Decadent Homemade Milky Way Bars Recipe

Craving a sweet treat that’s out of this world? Look no further than these Homemade Milky Way Bars! Recreating this classic candy bar at home is easier than you think and oh-so satisfying. Picture this: a luscious chocolate nougat layer topped with a smooth caramel filling, all enrobed in a decadent layer of melted chocolate. The best part? You know exactly what’s going into these bars, with no strange preservatives or waxy textures in sight.

I stumbled upon this recipe when a sudden craving for Milky Ways struck and I decided to whip up a batch at home. The irresistible aroma lured my son away from his video games, and he couldn’t resist indulging in three bars before dinner! These bars are a hit with family and friends alike, perfect for birthday parties, office gatherings, or simply satisfying your own sweet tooth. So, roll up your sleeves, follow along, and get ready to create a batch of these delightful Homemade Milky Way Bars that are sure to impress even the pickiest of candy connoisseurs.

Quick Benefits

• Richer and cleaner taste compared to store-bought Milky Way bars, without preservatives and waxy texture
• Easy to make at home with simple ingredients and straightforward steps
• Perfect for parties, holiday gift-giving, or a quick satisfying dessert
• Can be served at room temperature or straight from the fridge, versatile for different preferences

Why You’ll Love This Decadent Homemade Milky Way Bars Recipe Recipe

• Better than Store-Bought: Impress your taste buds with a homemade version that tastes cleaner and richer, without any weird preservatives or waxy texture.
• Easy to Make: Surprisingly simple steps make this recipe achievable for even the most novice bakers or chefs.
• Sensory Delight: The aroma of the chocolate nougat and caramel layers will have your household or guests flocking to the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings or parties, these bars are a hit with teenagers and adults alike, often preferred over traditional desserts like cake.
• Professional Finish: Patience in the chilling process results in clean, sliceable bars that look like they came from a gourmet candy store.
• Chocolate Melting Tips: Learn from the mistakes of others to avoid grainy, curdled chocolate; utilize the 50% power setting and stir frequently for a smooth finish.
• Versatile Treat: Cut into smaller pieces for party platters, pack in decorative tins for holiday gifts, or enjoy a single bar for a rich and satisfying sweet treat.
• Convenient Dessert Option: Keep a stash of these bars in the fridge for a quick and indulgent dessert whenever a sweet craving strikes.

Ingredients for Decadent Homemade Milky Way Bars Recipe

For the Nougat Layer

• 11 oz bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 7 oz container marshmallow fluff
• 1/3 cup evaporated milk

For the Caramel Layer

• 1/3 cup evaporated milk
• 11 oz bag soft chewy caramels, unwrapped

For the Chocolate Coating

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 10 oz bag Ghirardelli chocolate melting wafers

How to Make Decadent Homemade Milky Way Bars Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Place parchment paper in an 8×8 inch pan, with some paper hanging over the edges for easy removal of the bars later.

Step 2: Make the Nougat Layer

Combine chocolate chips and half of the evaporated milk in a large saucepan over low to medium heat. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until smooth. Mix in the marshmallow fluff until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Start Chilling

Transfer the chocolate nougat mixture into the prepared pan, ensuring it spreads out evenly. Chill in the fridge to set while preparing the next layer.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Layer

Clean the saucepan or use a new one to melt the unwrapped caramels with the remaining evaporated milk over low to medium heat. Stir continuously until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Add the Caramel

Pour the caramel over the chilled chocolate layer, allowing it to spread naturally. Return the pan to the fridge and chill for a minimum of 4 hours or overnight until set.

Step 6: Cut the Bars

Once completely set, remove the mixture from the pan by using the parchment paper overhang. Cut into 16 pieces by making a vertical cut down the center followed by 7 horizontal cuts evenly spaced across each half.

Step 7: Prep for Dipping

Prepare a 9×13 inch baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 8: Melt the Coating

Place chocolate melting wafers in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute, stir in vegetable oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring each time, until chocolate is smooth.

Step 9: Dip the Bars

Dip each candy bar in melted chocolate using two forks or dipping tools, ensuring it is fully coated. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before transferring to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining bars, working one at a time.

Step 10: Final Chill

Chill the baking sheet in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to set.

Storage Tips

After making the Homemade Milky Way Bars, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their texture and flavor. Once the bars are fully chilled and cut into pieces, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keeping the bars chilled will help them maintain their shape and prevent the layers from becoming too soft or sticky.

For longer-term storage, you can also freeze the Homemade Milky Way Bars. Place the cut bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the bars to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the bars in the refrigerator before serving. Frozen Milky Way Bars can typically be stored for up to 2-3 months without sacrificing taste or texture.

Whether stored in the refrigerator for short-term enjoyment or in the freezer for later indulgence, Homemade Milky Way Bars make a delicious treat to have on hand for a quick dessert or special occasion. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature, and consider cutting them into smaller pieces for serving at parties or packaging them in decorative tins for holiday gift-giving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to make a substitution for evaporated milk, you can use an equal amount of whole milk or cream as a replacement. The consistency may vary slightly, but the overall outcome should not be significantly affected. Another alternative could be coconut milk if you prefer a dairy-free option, which can add a subtle coconut flavor to the final bars.

For the soft chewy caramels, if you don’t have them on hand, you could make your own caramel by melting together brown sugar, butter, and cream. This homemade caramel can be used in place of the pre-packaged caramels, providing a delicious and gooey layer for your Milky Way bars. Just be sure to cook the homemade caramel to the right consistency to achieve the desired texture.

If you are unable to find Ghirardelli chocolate melting wafers, you can substitute them with other high-quality chocolate, such as chopped chocolate bars or chocolate chips. Simply melt the chocolate with a tablespoon of vegetable oil to achieve a smooth and glossy coating for your Milky Way bars. Be mindful of the chocolate quality to ensure a rich and decadent final product.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist, try serving these homemade Milky Way bars as a decadent topping for a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of the rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and fluffy nougat will create a delicious contrast of flavors and textures that will elevate a simple bowl of ice cream into a gourmet dessert experience.

Another creative serving suggestion is to chop the Milky Way bars into small pieces and use them as a topping for a classic chocolate fondue. Melt some extra chocolate for dipping, arrange the chopped bars on a platter alongside fresh fruit, marshmallows, and pretzels, and let your guests create their own indulgent dessert skewers. The sweet and salty combination will be a hit at any gathering!

FAQs for Decadent Homemade Milky Way Bars Recipe

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use regular chocolate chips if you prefer, but keep in mind that they may make the nougat layer sweeter compared to semi-sweet chocolate chips.

How long should I wait for the bars to chill in the fridge?

To ensure clean and professional-looking bars, it’s best to wait the full overnight chill time. Cutting the bars too soon can result in a messy and gooey texture.

What should I do if my coating chocolate becomes grainy and separated?

If your coating chocolate becomes grainy and separated, it’s likely due to overheating. To prevent this, melt the chocolate at 50% power and stir frequently until smooth to avoid ruining the texture.

Can I store these Homemade Milky Way Bars at room temperature?

These bars can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge, depending on your preference. They are rich enough that one bar usually satisfies most sweet cravings. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for a quick dessert option.

Conclusion

Homemade Milky Way Bars are truly a delight to make and share with loved ones. The process may seem daunting at first, but as my son and best friend have shown, anyone can master this recipe with a little patience and determination. These bars have a way of bringing people together, sparking joy, and creating lasting memories.

Remember, the key to success lies in allowing the layers to set properly and taking your time with each step. So, whether you’re craving a sweet treat for yourself or looking to impress at a gathering, Homemade Milky Way Bars are a surefire way to satisfy any sweet tooth. Share the love and joy of homemade goodness with each decadent bite of these irresistible bars. Happy baking, and enjoy your Homemade Milky Way Bars!