There’s something undeniably delightful about sinking your teeth into a chocolatey treat, and when that treat is a homemade version of the iconic Milky Way bar, it’s pure bliss. Imagine layers of soft nougat, creamy caramel, and rich chocolate coating—all made right in your own kitchen. This Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars recipe is not just a fun project, but it’s also a guaranteed hit among friends and family. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll create a sweet indulgence that rivals the store-bought version.
Why We Love This Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars Recipe
Homemade Milky Way bars are a labor of love that pays off with every bite. The combination of textures, from the chewy nougat to the smooth caramel and crispy chocolate coating, is irresistible. Making these bars allows you to customize the flavors to your liking, making them even more special. Whether it’s for a special occasion, a sweet treat after dinner, or just because, these bars are versatile and so much fun to make. Plus, you get to share them with loved ones, which makes the experience even sweeter!
Ingredients about Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars
To create the delicious layers of your homemade Milky Way bars, gather the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips (for the nougat layer)
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow crème)
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 bag (11 oz / 311 g) soft caramels
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 3 cups milk chocolate chips (for the chocolate coating)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or coconut oil
How to Make Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars Directions
Making your own Milky Way bars is easier than you think! Here’s how you can do it step-by-step:
- Prepare the Nougat Layer: Start by melting 2 cups of milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring well between each interval until smooth. Once melted, stir in 1 cup of marshmallow fluff and ¼ cup of sweetened condensed milk until fully combined.
- Spread the Nougat Mixture: Take an 8×8 inch pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later. Pour the nougat mixture into the pan and spread it out evenly using a spatula. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes, allowing it to firm up.
- Make the Caramel Layer: While the nougat is cooling, it’s time to prepare the caramel. Place the bag of soft caramels in a saucepan along with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Melt over low heat, stirring continuously until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- Spread the Caramel Layer: Once the nougat is firm, pour the melted caramel over it in the pan. Spread the caramel evenly to cover the nougat layer completely. Return the pan to the refrigerator and chill for another 30 minutes until the caramel sets.
- Prepare the Chocolate Coating: Now, melt the remaining 3 cups of milk chocolate chips along with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (or coconut oil) in a clean bowl. This will give your chocolate coating a smooth finish.
- Coat the Bars: Take the chilled nougat and caramel out of the fridge and cut it into bars of your desired size. Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the coated bars on a parchment-lined tray.
- Let the Chocolate Set: Allow the chocolate-coated bars to sit at room temperature until the chocolate hardens. You can also speed up the process by placing them back in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars
Once your homemade Milky Way bars are ready and the chocolate has set, it’s time to share! These bars can be enjoyed on their own as a sweet treat, or you can serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. If you’re hosting a gathering, slice the bars into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter for guests to indulge in. You can also wrap individual bars in colorful foil or parchment paper for a charming homemade gift that anyone would appreciate!
Expert Tips: Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars
To ensure your homemade Milky Way bars turn out perfectly, keep the following tips in mind:
- Use Quality Chocolates: Opt for high-quality chocolate chips for both the nougat and coating layers. It makes a significant difference in flavor.
- Be Patient While Melting: Melting chocolate can be tricky. Always use low heat and stir continuously to avoid scorching.
- Keep It Cool: Make sure your nougat and caramel layers are fully chilled before pouring each layer on top. This prevents them from mixing and keeps distinct layers intact.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for a salty-sweet contrast, or mix in nuts or crispy rice cereal to the nougat layer for added texture.
- Don’t Rush the Chocolate Setting: Allowing the chocolate to set completely is key to achieving that signature texture. Patience pays off!
How to Store Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare!), store your delicious homemade Milky Way bars in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated to extend their freshness for about a week. If you prefer, you can also freeze the bars for longer storage—just ensure they’re well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn. Thaw them in the fridge before enjoying!
Variation of Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars
There are countless ways to customize your homemade Milky Way bars, making them fun and exciting every time. Here are some variations you might consider:
- Nutty Delight: Add crushed nuts such as almonds or peanuts to the nougat layer for added crunch and flavor.
- Coconut Dream: Fold in some shredded coconut to the nougat or sprinkle it on top of the chocolate layer for a tropical twist!
- Mint Chocolate: Incorporate a few drops of peppermint extract into the chocolate coating for a refreshing minty flavor reminiscent of a famous mint chocolate candy.
- Other Chocolates: Instead of milk chocolate, try dark chocolate or white chocolate coating for a different taste profile.
FAQ about Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars
What are Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars?
Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars are a delightful treat made from layers of nougat, caramel, and chocolate coating, all crafted in your kitchen. They mimic the popular store-bought candy bars but are customizable to fit your taste.
How long do Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars last?
When stored in an airtight container, these bars can last about a week in the refrigerator or several months in the freezer.
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! You can substitute the milk chocolate with dark chocolate or white chocolate for a unique flavor twist.
What can I add to my homemade Milky Way bars?
Feel free to experiment! You can add nuts, mini marshmallows, or coconut flakes to create different variations of flavor and texture.
Are Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars difficult to make?
Not at all! With just a few steps and simple ingredients, these bars are straightforward to prepare and perfect for both experienced bakers and beginners. Enjoy creating your delicious homemade treat!
Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars
Ingredients
Nougat Layer
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips (for the nougat layer)
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow crème)
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
Caramel Layer
- 1 bag soft caramels (11 oz / 311 g)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Chocolate Coating
- 3 cups milk chocolate chips (for the chocolate coating)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or coconut oil)
Instructions
Prepare the Nougat Layer
- Melt 2 cups of milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second increments, stirring well until smooth.
- Stir in 1 cup marshmallow fluff and ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk until fully combined.
Spread the Nougat Mixture
- Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper. Pour the nougat mixture into the pan and spread evenly. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Make the Caramel Layer
- In a saucepan, melt the bag of soft caramels with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth.
Spread the Caramel Layer
- Once the nougat is firm, pour the melted caramel over it in the pan and spread evenly. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
Prepare the Chocolate Coating
- Melt 3 cups of milk chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (or coconut oil) in a clean bowl.
Coat the Bars
- Cut the chilled nougat and caramel into bars. Dip each bar in the melted chocolate until fully coated.
- Place the coated bars on a parchment-lined tray.
Let the Chocolate Set
- Allow chocolate-coated bars to sit at room temperature until hardened, or refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to speed up the process.
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