Twix Cheesecake

Imagine biting into a creamy cheesecake with crunchy biscuit, gooey caramel, and chocolate—just like a Twix bar. This cheesecake captures all that nuttiness, sweetness, and crunch, layered into one dessert you won’t want to share.

Behind the Recipe

I first made something like this when I was craving a candy-bar dessert but didn’t want something over the top. I had leftover Twix bars, cream cheese, and some shortbread cookies, so I decided to combine them all. That first bake was messy but heavenly: the crust was buttery, the filling thick and dreamy, caramel dribbled just right, and the chocolate top sealed the deal. From there, I refined it to be more stable, look prettier, and impress guests.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

The idea comes from classic American cheesecakes plus the popular Twix candy bar (shortbread, caramel, chocolate). Cheesecake with caramel and chocolate is a winning combo, and adding real Twix bars gives crunch and authenticity.

Why You’ll Love Twix Cheesecake

Versatile: Works as a celebration centerpiece or a casual dessert.

Budget-Friendly: Uses store-bought ingredients, no special tools required.

Quick and Easy: The no-bake version comes together in under 30 minutes (plus chill time).

Customizable: Use a different candy bar, add nuts, or swirl in extra caramel.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Best made the day before for perfect texture.

Great for Leftovers: Keeps well in the fridge for several days.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use full-fat cream cheese, and bring it to room temperature so mixing is smooth and lump-free.
2. Line the bottom of your springform pan with parchment for easy release.
3. Let the caramel cool slightly before adding to avoid it running too thin.
4. Chill overnight for the best sliceable texture and clean layers.
5. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for the cleanest cuts.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Springform Pan: Essential for easy removal and layered presentation.

Mixing Bowls: To mix crust and filling separately.

Electric Mixer: Stand or handheld for smooth, creamy filling.

Spatula: For folding and spreading.

Saucepan: If making your own ganache or caramel.

Knife: To chop Twix bars and slice the final cheesecake.

Ingredients in Twix Cheesecake

1. Shortbread Cookies or Digestive Biscuits: 1½ cups, crushed – Makes the buttery base.
2. Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoons, melted – Binds the crust together.
3. Cream Cheese: 24 oz (3 packages), softened – The star of the cheesecake layer.
4. Granulated Sugar: ¾ cup – Sweetens the filling.
5. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – Adds warmth and enhances flavor.
6. Eggs: 3 large – For the baked version only; omit for no-bake.
7. Caramel Sauce: ½ cup, plus extra for topping – Gives that signature Twix gooeyness.
8. Heavy Cream: ½ cup – Used in ganache topping.
9. Dark or Milk Chocolate Chips: 1 cup – For silky ganache drizzle.
10. Twix Bars: 4–5 bars, chopped – Folded into the filling and sprinkled on top.

Ingredient Substitutions

Shortbread Cookies: Graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even Oreos.

Caramel Sauce: Dulce de leche or thick store-bought caramel.

Chocolate Chips: Use any good-quality chocolate, or chop a chocolate bar.

Cream Cheese: Mascarpone can be substituted for a lighter, slightly tangier twist.

Twix Bars: Swap with other candy bars like Snickers or Kit Kat for fun variations.

Ingredient Spotlight

Twix Bars: With crisp cookie centers, caramel, and milk chocolate, Twix delivers flavor and texture that perfectly mirrors the cheesecake’s layers.

Caramel Sauce: Acts as both a binder and a flavor bridge between the cheesecake and the ganache, adding richness and shine.

Instructions for Making Twix Cheesecake

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 325°F (for baked version). Line the bottom of a springform pan with parchment and grease sides.
2. Combine Ingredients: Mix crushed cookies with melted butter. Press into pan to form an even base.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Bake crust for 8–10 minutes (optional for no-bake). Cool completely.
4. Assemble the Dish: Beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy. Mix in vanilla and eggs (if baking). Stir in chopped Twix and ½ cup caramel.
5. Cook to Perfection: For baked version, bake 50–60 minutes until center is set but slightly jiggly. Cool gradually, then chill. For no-bake, chill 6 hours or overnight.
6. Finishing Touches: Pour ganache over chilled cheesecake. Drizzle with caramel. Top with chopped Twix bars.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Slice with a hot knife and serve cold. Pairs perfectly with coffee or a glass of milk.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

You’re biting into buttery crunch (shortbread), ultra-smooth cheesecake, ribbons of sweet caramel, and silky ganache. Chopped Twix adds that essential candy-bar snap while balancing with the richness of the cream cheese. It’s indulgence with every layer.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Chill the crust before adding filling to prevent sogginess.
• Add a pinch of salt to the caramel for contrast and balance.
• Use parchment paper for easy lift-out and cleaner edges.
• Let ganache cool 10 minutes before pouring so it sets in a beautiful glossy layer.

What to Avoid

• Don’t skip chilling time — your layers will slide and filling won’t set properly.
• Don’t overbake — this can cause cracks and dryness.
• Avoid overmixing after adding eggs — it can incorporate air and cause splitting.
• Don’t use low-fat cream cheese — it won’t hold shape well.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: ~480
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes (baked version)
Chill Time: 4–6 hours or overnight
Total Time: 5–7 hours

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Twix Cheesecake stores beautifully. Make it the day before serving to give it time to set. Store in the fridge, covered, for up to 4 days. You can freeze it (sliced or whole) for up to a month — just wrap tightly and thaw in the fridge overnight.

How to Serve Twix Cheesecake

Serve chilled with a drizzle of extra caramel or a sprinkle of sea salt flakes. For a fancier presentation, pipe whipped cream around the edges and add mini Twix chunks. It’s the perfect end to a dinner party or celebration.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Blend into milkshakes for a decadent treat.
• Layer into trifles with whipped cream and brownie chunks.
• Use chunks as an ice cream topping.
• Crumble into parfaits with crushed cookies and chocolate pudding.

Additional Tips

• Decorate with gold dust or sprinkles for a party-ready look.
• For a richer twist, make a chocolate shortbread crust.
• Use mini cheesecake pans to create individual servings.

Make It a Showstopper

Top with swirls of ganache, whole Twix sticks standing up, and a caramel drizzle cascade. Serve on a cake stand with a gold cake knife for ultimate elegance.

Variations to Try

• Peanut Butter Twix Cheesecake: Add peanut butter to the filling or crust.
• No-Bake Twix Cheesecake: Use whipped cream instead of eggs and set in the fridge.
• Salted Caramel Cheesecake: Use salted caramel sauce and a pretzel crust.
• Mini Cheesecakes: Use muffin tins with liners for portioned desserts.
• Chocolate Lover’s Twist: Add cocoa powder to the cheesecake base for a chocolate filling.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I make this no-bake?

Yes. Skip the eggs, and use whipped cream in the filling. Chill for 6+ hours.

Q2: Can I use a different crust?

Yes, try graham crackers, Oreos, or even pretzels for sweet-salty contrast.

Q3: What if my ganache is too runny?

Let it cool more before pouring, or use less cream.

Q4: Can I freeze Twix Cheesecake?

Absolutely. Wrap slices tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Q5: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Not recommended. It may not hold its shape or set as well.

Q6: What’s the best chocolate for topping?

Use good-quality chocolate chips or baking bars — milk or dark both work.

Q7: How far ahead can I make it?

2–3 days in advance is fine. Add toppings closer to serving time.

Q8: Do I need a water bath?

It helps prevent cracks, especially for baked versions. Optional but useful.

Q9: Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free cookies for the crust.

Q10: What should I serve it with?

A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs perfectly.

Conclusion

Twix Cheesecake is the perfect marriage of candy bar fun and decadent dessert luxury. With its smooth filling, buttery base, sticky caramel, and rich chocolate topping, this is more than a cheesecake — it’s a layered bite of indulgent joy. Whether you’re sharing it or saving every slice for yourself, trust me, it’s worth every forkful.

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