This decadent Chocolate Caramel Twix Cheesecake transforms the nostalgic charm of a candy bar into an elegant, layered dessert. It begins with a buttery graham cracker crust, followed by a luscious caramel layer, rich and creamy cheesecake filling, and a glossy chocolate ganache topping. Finished with fun-sized Twix bars, this indulgent treat is a candy lover’s dream—perfect for celebrations or whenever you’re craving something truly extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Multi-layered indulgence: Combines crust, caramel, cheesecake, ganache, and candy for maximum flavor and texture.
- Impressive appearance: Twix bar garnish makes for a visually stunning presentation.
- Candy-inspired delight: A nostalgic twist on a classic dessert with real candy bar appeal.
- Smooth and creamy filling: Made with full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for ultimate richness.
- Crowd-pleasing flavor: Chocolate, caramel, and cheesecake are a universally loved trio.
- Make-ahead friendly: Best served chilled, making it ideal for preparing the day before.
- No candy thermometer required: The caramel layer is made simply with soft caramels and condensed milk.
- Perfect for special occasions: A luxurious dessert worthy of birthdays, holidays, or dinner parties.
- Balanced sweetness: The layers work together to deliver a satisfying but not overpowering taste.
- Sliceable perfection: Holds its shape beautifully for clean slices and easy serving.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
- graham cracker crumbs
- unsalted butter, melted
- sugar
For the Caramel Layer:
- Kraft caramels
- sweetened condensed milk
- butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- cream cheese, softened
- sugar
- eggs
- cornstarch
- pure vanilla extract
- heavy whipping cream
For the Ganache Topping:
- semisweet chocolate, chopped
- heavy whipping cream
- butter
For Garnish:
- fun-sized Twix bars, halved or whole
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the caramels with sweetened condensed milk and butter, stirring until smooth. Pour over the crust and chill for 10 minutes.
- For the filling, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in cornstarch, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until creamy.
- Pour the cheesecake mixture over the set caramel layer.
- Bake for 50–55 minutes or until the center is nearly set. Let cool for 1 hour at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- To make the ganache, heat cream in a small saucepan until simmering. Pour over chopped chocolate and butter in a bowl. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Pour the ganache over the chilled cheesecake and spread evenly.
- Top with halved or whole Twix bars in a circular pattern.
- Chill the cheesecake for an additional 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 slices
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours (includes chilling time)
Calories: Approximately 560 kcal per slice
Variations
- Oreo crust: Substitute the graham cracker crust with crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.
- Mini cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin for individual portions; reduce baking time to 18–20 minutes.
- Different candy topping: Use Snickers, Milky Way, or Rolos instead of Twix for a new twist.
- Salted caramel layer: Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel for contrast.
- Lighter version: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and skip the ganache for a less intense dessert.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheating: Not recommended; this cheesecake is best served chilled.
FAQs
Can I use homemade caramel instead of store-bought caramels?
Yes, homemade caramel can be used, but make sure it’s thick enough to hold under the cheesecake layer.
How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
Avoid overmixing the batter and bake in a water bath if desired. Let the cheesecake cool gradually.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semisweet for the ganache?
Yes, though it will be sweeter. Adjust to taste depending on your preference.
What’s the best way to cut clean slices?
Use a hot knife wiped clean between each cut for neat, professional-looking slices.
Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
Absolutely. It’s best when made a day ahead to allow the flavors to set and develop.
How do I melt caramels properly?
Melt over low heat with sweetened condensed milk and butter, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
What can I use instead of Twix for topping?
Any caramel and chocolate-based candy bar works well—try Kit Kats, Rolos, or chopped Mars bars.
Can I use a different size pan?
A 10-inch pan can work but will result in a thinner cheesecake. Adjust baking time as needed.
Do I need to use a springform pan?
A springform pan is best for easy removal, but a well-greased deep dish with parchment can work in a pinch.
Is it okay to skip the ganache?
Yes, though the ganache adds a rich finish. You can opt for a dusting of cocoa powder or a caramel drizzle instead.
Conclusion
Chocolate Caramel Twix Cheesecake is a celebration of layered flavors and textures—from buttery crust and smooth caramel to velvety cheesecake and rich chocolate ganache. Whether you’re a candy bar enthusiast or simply love a show-stopping dessert, this cheesecake delivers irresistible sweetness in every bite. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or just because, it’s a dessert that turns any occasion into something special.
PrintChocolate Caramel Twix Cheesecake
This indulgent cheesecake starts with a classic graham cracker crust, layered with a rich caramel filling, velvety cream cheese base, and topped with a glossy chocolate ganache and fun-sized Twix bars. A candy bar lover’s dream turned into a sliceable dessert!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 40 Kraft caramels
- 1/2 can (7 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tbsp butter
- 32 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 12 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (for ganache)
- 1 tbsp butter (for ganache)
- 1 cup fun-sized Twix bars, halved or whole
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the bottom of the pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool.
- In a small saucepan, melt caramels with sweetened condensed milk and 1 tbsp butter over low heat. Stir until smooth and pour over the crust. Chill for 10 minutes to set.
- For the filling, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in cornstarch, vanilla, and cream until creamy.
- Pour the batter over the chilled caramel layer. Bake for 50–55 minutes until the center is nearly set. Cool for 1 hour, then chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- To make the ganache, heat cream until simmering and pour over chopped chocolate and butter. Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until glossy.
- Pour ganache over the chilled cheesecake and spread evenly. Top with Twix bars in a circular pattern.
- Chill 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother filling.
- Let ganache cool slightly before pouring to avoid melting the cheesecake.
- Chill the cheesecake thoroughly for clean slices.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg