Homemade Milky Way Bars Recipe
Introduction
These homemade Milky Way bars are a delicious treat combining rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and fluffy marshmallow in every bite. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, they bring a classic candy experience right into your kitchen.

Ingredients
- 11 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2/3 cup evaporated milk, divided
- 7 ounces marshmallow fluff
- 11 ounces soft chewy caramels, unwrapped
- 10 ounces Ghirardelli chocolate melting wafers
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large saucepan over low-medium heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and half of the evaporated milk. Stir frequently for 4-5 minutes until the mixture is silky smooth. Add the marshmallow fluff and stir until fully combined.
- Step 3: Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly. Place the pan in the refrigerator to set.
- Step 4: Clean the saucepan or use a different one. Over low-medium heat, combine the unwrapped caramels with the remaining evaporated milk. Stir frequently until the mixture is silky smooth.
- Step 5: Pour the caramel mixture over the set chocolate layer, smoothing it out. Chill the pan in the refrigerator for 4 hours or overnight.
- Step 6: Once chilled, lift the layered mixture from the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into 16 bars by making one vertical cut down the middle and seven horizontal cuts across each half.
- Step 7: Line a 9×13 inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 8: Place the chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at 50% power for 1 minute, stir, then add vegetable oil. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring after each, until smooth.
- Step 9: Using two forks or dipping tools, dip each bar fully into the melted chocolate. Place the coated bars onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 10: Refrigerate the chocolate-coated bars on the baking sheet for 30 minutes to set before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use high-quality chocolate and caramels for the best flavor and texture.
- For an extra touch, sprinkle sea salt over the chocolate coating before chilling.
- If you prefer a thicker coating, dip the bars a second time after the first layer has set.
- Store leftover bars in an airtight container to keep them fresh longer.
Storage
Store the homemade Milky Way bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
Evaporated milk is thicker and helps create a creamy texture, but you can substitute regular milk in an equal amount. The bars may be slightly less rich.
How do I prevent the chocolate coating from melting too quickly?
Make sure to chill the bars well after coating, and keep them refrigerated until serving. Avoid storing them in warm places to help the chocolate stay firm longer.
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Homemade Milky Way Bars Recipe
- Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
This recipe guides you through making homemade Milky Way bars with rich layers of silky semi-sweet chocolate, gooey marshmallow fluff, and soft caramel, all coated in smooth melted chocolate for an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Chocolate Layer
- 11 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup evaporated milk
- 7 ounces marshmallow fluff
Caramel Layer
- 11 ounces soft chewy caramels, unwrapped
- 1/3 cup evaporated milk
Chocolate Coating
- 10 ounces Ghirardelli chocolate melting wafers
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare the pan: Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the layered bars once set.
- Melt chocolate mixture: In a large saucepan over low-medium heat, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips with half of the evaporated milk (1/3 cup). Stir frequently for 4-5 minutes until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Then, add the marshmallow fluff and stir until completely incorporated.
- Add chocolate layer: Pour the chocolate and marshmallow mixture into the prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly. Refrigerate the pan to allow this layer to set solidly.
- Melt caramel mixture: Use a clean saucepan and combine the unwrapped soft caramels with the remaining half of evaporated milk (1/3 cup) over low-medium heat. Stir continuously until the caramel melts into a smooth, silky consistency.
- Add caramel layer: Pour this melted caramel gently over the set chocolate layer and smooth it out evenly. Chill the layered bars in the refrigerator for 4 hours or ideally overnight to fully firm up.
- Cut into bars: Once chilled thoroughly, lift the layered slab out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut into 16 equal pieces by first making one vertical cut down the center and then seven horizontal cuts across each half.
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a 9×13 inch baking sheet with parchment paper to catch any excess chocolate coating.
- Melt chocolate coating: Place the chocolate melting wafers in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on 50% power for 1 minute. Stir well, then add the vegetable oil and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals at 50% power, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fluid.
- Coat with chocolate: Using two forks or dipping tools, carefully dip each cut bar fully into the melted chocolate coating, ensuring it is thoroughly covered. Transfer the coated bars onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Final chill: Refrigerate the coated bars on the baking sheet for 30 minutes to allow the chocolate coating to harden before serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper to make lifting and cutting the bars much easier.
- Chilling times are essential for layers to set properly, so do not rush these steps.
- If chocolate starts to harden while dipping, gently reheat using 30-second microwave bursts at 50% power.
- Store finished bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and firm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Homemade Milky Way bars, chocolate caramel bars, marshmallow chocolate bars, candy bar recipe, layered chocolate bars

