth! Love this recipe!