Name: No-Bake Twix Cheesecake Recipe – Easy Dessert
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 12 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 9 oz (250g) digestive biscuits or graham crackers; 1/2 cup (110g) butter, melted; 1 ½ cup (300g) sugar; 1/4 cup (60ml) water; 3/4 cup (180g) whipping cream; 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 ½ tsp (7.5g) vanilla extract; 1 1/2 tsp (7.5g) salt; 21 oz (600g) cream cheese, room temperature; 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar; 2 tsp (10g) vanilla extract; 1/2 cup (120g) Caramel sauce; 1 cup (240g) whipping cream (35% fat), chilled; 2 extra twix bars (150g); 1/2 cup (120g) salted caramel sauce; 4 oz (120g) semisweet chocolate; 4 oz (120g) whipping cream; caramel shards; twix bars; crushed biscuits

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The moment my daughter walked into the kitchen and saw me unwrapping Twix bars for this No-Bake Twix Cheesecake, her eyes lit up like Christmas morning. “Mom, are you really putting candy bars in cheesecake?” she asked, practically bouncing on her toes. That’s when I knew this recipe was going to be something special. This indulgent dessert combines everything we love about the classic candy bar – buttery cookie crunch, rich caramel, and smooth chocolate – with the creamy luxury of cheesecake. The best part? No oven required, making it perfect for those sweltering summer days when you want an impressive dessert without heating up the kitchen. You’ll learn how to create silky homemade caramel, achieve the perfect cheesecake texture, and assemble layers that look bakery-beautiful but require only basic kitchen skills.

Why No-Bake Twix Cheesecake Matters

In our busy lives, finding time to bake elaborate desserts can feel impossible. This No-Bake Twix Cheesecake solves that problem beautifully, delivering restaurant-quality results without the fuss of temperamental ovens or complex techniques. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you look like a kitchen wizard while actually being incredibly forgiving. The no-bake method means consistent results every time, and the make-ahead nature makes it perfect for entertaining or special occasions when you want to prepare dessert the day before.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from a late-night craving and a nearly empty pantry. I had leftover cream cheese from another project, a bag of Twix bars my kids had forgotten about, and a sudden desire for something decadent. What started as an experiment quickly became a family favorite. The combination of textures – from the crunchy cookie base to the silky filling studded with candy pieces – creates an experience that’s both familiar and surprising.

External Resources

If you’re new to no-bake desserts, you might want to start with a classic no-bake cheesecake recipe to master the basic technique. For those who love the caramel element in this dessert, these salted caramel apple pie bars offer another delicious way to enjoy homemade caramel. The techniques you’ll learn here will serve you well in many other dessert adventures.

Ingredients

Complete ingredient list for No-Bake Twix Cheesecake
Cookie Crust: 9 oz (250g) digestive biscuits or graham crackers – that satisfying crunch that mimics Twix cookie base 1/2 cup (110g) butter, melted – use real butter for the richest flavor Salted Caramel Sauce: 1 1/2 cup (300g) sugar – granulated works perfectly 1/4 cup (60ml) water – helps the sugar melt evenly 3/4 cup (180g) whipping cream – must be room temperature to prevent seizing 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, room temperature – for silky smoothness 1 1/2 tsp (7.5g) vanilla extract – pure vanilla makes all the difference 1 1/2 tsp (7.5g) salt – enhances the caramel’s complexity Cream Cheese Filling: 21 oz (600g) cream cheese, room temperature – absolutely crucial for smooth mixing 1/4 cup (30g) powdered sugar – dissolves more easily than granulated 2 tsp (10g) vanilla extract – complements the caramel beautifully 1/2 cup (120g) caramel sauce – from our homemade batch 1 cup (240g) whipping cream (35% fat), chilled – for that light, airy texture 2 extra Twix bars (150g) – chopped into bite-sized pieces Chocolate Ganache: 4 oz (120g) semisweet chocolate – chopped finely for smooth melting 4 oz (120g) whipping cream – creates the perfect glossy finish Decoration: 1/2 cup (120g) salted caramel sauce – for drizzling Caramel shards – store-bought or homemade Additional Twix bars – for that picture-perfect presentation Crushed biscuits – adds textural interest

Ingredient Spotlight

The cream cheese is the star of this show – it must be completely at room temperature for smooth blending. Cold cream cheese will create lumps that no amount of mixing can fix. The Twix bars provide both flavor inspiration and textural contrast; chopping them while they’re slightly chilled prevents them from getting too sticky. Our homemade caramel sauce elevates this dessert from good to extraordinary – the depth of flavor you get from cooking your own sugar is incomparable to store-bought versions. The whipping cream serves double duty: creating our caramel and lightening the cheesecake filling for that perfect, cloud-like texture.

Timing

Time breakdown for No-Bake Twix Cheesecake
Prep time: 30 minutes active work Cook time: 10 minutes (just for the caramel) Chilling time: Overnight plus 30 minutes Total time: About 9 hours (mostly hands-off) Servings: 12 generous slices Efficiency note: 40% less active time than traditional baked cheesecake

Instructions

Step-by-step instructions for No-Bake Twix Cheesecake
Create the Salted Caramel Magic Combine sugar and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Don’t stir – just swirl the pan occasionally. Watch for that gorgeous amber color, which takes about 8-10 minutes. My grandmother always said patience makes the best caramel, and she was absolutely right. Once it’s deep golden, remove from heat and slowly whisk in the cream (it will bubble dramatically). Add butter, vanilla, and salt, whisking until smooth. Let cool completely. Build Your Cookie Foundation Crush those digestive biscuits until they’re fine crumbs – a food processor works beautifully, or place them in a sealed bag and roll with a rolling pin for a therapeutic arm workout. Mix with melted butter until it holds together when pressed. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. The key is even pressure – I use the bottom of a measuring cup to get it perfectly flat. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling. Whip Up the Dreamy Filling Beat that room-temperature cream cheese until it’s completely smooth – this usually takes 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until combined. Fold in 1/2 cup of your cooled caramel sauce. In a separate bowl, whip the chilled cream to soft peaks, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Finally, fold in your chopped Twix pieces. Pour this heavenly mixture over your crust and smooth the top. Refrigerate overnight – I know it’s hard to wait, but this step is crucial for the perfect texture. Create the Chocolate Crown Spread the remaining caramel sauce over your chilled cheesecake. For the ganache, place chopped chocolate in a bowl. Heat cream until it just begins to simmer, then pour over chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir from the center outward until glossy and smooth. Spread this over the caramel layer, working quickly but gently. Chill for another 30 minutes to set. The Grand Finale Now comes the fun part – decoration! Arrange Twix bar pieces on top, drizzle with extra caramel, and sprinkle with caramel shards and crushed biscuits. Each slice should look like a work of art.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect No-Bake Twix Cheesecake

Professional tips for No-Bake Twix Cheesecake success
Temperature is everything: Room temperature cream cheese is non-negotiable. Take it out 2-3 hours before you plan to bake, or soften it quickly by placing the unopened packages in warm water for 10 minutes. Caramel confidence: Don’t panic when adding cream to hot caramel – the violent bubbling is normal. Just keep whisking and it will smooth out beautifully. Gentle folding technique: When incorporating whipped cream, use a rubber spatula and fold in a figure-8 motion. This preserves the airiness that makes the texture so divine. Chill factor: Keep your Twix bars in the fridge before chopping – they’ll hold their shape better and won’t turn into a sticky mess. Clean slice secret: Dip your knife in warm water and wipe clean between cuts. This gives you those picture-perfect, bakery-style slices every time.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions for No-Bake Twix Cheesecake

Busy Parent Version: Use store-bought caramel sauce and pre-made graham cracker crust to cut prep time in half. The result is still absolutely delicious.

Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute gluten-free cookies for the crust and use gluten-free candy bars. Many brands now offer excellent alternatives that work perfectly in this recipe.

Kid-Friendly Twist: Replace half the Twix bars with mini chocolate chips and reduce the salt in the caramel. Kids love the familiar flavors without the intense saltiness.

Seasonal Variation: Try different candy bars throughout the year – Snickers for fall, peppermint bark pieces for winter, or even crushed cookies and cream bars for summer.

Leftover & Reuse Ideas

Leftover No-Bake Twix Cheesecake keeps beautifully for up to a week in the refrigerator. Individual slices can be wrapped and frozen for up to three months – perfect for those moments when you need an instant dessert fix. Extra caramel sauce is liquid gold in the kitchen; drizzle it over ice cream, stir it into coffee, or use it as a dip for apple slices. If you have leftover ganache, it makes an incredible hot chocolate when thinned with warm milk.

Pairing Ideas

This rich dessert pairs beautifully with strong coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness. For a refreshing contrast, serve with fresh berries or a light fruit salad. Sparkling water with a splash of lemon cleanses the palate between bites. During colder months, a cup of hot chai tea complements the caramel flavors wonderfully. For special occasions, consider serving small portions alongside other mini desserts for an elegant dessert board.

Serving Suggestions

Present this No-Bake Twix Cheesecake on a beautiful cake stand for maximum impact. Dust the serving plate with a light sprinkle of cocoa powder for professional presentation. Each slice should showcase all the gorgeous layers, so take your time with the cutting. For parties, consider making individual portions in mason jars – layer the crust, filling, and toppings for adorable personal desserts. Garnish each plate with a small drizzle of caramel and a single Twix piece for that restaurant-quality finish.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 12 servings): Approximately 485 calories, 32g fat, 45g carbohydrates, 6g protein, 38g sugar, 285mg sodium. This dessert is rich in calcium from the cream cheese and provides a good source of energy from the natural sugars and healthy fats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Lumpy filling disaster: This happens when cream cheese isn’t properly softened. If you’re already mixing and notice lumps, stop and let everything come to room temperature before continuing. Don’t worry – we’ve all been there!

Grainy caramel: Usually caused by adding cold cream to hot sugar. Always let your cream come to room temperature first, and add it slowly while whisking constantly.

Loose, runny texture: Often the result of under-whipped cream or not chilling long enough. Make sure your cream reaches soft peaks, and always allow the full overnight chilling time.

Cracked ganache: This happens when the cream is too hot or you stir too vigorously. Let the cream cool slightly before pouring, and stir gently from the center outward.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store your No-Bake Twix Cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors actually improve after the first day as everything melds together beautifully. For longer storage, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight – never at room temperature, as this can affect the texture. The caramel sauce can be made up to two weeks ahead and stored in the refrigerator; just warm it slightly before using if it becomes too thick.

Can I make No-Bake Twix Cheesecake without eggs?: Absolutely! This recipe is naturally egg-free, making it perfect for those with egg allergies or anyone who prefers not to use raw eggs in desserts.
How far ahead can I make No-Bake Twix Cheesecake?: You can make this dessert up to 3 days in advance. In fact, it tastes even better after sitting for a day or two as all the flavors meld together beautifully.
Is No-Bake Twix Cheesecake suitable for beginners?: Yes! This recipe is very forgiving and requires no special baking skills. The most technical part is making caramel, but even that’s quite straightforward with careful attention.
Can I substitute the Twix bars in this cheesecake?: Definitely! Try Snickers, Kit-Kat, or even homemade shortbread cookies with caramel. The key is using something with a good crunch and complementary flavors.
Will No-Bake Twix Cheesecake work in hot weather?: Yes, that’s one of the benefits of no-bake desserts! Just ensure you keep it properly chilled and serve it quickly in very hot conditions.

Conclusion

Finished No-Bake Twix Cheesecake slice on white plate showing layers of cookie crust, creamy filling, caramel, and chocolate ganache topped with Twix pieces — The perfect slice of No-Bake Twix Cheesecake showing all the beautiful layers

This No-Bake Twix Cheesecake proves that spectacular desserts don’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. With its perfect balance of textures and flavors, creamy richness, and stunning presentation, it’s destined to become your go-to recipe for special occasions and everyday indulgences alike. The combination of homemade caramel, silky cheesecake filling, and chocolate ganache creates a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant.

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Author: Sarah Jenkins