There’s something special about a dessert that combines all your favorite flavors into one luscious treat. These Caramel Apple Milky Way Cheesecake Bars are everything you want in a sweet, indulgent bite. A buttery cookie layer mixed with chunks of Caramel Apple Milky Way candy bars, topped with a creamy cheesecake filling, and finished off with rich caramel and chocolate drizzles. This dessert is perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or just satisfying your sweet tooth at home. It’s surprisingly easy to make and so addictive that you’ll find yourself making it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple to Make: You only need basic pantry ingredients and a few fun-size candy bars.
Delicious Flavor Combo: Sweet caramel, creamy cheesecake, and soft cookie dough make each bite irresistible.
Versatile: Easily switch out candy bars or add extra toppings to suit your taste.
Perfect for Sharing: Makes a generous batch, ideal for potlucks and parties.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone who tries these bars will beg you for the recipe.

Health Benefits

While this recipe is a decadent dessert, it offers some perks:

Dairy Benefits: The cream cheese provides calcium and protein.
Mood Boosting: Chocolate releases endorphins that can help lift your spirits.
Portion Control: Satisfying enough that a small piece is all you need.
Customizable: You can use lower-fat cream cheese or dark chocolate for healthier adjustments.
Mental Wellness: Baking and sharing treats is a great way to connect with others.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 45–50 minutes
Cooling Time: About 1 hour (plus additional chilling time)
Total Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Servings: 24 bars

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 350
Protein: 4 grams
Carbohydrates: 45 grams
Fat: 18 grams
Sugar: 32 grams
Saturated Fat: 10 grams
Cholesterol: 50 mg
Sodium: 250 mg

Ingredients List

The Cookie Layer:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
1 1/2 cups chopped Caramel Apple Milky Way candy bars (about 10 fun-size bars)

The Cheesecake Layer:

16 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

The Topping:

10–12 caramel candies, unwrapped
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 cup chocolate chips (milk or semi-sweet)

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Cookie Layer:
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in baking soda, salt, flour, and graham cracker crumbs until combined.
- Fold in chopped Milky Way candy bars.
- Press half of the dough into the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
- In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add egg, caramel topping, and flour. Beat until well-mixed.
- Spread cheesecake mixture evenly over the cookie dough layer.
Add Remaining Cookie Dough:
- Drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough over the cheesecake layer. It doesn’t need to cover completely.
Bake:
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
- Remove from oven and cool completely before refrigerating for at least 2 hours.
Prepare the Topping:
- Melt caramel candies with heavy cream in the microwave, stirring until smooth.
- Drizzle over chilled bars.
- Melt chocolate chips and drizzle over the top.
Chill & Serve:
- Refrigerate until the toppings are set.
- Cut into squares and enjoy.

How to Serve

Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Top with extra caramel drizzle for presentation.
Pair with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Pairing Suggestions

Hot Beverages: Coffee, hot chocolate, or chai tea.
Cold Drinks: Milkshakes, iced lattes, or chilled apple cider.
Fruit Additions: A side of apple slices or berries adds a fresh contrast.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave for 15–20 seconds if you prefer them warm.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Caramel Apple Milky Way Cheesecake Bars, there are some common mistakes you’ll want to steer clear of to ensure perfect results every time.

Overbaking: It’s tempting to keep baking the bars until they look fully set, but this can lead to a dry, crumbly texture. Remember, the bars will continue to firm up as they cool. Pull them out of the oven when the top is golden and the cheesecake layer looks mostly set with a slight jiggle in the center.

Skipping the Chilling Step: Patience is key! If you try to cut the bars before they’ve fully chilled, you’ll end up with a messy, gooey disaster. Chilling them in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) will help the layers set properly and make slicing a breeze.

Using Low-Fat Cream Cheese: While you can technically use reduced-fat cream cheese, it won’t provide the same rich, creamy texture. Full-fat cream cheese gives the best results.

Not Lining the Baking Dish: Parchment paper is your best friend here. It makes removing the bars from the pan so much easier and prevents them from sticking to the bottom.

Pouring Hot Toppings: If you drizzle hot caramel or chocolate over the bars straight out of the microwave, it can melt the cheesecake layer. Let your toppings cool slightly before drizzling to keep them perfectly in place.

Overmixing the Cheesecake Layer: Mixing too vigorously can cause air bubbles, which may lead to cracks in your cheesecake. Beat just until smooth and creamy.

Pro Tips

Want to take your Caramel Apple Milky Way Cheesecake Bars to the next level? Try these pro tips for the most luscious and picture-perfect results.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your cream cheese and eggs to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother, creamier cheesecake layer that blends effortlessly.

Chill Overnight for Best Results: While 2 hours of chilling is the minimum, letting the bars chill overnight in the fridge helps them firm up perfectly and makes slicing much easier.

Customize Your Candy Bars: If you can’t find Caramel Apple Milky Way bars or just want to try something new, substitute them with other candy bars like Snickers, Twix, or classic Milky Way. The possibilities are endless.

Make Your Own Caramel Sauce: For an extra special touch, use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought. It adds a richer, more authentic flavor that enhances the overall experience.

Cutting Tips: For clean, beautiful slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it with a damp cloth between cuts. This prevents crumbs and chocolate smears from messing up your perfect bars.

Try a Graham Cracker Crust: If you prefer a more traditional cheesecake base, swap the cookie layer with a graham cracker crust. Simply mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter and press into the pan before adding the cheesecake layer.

Double the Caramel Drizzle: If you love caramel, go ahead and double the drizzle for an extra gooey finish. Just make sure it’s cool enough not to melt the cheesecake layer.

Store Them Properly: Always keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make These Bars Ahead of Time?
Yes! In fact, they taste even better after chilling overnight. You can make them a day or two in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.

Can I Freeze These Cheesecake Bars?
Absolutely. Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. To serve, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.

What if I Can’t Find Caramel Apple Milky Way Bars?
No worries! You can use any Milky Way variety or even other chocolate-caramel candies. Classic Milky Way, Snickers, or Twix bars all work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour and graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free versions. The results will be just as delicious.

How Do I Store Leftover Bars?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw before serving.

Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
You can, but the texture may be slightly less creamy and rich. For best results, use full-fat cream cheese.

Why Did My Cheesecake Layer Crack?
Overmixing the cheesecake batter or baking it at too high a temperature can cause cracks. Also, make sure to cool the bars gradually and avoid sudden temperature changes.

What Can I Serve With These Bars?
They’re delicious on their own but even better with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of extra caramel.

Can I Make These Bars Without Caramel Topping?
Yes, but the caramel drizzle adds a lovely finishing touch. You can also substitute with chocolate drizzle or skip the toppings altogether if you prefer.

How Can I Make These Bars Less Sweet?
Use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate, and reduce the amount of caramel drizzle. You can also cut smaller pieces to help control portion size.

Conclusion & Call to Action

Caramel Apple Milky Way Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate dessert when you want something rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. From the buttery, candy-packed cookie base to the silky smooth cheesecake layer and decadent caramel-chocolate drizzle, every bite is pure bliss. This recipe is perfect for sharing at gatherings, holidays, or whenever you feel like treating yourself to something special.

But don’t just take my word for it—try it yourself! This recipe is straightforward, beginner-friendly, and completely customizable. Once you make these bars, you’ll see why they’re a hit with everyone who tries them. Feel free to experiment with different candy bars or even add a touch of cinnamon to complement the caramel apple flavor.

I’d love to hear how your Caramel Apple Milky Way Cheesecake Bars turn out! Whether you’re serving them at a party or simply indulging at home, these bars are sure to impress. Don’t forget to leave a comment below, share your experience, and tag me on social media with your creations. Happy baking!