Milky Way Caramel Cheesecake Brownies

Ingredients:

For the Brownie Base:

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

½ cup all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon salt

For the Caramel Layer:

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1 cup granulated sugar

¼ cup water

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

½ cup heavy cream

For the Cheesecake Layer:

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

½ cup granulated sugar

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Milky Way Topping:

1 (1.5 ounce) Milky Way Midnight bar, roughly chopped

1 (1.5 ounce) Milky Way bar, roughly chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Brownie Base: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

2. Bake the Brownie Base: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 15-20 minutes.

3. Prepare the Caramel Layer: While the brownie base is baking, make the caramel. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, and water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and heavy cream until smooth.

4. Assemble the Caramel and Cheesecake Layers: Pour the caramel sauce evenly over the partially baked brownie base. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the caramel layer.

5. Bake and Add Milky Way: Bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheesecake layer is set and the brownies are cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool completely. Once cooled, sprinkle the chopped Milky Way bars evenly over the top.

6. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the brownies to set completely. Cut into squares and serve.