Oh my goodness, have I got a treat for you today! If you’ve ever sunk your teeth into a Milky Way candy bar and thought, “I wish I could make these at home,” then you’re in for a delightful surprise. Homemade Milky Ways are like little bites of heaven, and they bring back so many sweet memories from my childhood. I remember rushing to the local corner store, pocket money in hand, just to snag one of those silky, chocolatey bars filled with nougat and caramel. Making these at home, trust me, turns out to be a whole adventure in itself, and oh-so-worth it.
What I love about this recipe is that it combines simple ingredients you probably have in your pantry, and the process is surprisingly straightforward—perfect for an afternoon in the kitchen or a fun project with the kiddos. Plus, you get to control the sweetness and ingredients, which is a total win in my book! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and whip up some of these delicious bars!
What’s in Homemade Milky Ways?
Granulated Sugar: This is the sweet base of our nougat layer. I recommend using good ol’ granulated sugar for that classic sweetness that we all adore.
Light Corn Syrup: This helps to keep the nougat nice and chewy. It prevents sugar crystals from forming, which means a smoother texture!
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness to the nougat, and I suggest using unsalted so you can control the saltiness to your taste.
Evaporated Milk: This gives our nougat that luscious creaminess. Keep an eye on the canned variety, as it’s a staple in many recipes!
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash of vanilla for that warm, comforting flavor. I always reach for pure vanilla extract; it really makes a difference!
Mini Marshmallows: These fluffy little guys add to the texture of the nougat and give it that melting quality we all love.
Milk Chocolate Chips: We’re using these both in the nougat and for coating. My go-to brand is usually Ghirardelli!
Caramels (unwrapped): A must for that gooey layer! You know, the kind you can find in most candy aisles—just be sure to unwrap them before using… unless you’re feeling adventurous!
Milk: A little bit added to the caramel to ensure it melts evenly.
Vegetable Oil: Totally optional for the chocolate coating! It can help thin the chocolate for easier dipping.
Is Homemade Milky Ways Good for You?
Alright, let’s break it down! While these delightful treats are not the epitome of health food, they do have a few perks worth noting. The nougat and caramel layers are high in sugar, which definitely packs a calorie punch. However, if you’re celebrating a special occasion or sharing a sweet moment with friends, moderation is key!
Granulated Sugar: Provides quick energy, but too much can lead to that sugary crash we all dread.
Unsalted Butter: Offers calcium and vitamin A, though too much saturated fat isn’t ideal.
Milk Chocolate Chips: Deliver a little bit of calcium and antioxidants, just be aware of the sugar content.
So, make these mouthwatering bars once in a while for that cozy celebratory vibe, and enjoy every heavenly bite!
Ingredients List
– For the nougat layer:
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup evaporated milk
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup mini marshmallows
– 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
– For the caramel layer:
– 1 cup caramels (unwrapped)
– 2 tbsp milk
– For the chocolate coating:
– 2 cups milk chocolate chips
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil (optional)
This recipe makes about 12 delicious bars, perfect for sharing or savoring just a few at a time!
How to Make Homemade Milky Ways?
1. In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, butter, and evaporated milk. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
2. Once boiling, continue to cook for about 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
3. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips. Stir until smooth.
4. Pour the nougat mixture into a greased 8×8 inch pan, spreading evenly. Chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 30 minutes.
5. While the nougat is chilling, make the caramel layer. In a small saucepan, combine the unwrapped caramels and milk. Heat over low heat, stirring until melted and smooth.
6. Once the nougat is set, pour the caramel over the nougat layer, spreading evenly. Chill again until set for another 30 minutes.
7. After chilling, cut the layered mixture into bars (about 1 inch wide and 3 inches long) and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
8. To prepare the chocolate coating, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. If desired, mix in the vegetable oil for a thinner consistency.
9. Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are fully coated, and return them to the parchment-lined tray to let the excess chocolate drip off.
10. Allow the coated bars to set at room temperature or refrigerate until the chocolate is completely hardened.
Sweet Tips & Creative Serving Suggestions!
– You could always mix in some sea salt on top of the chocolate for that sweet-and-salty combo—totally delectable!
– If you want to switch it up, consider adding some chopped nuts or even a sprinkle of crushed pretzels to the nougat layer for a bit of crunch.
– These bars make for fantastic gifts! Wrap them up nicely in a decorative box, and anyone would love getting a sweet surprise.
If you’ve made it this far, I applaud you! I’m so excited for you to try making your own Homemade Milky Ways. They might seem like a bit of a labor of love, but trust me, the satisfaction of biting into your own creation is pure bliss. Don’t forget to share your experiences and any toppings or variations you try; I would love to hear how it turns out! Happy cooking!
