Milky Way Brownies
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These Milky Way brownies, which are fudgy, chewy, and full of chocolatey goodness. Easy cocoa powder brownies, with candy bars stirred in, that are quick to mix up. And after they bake, a chocolate buttercream frosting is spread on top for an over the top dessert!
I’ve been baking for a long time, and I’ve tried a lot of brownie recipes. Like these M&M brownies or these Buckeye brownies. Of course I can’t forget about these brown butter brownies.
But these Milky Way brownies are by far my favorite. They’re so fudgy and chewy, and the Milky Way candy bars add the perfect amount of sweetness. The candy bars melted into the brownies perfectly, and they added such a delicious flavor.
I love how easy this recipe is to make. It’s perfect for a beginner baker, and it’s also a great way to use up leftover Milky Way candy bars. I usually make a double batch so I can have some to share with my friends and family. I also love to make these brownies around Halloween because I always have leftover candy bars after Trick-or-Treat.
I’ve also experimented with different variations of this recipe. I’ve tried using different types of chocolate, such as dark chocolate and milk chocolate, and even adding semi sweet chocolate chips. I’ve also tried adding different ingredients, such as nuts, chocolate chips, and dried fruit. But you can’t go wrong with this variation with the Milky Way candy bars. I mean a candy bar in a brownie? What’s not to love?!
See Also:
- Only 7 ingredients is all you need to make Nutella brownies that everyone is going to go nuts over!
- If you love cheesecake and brownies then make these Cheesecake brownies that combine two amazing desserts into one!
- These might be the best brownies I have ever had, and everyone agreed! They were gobbled up in seconds.
Why You Will Love Milky Way Brownies
- They are fudgy, chewy, and full of chocolatey goodness. This means that they are delicious and satisfying, and they will definitely hit the spot if you are craving something sweet.
- They are easy to make. The recipe only requires a few simple ingredients and steps, so even if you are a beginner baker, you can still make these brownies with ease. The perfect thing to add to your dessert cuisine.
- They are a delicious treat. These brownies are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth. A wonderful combination of brownie batter and Milky Way candy bars.
Ingredients Needed
For the brownie batter:
- Unsalted Butter- You want the butter melted, but still hot. This will create a shiny crust, and help bloom the chocolate for best flavor.
- Sugar- I used granulated white sugar.
- Salt- Yes a little extra salt. I used kosher salt for the best flavor of salt. You can read more here about The Role Of Salt In Baking.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder- I used unsweetened cocoa powder, but Dutch cocoa would also work for a deeper, intense chocolate flavor.
- Oil- Canola oil is a good choice, but vegetable oil or other neutral-tasting oils will also work.
- Eggs- You will need two large eggs at room temperature. To quickly bring them to room temperature, place them in a bowl of warm water for 10 minutes before you begin.
- Vanilla- I prefer to use pure vanilla extract for its richer flavor, but imitation vanilla extract can also be used.
- Flour- Brownies need a small amount of flour to give them structure, but too much flour will make them dry and cakey. Be sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and then leveling it off. You can read more about how to measure flour correctly here.
- Milky Way Bars- Of course we need Milky Way bars! This is what sets this recipe apart from the rest!
For the Frosting:
- Unsalted Butter- Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it’s mixed easily and into a light, fluffy frosting.
- Confectioners Sugar- You may know this by its more common name- powdered sugar.If you don’t have any, you could always make your own powdered sugar in a food processor.
- Heavy Cream- This helps thin out the frosting, and add some richness, but milk would also work.
- Vanilla- I recommend pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. Imitation vanilla also works.
- Cocoa Powder-You can use natural or Dutch cocoa processed for the frosting. I prefer Dutch processed because the acidity of the chocolate is neutralized and make for a richer, deeper chocolate frosting.
- Caramel Sauce- This caramel sauce is to drizzle on top of the brownies. You can use store-bought or make your own homemade caramel sauce.
How to Make Milky Way Brownies
Preheat and prepare pan.
Position the rack in the center of the oven, and preheat oven to 350oF (180oC). Grease and flour an 8-inch square pan or line with parchment paper.
Combine butter, sugar, cocoa and salt .
In a large mixing bowl, stir together with a spatula or wooden spoon the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder and salt.
Add wet ingredients.
Remove from heat, and whisk in the eggs, and vanilla.
Add flour.
Stir in with a spatula the flour. Be sure to not overmix at this point.
Fold in the chopped candy bars.
Spread brownie batter into prepared pan.
Bake.
Bake in the oven for about 23- 25 minutes until the edges look dry but the middle is slightly soft, and underdone. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
Make frosting.
In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, beat softened butter until light and fluffy.
Add confectioners sugar ½ cup at a time and beat until combined. I like to add a little a time just so I don’t end up with powdered sugar all over my kitchen!
Add heavy cream and vanilla. Beat to combine. Add cocoa powder and beat to combined.
Spread on cooled Milky Way brownies.
Drizzle on caramel. Top with more chopped candy bars if you so desires.
Recipe Tips
- Metal Baking Pan vs Glass Baking Pan– I used a metal baking pan for these brownies. If you are using a glass pan, you may need to add up to 5 extra minutes of baking time.
- Don’t overmix the brownie batter. When you overmix your brownie batter for your Milky Way Brownies, you develop the gluten in the flour. Gluten is what gives bread its structure, but it can make brownies tough and chewy. To avoid this, you should only mix the batter until it is just combined.
- Bake the brownies until they are just set in the center. To test if the brownies are done, insert a toothpick into the center of the pan. If the toothpick comes out clean, the brownies are done. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, the brownies need to bake for a few minutes longer.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting them. Cutting brownies while they are still warm will make them crumbly. This is why it is so important to let me them cool completely.
Recipe Variations
- Use Milky Way bites instead of full-size bars. This will make the brownies more chewy and easier to cut.
- Add chopped nuts or dried fruit to the batter. This will add extra texture and flavor to the Milky Way brownies. You could always add toasted, chopped pecans to the batter for a little crunch!
- Use other candy bars. You can swap out the Milky Way candy bars with any other type of candy bars that you like. Maybe after Halloween you have an assortment of candy bars lying around that you can add to this brownie batter!
- Swirl in some caramel sauce on top of the brownies before baking. A caramel layer will give the brownies a richer flavor and a more decadent texture.
- Use Brownie Mix. If you want to make this brownie recipe even easier, you can just use boxed brownie mix.
Recipe FAQs
These Milky Way brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze brownies for up to 3 months.
The best way to tell if your Milky Way brownies are done is to insert a toothpick into the center of the pan. If the toothpick comes out clean, the brownies are done. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, the brownies need to bake for a few minutes longer.
I haven’t tried but I would freeze my Milky Way brownies without the caramel topping. Freeze, in a covered container or bag, for up to 3 months. Then when ready to enjoy, let thaw at room temperature and top with the caramel.
More Recipes to Try
Milky Way Brownies
Ingredients
For the brownies
- 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter
- 1 ¼ cup (250 g) granulated white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup (63 g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch or natural)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) oil
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour *spooned and leveled
- 1 cup chopped Milky Way bars
For the frosting
- 10 tablespoons (141 g) unsalted butter softened
- 1 ¼ cups (150 g) confectioners sugar
- 1 Tablespoon heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (21 g) cocoa powder
- Plus caramel sauce for drizzling on top
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan. Position the rack in the center of the oven, and preheat oven to 350oF. Grease and flour an 8-inch square pan or line with parchment paper.
- Combine butter, sugar, cocoa and salt . In a large mixing bowl, stir together with a spatula or wooden spoon the melted butter, sugar, cocoa powder and salt.
- Add wet ingredients. Whisk in the eggs, oil and vanilla
- Add dry ingredients. Stir in flour with a spatula just until combined. Fold in the chopped candy bars. Do not overmix. Spread batter into prepared pan.
- Bake. Bake in the oven for about 23- 25 minutes until the edges look dry but the middle is slightly soft, and underdone. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Cut into bars and serve.
- Make frosting. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer, beat butter until light and fluffy. Add confectioners sugar ½ cup at a time and beat until combined. Add heavy cream and vanilla. Beat to combine. Add cocoa powder and beat to combined. Spread on cooled brownies. Drizzle on caramel. Top with more chopped candy bars if you so desires
Notes
- Storage: These Milky Way brownies can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze brownies for up to 3 months. I haven’t tried but I would freeze my Milky Way brownies without the caramel topping. Freeze, in a covered container or bag, for up to 3 months. Then when ready to enjoy, let thaw at room temperature and top with the caramel.
- Butter: You want the butter melted, but still hot. This will create a shiny crust, and help bloom the chocolate for best flavor.
- Cocoa Powder: You can use natural or Dutch processed. I prefer Dutch processed because the acidity of the chocolate is neutralized and make for a richer, deeper chocolate brownie.
- Baking pan: I used a light metal baking pan for these brownies. If you are using a glass pan, you may need to add up to 5 extra minutes of baking time. You could also use a 9×9 baking pan, but your brownies won’t come out as thick.
Loved these rich milky way brownies. They were sooooo good. Way better than a candy bar!
Thank you! I’m so glad you loved the Milky Way Brownies. Enjoy!
I made these brownies after dinner last night and they were amazing! Just like my favorite candy bar!
Thank you, I’m very glad you enjoyed the Milky Way Brownies!
Milky way’s are my favorite and these brownies are now my new favorite! Thank you so much!
Thank you! I’m so glad you love the Milky Way Brownies. Enjoy!
The family has designated this their favorite brownies ever! We love your recipes!
Thank you so much! I’m so glad your family loves the Milky Way Brownies. Enjoy!
I love that these brownies are like three desserts in one! They were so fudgy and chocolatey!
Thank you! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the Milky Way Brownies. Happy to hear they were a hit!