Indulging in a sweet treat can brighten your day, and what could be better than crafting your very own Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars? With luscious layers of nougat, gooey caramel, and a smooth chocolate coating, you’ll be making a delightful candy bar that’s sure to impress friends and family. This recipe is not only a fun project but also a surefire way to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Why We Love This Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars Treat Recipe
Creating your own Milky Way bars at home elevates the classic treat to a whole new level. Not only do you get to control the ingredients, ensuring everything is fresh and high-quality, but you also have the power to customize the flavors to your liking. Whether you love an extra layer of caramel or want to sprinkle in some nuts, this recipe allows for plenty of creativity. Plus, there’s just something special about making candy from scratch that brings joy and nostalgia, making it perfect for a family activity or a fun cooking project with friends.
Ingredients about Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars Treat
To create your own Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars, gather the following ingredients:
Nougat Layer
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow crème)
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
Caramel Layer
- 1 bag (11 oz / 311 g) soft caramels (such as Kraft or Werther’s soft)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Chocolate Coating
- 3 cups milk chocolate chips (or melting wafers)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil (for smooth melting)
How to Make Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars Treat Directions
Making your own Milky Way Bars is an enjoyable and rewarding process. Here’s how you can do it step-by-step:
- Prepare the Nougat Layer: Start by melting the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in short increments, stirring after each period until they are smooth. Once melted, mix in the marshmallow fluff and sweetened condensed milk until thoroughly combined. This creates a fluffy, sweet nougat base.
- Spread the Nougat Mixture: Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper for easy removal. Pour the nougat mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Use a spatula to smooth it out, ensuring it reaches all corners. Once done, place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, or until the nougat is firm.
- Make the Caramel Layer: While the nougat is chilling, prepare the caramel layer. In a saucepan over low heat, add the soft caramels and the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the mixture is completely melted and smooth. This beautiful caramel will create that signature gooey texture we all love.
- Spread the Caramel Layer: Remove the nougat from the refrigerator once it’s firm. Pour the warm caramel mixture over the nougat, spreading it evenly to cover the surface. Allow the layers to cool for about 15-20 minutes before returning the pan to the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to set the caramel.
- Prepare the Chocolate Coating: In a clean, microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips along with the vegetable oil. Again, use short intervals and stir in between to achieve a smooth consistency for the coating.
- Coat the Bars: Once the caramel layer has set, lift the entire slab from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut the nougat and caramel layer into rectangular bars. Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off before placing them on a parchment-lined tray.
- Let the Chocolate Set: After coating all the bars, let them sit at room temperature or place them in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens. This process shouldn’t take long, and soon you’ll have your very own homemade Milky Way bars!
How to Serve Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars Treat
Serving your homemade Milky Way bars can be as simple or as elaborate as you want. If you’re enjoying them at home, just place the bars on a decorative plate and serve them as a delightful dessert or snack. You can also cut them into bite-sized pieces for a fun treat at a gathering or party. For a special touch, pair your bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. These bars are bound to be a hit and make for a wonderful addition to any celebration!
Expert Tips: Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars Treat
- Use Quality Ingredients: The better your ingredients, the tastier your bars will be. Choose high-quality chocolate chips and soft caramels for the best flavor and texture.
- Allow Proper Cooling Time: Be sure to let each layer cool and set before adding the next. This will prevent any mixing and ensure each flavor shines through in the final product.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative by adding nuts, crispy rice cereal, or even a hint of sea salt on top of the chocolate for a gourmet twist.
- Patience in Melting: When melting chocolate or caramel, be patient. Heat in small increments to avoid burning. It will help you achieve that creamy texture you desire.
- Storage: Remember to store your finished bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh and chewy.
How to Store Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars Treat
To maintain the freshness of your Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars, store them properly. Place the bars in an airtight container, layering them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be kept at room temperature for about a week, or you can refrigerate them for extended freshness. If you prefer a softer texture, allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Variation of Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars Treat
- Nutty Milky Way Bars: Add chopped nuts, like almonds or peanuts, into the nougat layer for an extra crunch.
- Flavored Caramel: Try using flavored caramels, such as sea salt caramel or chocolate caramel, to give a unique twist to your bars.
- Dark Chocolate Coating: For a more intense flavor, swap the milk chocolate coating for dark chocolate, giving your bars a richer taste.
- Mini Version: Create mini Milky Way bars by cutting the nougat and caramel into smaller sizes. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties!
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips and marshmallow fluff if you’re looking for a dairy-free version of these bars.
FAQ
What is the main ingredient in homemade Milky Way bars?
The main ingredients in homemade Milky Way bars are nougat, caramel, and chocolate coating. Each layer contributes to the texture and flavor of the final treat.
How long do homemade Milky Way bars last?
Homemade Milky Way bars can last up to a week at room temperature when stored in an airtight container. If refrigerated, they can last longer but may have a different texture.
Can I make Milky Way bars without marshmallow fluff?
Yes, if you don’t have marshmallow fluff, you can substitute it with marshmallow crème. It will provide a similar texture and sweetness to the nougat layer.
Are these bars easy to customize?
Absolutely! You can adjust the ingredients and add your favorite nuts, flavored caramels, or use different types of chocolate for a personalized touch.
What’s the best way to cut the bars?
Using a sharp knife that is warmed slightly under hot water can make cutting through the chocolate coating and caramel layers much smoother. Just be sure to dry the knife before cutting!
Now that you have the complete guide, get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of these homemade Milky Way bars! Enjoy the process and the delightful results!
Easy Homemade Milky Way Bars
Ingredients
Nougat Layer
- 2 cups milk chocolate chips For melting
- 1 cup marshmallow fluff (or marshmallow crème)
- ¼ cup sweetened condensed milk
Caramel Layer
- 1 bag (11 oz / 311 g) soft caramels (such as Kraft or Werther's soft)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Chocolate Coating
- 3 cups milk chocolate chips (or melting wafers)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or coconut oil For smooth melting
Instructions
Preparation of Nougat Layer
- Melt the milk chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in short increments, stirring after each until smooth.
- Mix in the marshmallow fluff and sweetened condensed milk until thoroughly combined.
- Line an 8x8 inch pan with parchment paper and pour the nougat mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until firm.
Caramel Layer
- In a saucepan over low heat, add the soft caramels and heavy cream, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
- Remove the nougat from the refrigerator and pour the warm caramel mixture over the nougat, spreading it evenly.
- Let the layers cool for about 15-20 minutes before refrigerating for another 30 minutes.
Chocolate Coating
- Melt the chocolate chips with the vegetable oil in a clean, microwave-safe bowl in short intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Lift the nougat and caramel mixture from the pan and cut into rectangular bars.
- Dip each bar into the melted chocolate and allow excess to drip off before placing them on a lined tray.
- Let the chocolate set at room temperature or in the refrigerator until hardened.
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