No-Bake Twix Cheesecake
Introduction
If you love Twix bars—the perfect harmony of crunchy biscuit, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate—you’re going to adore this No-Bake Twix Cheesecake. It captures every iconic element of Twix in a creamy, dreamy cheesecake that’s super easy to make. No oven needed, just simple mixing and chilling.
This dessert layers a buttery biscuit crust, luscious caramel-infused cheesecake filling with crunchy cookie pieces, a gooey caramel topping, and a final glossy chocolate drizzle that makes it irresistible. It’s perfect for summer days, potlucks, or anytime you want an impressive, crowd-pleasing dessert without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Cheesecake
Easy & Convenient: No baking means no heat, less time, and no stress.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves Twix bars; turning them into a cheesecake is a guaranteed win.
Rich but Balanced: Cream cheese and whipped cream create a luscious, light texture, balanced by crunchy and gooey elements.
Customizable: You can tweak layers, toppings, and flavors to suit your preferences.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it a day before and let the fridge do the work.
Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need
For the Crust:
2 cups (about 180g) crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
For the Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
4-5 Twix bars, chopped into small pieces (reserve some for garnish)
For the Topping:
1/2 cup caramel sauce
100g milk chocolate, chopped or chips
1 tbsp unsalted butter
Optional Garnishes:
Additional chopped Twix bars
Sea salt flakes (for salted caramel twist)
Whipped cream dollops
Equipment:
9-inch (23 cm) springform pan or pie dish
Mixing bowls (large and medium)
Electric mixer or hand mixer
Rubber spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate and butter)
Knife and chopping board
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
The crust provides the crunchy, biscuit base that mimics the shortbread base of Twix bars.
Crush the biscuits: Place digestive biscuits or graham crackers into a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor until fine crumbs form. You want fine crumbs, but a few slightly larger bits add nice texture.
Mix with butter and sugar: Transfer crumbs to a bowl. Pour melted butter and sugar over crumbs. Mix well with a fork or spatula until the mixture looks like wet sand and holds together when pressed.
Press into pan: Pour crumbs into the bottom of your springform pan. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to press crumbs firmly and evenly over the base.
Chill: Place the pan in the fridge for 15–20 minutes while you prepare the filling. This helps the crust set and become firm.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
The filling is smooth, creamy, and subtly flavored with vanilla and caramel, plus crunchy Twix pieces.
Beat the cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese on medium speed until smooth and creamy. No lumps! This step is important for silky cheesecake texture.
Add powdered sugar and vanilla: Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat until combined and smooth.
Whip the cream: In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means when you lift the whisk, the peaks hold their shape without drooping.
Fold the whipped cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture with a spatula. Fold carefully to keep the mixture light and airy.
Add caramel sauce: Fold in 1/2 cup caramel sauce evenly throughout the filling.
Chop Twix bars: Roughly chop 4-5 Twix bars into small chunks. Fold these into the cheesecake filling, distributing them evenly.
Spread over crust: Remove crust from fridge and spoon the cheesecake filling evenly over it. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 3: Chill the Cheesecake
Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the cheesecake to firm up and flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Prepare the Toppings
You’re going to top the cheesecake with gooey caramel and a glossy chocolate drizzle, mimicking the iconic Twix outer layers.
Caramel topping: Warm the 1/2 cup caramel sauce slightly if it’s very thick, so it’s pourable but not hot. Drizzle it evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
Chocolate ganache drizzle:
In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, melt chopped milk chocolate with 1 tablespoon of butter in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each until smooth and shiny.
Let it cool slightly but stay pourable.
Drizzle the chocolate: Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel layer in a zigzag or decorative pattern.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle additional chopped Twix bars on top for extra crunch and a beautiful presentation.
Optional: Add a pinch of flaky sea salt for a salty-sweet contrast.
Chill again for 15-20 minutes to set the toppings before slicing.
Slice with a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean for neat slices.
Tips for the Perfect No-Bake Twix Cheesecake
Softened cream cheese: Make sure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature for smooth mixing. Cold cream cheese causes lumps and grainy texture.
Chill whipping cream bowl: Chilling the bowl and beaters before whipping cream helps it whip faster and fluffier.
Avoid overmixing whipped cream: Fold gently to keep it airy; overmixing deflates it.
Use quality caramel sauce: For best flavor, use a good quality store-bought caramel or make your own homemade caramel sauce.
Chill time: Don’t rush chilling; the cheesecake needs time to firm up properly for slicing.
Chocolate drizzle: If the chocolate hardens too quickly on the cheesecake, you can gently warm the knife between slices to cut smoothly.
How to Make Homemade Caramel Sauce (Optional)
If you want to make your own caramel sauce, here’s a quick recipe:
Ingredients:
1 cup granulated sugar
6 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
1/2 cup heavy cream (warm)
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Heat sugar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula or whisk. The sugar will clump and then melt into an amber liquid. Be patient!
Once sugar is fully melted and amber, add butter pieces carefully (it will bubble). Stir until melted.
Slowly pour in warm cream while stirring constantly (bubbling again).
Let simmer 1-2 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and add a pinch of salt. Cool before using.
Variations & Customizations
1. Salted Caramel Twix Cheesecake
Add flaky sea salt over the caramel layer and chocolate drizzle for a trendy salted caramel flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet layers.
2. Peanut Butter Twix Cheesecake
Add 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter to the cheesecake filling with the caramel sauce for a rich, nutty twist that complements the biscuit base.
3. Vegan/Dairy-Free Version
Use vegan cream cheese alternatives, coconut whipped cream, and dairy-free caramel and chocolate to recreate this dessert without animal products.
4. Mini Twix Cheesecakes
Make individual cheesecakes in jars or cupcake liners using the same layering method, perfect for portion control and parties.
How to Store Your No-Bake Twix Cheesecake
Keep the cheesecake refrigerated, covered, for up to 4-5 days.
Avoid freezing this dessert; the texture of the no-bake filling and toppings might suffer after thawing.
Store leftovers covered tightly to prevent the crust from getting soggy and to keep caramel from drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other chocolate bars?
Yes! You can substitute Twix with other caramel chocolate bars like Milky Way or Rolos, or even homemade caramel bites.
What if I don’t have a springform pan?
You can use a regular pie dish or cake pan, but a springform pan makes it easier to remove the cheesecake without damaging it.
How can I make the crust gluten-free?
Use gluten-free digestive biscuits or graham crackers, or try crushed nuts mixed with butter for a gluten-free crust alternative.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just double all ingredients and use a larger pan (like a 10 or 11-inch springform) or make two separate cheesecakes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent touch.
Add fresh raspberries or strawberries on the side for a refreshing contrast.
Pair with coffee or a dessert wine for special occasions.
Final Thoughts
This No-Bake Twix Cheesecake is a showstopper—rich, creamy, and bursting with textures and flavors that mimic your favorite candy bar in an elegant dessert form. It’s simple enough for novice bakers and sure to impress family and friends. Whether for a party, holiday, or just a sweet treat at home, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
If you want, I can also help with printable recipe cards or tips on making this into a keto-friendly or lower-sugar dessert. Just let me know! Would you like me to include that too?
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