If you have a sweet tooth and love a fun, no-fuss treat, the Milky Way Bites Recipe is about to become your new favorite indulgence. These little rounds of gooey marshmallow blended with chewy caramel and dipped in creamy chocolate are pure magic with every bite. Perfectly balanced and irresistibly rich, they bring together simple ingredients in a way that feels like a gourmet dessert without the fancy fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll keep coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each component plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture and flavor harmony. From velvety marshmallow fluff to rich semi-sweet chocolate, these ingredients work together to craft the classic Milky Way flavor in bite-sized form.
- 7 Ounces marshmallow fluff: This provides the light, airy base that makes the bites wonderfully fluffy and sweet.
- 3 Cups semi-sweet chocolate chips: Divided between melting and coating, chocolate chips add that luscious, smooth chocolatey cover.
- 16 Werther’s Originals chewy caramels: The chewy caramels bring a buttery sweetness and delightful chewiness that contrasts perfectly with the soft marshmallow.
- ½ Cup powdered sugar: This adds gentle sweetness and helps thicken the marshmallow mixture into the right consistency for shaping.
How to Make Milky Way Bites Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
Start by taking about one-third of the chocolate chips and melting them slowly in the microwave. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring well after each, until the chocolate is completely smooth. This prevents burning and ensures a silky texture that’s so important for mixing and later dipping.
Step 2: Fold Marshmallow Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted chocolate, marshmallow fluff, and powdered sugar. Gently fold these ingredients together until a smooth, glossy mixture forms. The powdered sugar helps firm up the fluff, creating a moldable, fluffy base that will set nicely once chilled.
Step 3: Form the Base Discs
Using spoons, drop dollops of the marshmallow mixture onto baking sheets lined with wax paper, spaced evenly. Pop these trays into the freezer and let them chill for about two hours. This step cools the fluff so it becomes firm enough to hold its shape.
Step 4: Shape and Press the Caramel
While the fluff chills, shape the Werther’s Originals caramels into thin discs using your hands, matching the size of the marshmallow discs. Once the marshmallow bases are firm, gently press a caramel disc on top of each one. Then, chill again for 30 minutes so the caramel settles into the marshmallow layer.
Step 5: Dip in Chocolate
Melt the remaining chocolate chips just like before. Dip each combined disc into the smooth, melted chocolate, making sure to coat it completely. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off before setting the dipped bites back onto the lined trays.
Step 6: Final Chill
Transfer the trays to the refrigerator and chill the Milky Way bites for about an hour. This final step sets the chocolate coating to a glossy finish, sealing in all the delicious layers for that perfect bite.
How to Serve Milky Way Bites Recipe
Garnishes
While these bites are stunningly simple on their own, a light dusting of crushed nuts or a sprinkle of sea salt on top before the chocolate sets can add a wonderful savory contrast. For a festive touch, try colorful sprinkles right after dipping.
Side Dishes
Serve your Milky Way bites alongside a chilled glass of milk or a hot cup of coffee or tea. The creamy drinks complement the sweetness and richness, making your dessert experience feel extra cozy and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the bites on a decorative platter with wax paper doilies underneath. For gatherings, place them in mini cupcake liners to keep fingers clean and add a charming touch. You could even stack them into a small tower for a playful, eye-catching dessert display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Milky Way bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and delicious for up to a week, making them a perfect make-ahead treat to satisfy your sweet cravings throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these delightful bites longer, freezing is a great option. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a sealed container or freezer bag. They can last up to a month frozen without losing their wonderful texture.
Reheating
Let frozen or chilled Milky Way bites thaw in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving to keep their signature texture intact. They are best enjoyed cool, allowing the chocolate coating to remain crisp and the caramel just perfectly chewy.
FAQs
Can I use another type of caramel candy?
Absolutely! While Werther’s Originals are ideal for their rich flavor and chewy texture, other soft caramels can work well too. Just be sure they are individually wrapped and chewy enough to hold their shape when pressed.
What if I don’t have marshmallow fluff on hand?
If you can’t find marshmallow fluff, you can make a quick homemade version by whipping marshmallows with a bit of water or corn syrup over low heat until smooth. It adds freshness but store-bought fluff works just as beautifully.
Can these bites be made vegan?
This recipe is a bit tricky to veganize because of the marshmallow fluff and traditional caramels, but you can experiment with vegan marshmallow spreads and dairy-free chocolate chips. Keep in mind texture and taste will vary.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
The active prep time is fairly short—around 20 minutes—but chilling steps add up, so plan for about 2 hours and 10 minutes total from start to finish for the best results.
Are Milky Way bites gluten-free?
Yes, the basic ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any additional toppings or caramel brands to ensure no gluten contamination if you’re serving to sensitive guests.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend enough that you give the Milky Way Bites Recipe a try—it’s such a delightful way to treat yourself and impress friends with minimal effort. Each bite brings a little celebration for your taste buds, blending simple ingredients into something so much greater than the sum of its parts. Happy making and even happier eating!
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Milky Way Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (including chilling times)
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
Milky Way Bites are delicious homemade treats combining marshmallow fluff, chewy caramel, and rich semi-sweet chocolate. These bite-sized confections are dipped in melted chocolate and chilled to create a smooth, creamy, and indulgent snack reminiscent of the classic candy bar but in delightful individual portions.
Ingredients
Marshmallow Mixture
- 7 Ounces marshmallow fluff
- ½ Cup powdered sugar
- 3 Cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided: ⅓ cup for mixing, remaining for dipping)
Caramel
- 16 Werthers Originals chewy caramels
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate: Melt ⅓ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave by heating for 30 seconds at a time, stirring thoroughly after each interval until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, fold together the powdered sugar, melted chocolate, and marshmallow fluff gently until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Form Marshmallow Discs: Using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the marshmallow mixture onto two 9×13 inch baking sheets lined with wax paper. Spread or shape them into discs. Chill the baking sheets in the freezer for about 2 hours until the discs are firm to the touch.
- Shape Caramel Discs: While the marshmallow discs chill, shape each Werthers chewy caramel into a flat disc approximately the same size and shape as the marshmallow discs using your hands. Gently press each caramel disc onto the chilled marshmallow discs.
- Chill Again: Return the baking sheets with caramel-topped marshmallow discs to the freezer and chill for another 30 minutes to let the caramel adhere and firm up.
- Melt Remaining Chocolate: Melt the remaining semi-sweet chocolate chips using the same microwave method—heating in 30 second increments and stirring until smooth.
- Dip and Coat: Dip each marshmallow and caramel disc into the melted chocolate, ensuring full coating. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing them back onto the lined baking sheets.
- Final Chill: Chill the dipped Milky Way Bites in the refrigerator for about 1 hour or until the chocolate coating is set and firm.
Notes
- Use wax paper to prevent sticking during chilling and coating stages.
- Work quickly when shaping caramels as they can become sticky at room temperature.
- Ensure chocolate is fully melted and smooth for easy dipping and even coating.
- Store finished Milky Way Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a variation, try sprinkling a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate before it sets for a salted caramel twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (includes melting chocolate and shaping)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
