Introduction
Twix Cheesecake is a rich, indulgent dessert that combines the creamy texture of a classic cheesecake with the irresistible flavors of caramel, chocolate, and crunchy cookie pieces inspired by the beloved Twix candy bar. With a buttery cookie crust, a smooth caramel cheesecake filling, and a decadent chocolate ganache topping, this dessert is a show-stopping treat for any occasion.
The first time I made this, it was for a family gathering, and it disappeared within minutes. The combination of the buttery crust, velvety cheesecake, gooey caramel, and smooth chocolate was an instant hit. It’s a dessert that not only looks stunning but also tastes absolutely divine.
What’s great about this Twix Cheesecake is its versatility. You can add crushed Twix pieces on top for an extra crunch or drizzle it with more caramel for added indulgence. Whether you’re making it for a birthday, holiday, or just because, this dessert is guaranteed to impress and satisfy anyone with a sweet tooth!
Perfect for:
- Birthday parties
- Holiday celebrations
- Special events
- Family gatherings
- Caramel and chocolate lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe Twix Cheesecake
Here’s why Twix Cheesecake will become your new favorite dessert:
- Creamy and Decadent: The creamy cheesecake filling melts in your mouth, perfectly balancing the richness of caramel and chocolate.
- Crunchy Cookie Crust: Made with crushed cookies, the crust adds a satisfying crunch to each bite.
- Caramel and Chocolate Layers: The luscious layers of caramel and chocolate ganache mimic the iconic flavors of Twix bars.
- Visually Stunning: This cheesecake looks as amazing as it tastes, making it ideal for special occasions.
- Customizable: Add your twist by using different cookie crusts or toppings for a unique variation.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 7-8 hours (includes chilling time)
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12-16 slices
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 6g, Carbs: 40g, Fat: 32g
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Twix Cheesecake:
Crust:
- 2 cups crushed shortbread cookies (or graham crackers)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup caramel sauce
Topping:
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup chocolate ganache (made with 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate and ½ cup heavy cream)
- 6-8 Twix bars, chopped
Ingredient Highlights
- Shortbread Crust: Mimics the buttery cookie layer in a Twix bar, adding flavor and crunch to the base.
- Caramel Sauce: Brings the iconic caramel layer of Twix into the cheesecake, tying all the flavors together.
- Twix Bars: Chopped Twix bars add texture and a fun, recognizable element to the cheesecake.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make Twix Cheesecake:
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Crust: Combine the crushed shortbread cookies and melted butter in a medium bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
- Press into Pan: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Sour Cream and Vanilla: Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks.
- Add the Caramel: Gently fold in the caramel sauce for a rich, sweet flavor.
- Pour into Crust: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Bake the Cheesecake:
- Prepare a Water Bath: Wrap the bottom of the springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent leaks. Place the pan in a larger roasting pan and pour hot water into the roasting pan, about 1 inch deep.
- Bake: Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door cracked open for 1 hour. Then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight.
Add the Toppings:
- Add Caramel Sauce: Spread the caramel sauce evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
- Make Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until steaming (but not boiling) and pour over the chopped chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Spread Ganache: Pour the ganache over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
- Add Twix Bars: Top the cheesecake with chopped Twix bars for a fun and decorative finish.
How to Serve Twix Cheesecake
Twix Cheesecake is perfect for serving in a variety of ways:
- At a Party: Slice and serve on a dessert table as the centerpiece of your celebration.
- With Coffee: Pair a slice with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful after-dinner treat.
- As a Gift: Wrap slices individually in parchment paper or box the whole cheesecake for a thoughtful, homemade gift.
Additional Tips for Twix Cheesecake
Here are some tips to ensure your Twix Cheesecake turns out perfectly every time:
- Chill the Crust: Before adding the cheesecake batter, chill the crust for at least 15 minutes to help it firm up and stay intact when slicing.
- Room-Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your cream cheese, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth and creamy batter without lumps.
- Don’t Overmix: When mixing the cheesecake batter, avoid overmixing, as it can incorporate too much air, which might cause the cheesecake to crack during baking.
- Use a Water Bath: Baking the cheesecake in a water bath helps maintain a moist environment, preventing cracks on the surface and ensuring an even bake.
- Cut Twix Pieces Evenly: For a clean presentation, cut Twix bars into uniform pieces before using them as a topping or mixing them into the batter.
- Caramel Drizzle: Warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling to ensure a smooth, even drizzle over the cheesecake.
- Freeze for Neater Slices: Before serving, freeze the cheesecake for 30 minutes to an hour. This will help you get clean, sharp slices.
- Experiment with Layers: Add an extra layer of caramel sauce or chocolate ganache between the crust and cheesecake batter for added decadence.
- Chill Overnight: Allow the cheesecake to chill in the refrigerator overnight for the best flavor and texture. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Decorate Right Before Serving: Add whipped cream, extra Twix pieces, and caramel drizzle just before serving to keep the toppings fresh and visually appealing.
Recipe Variations for Twix Cheesecake
Here are 10 variations you can try for Twix Cheesecake:
- Mini Twix Cheesecakes: Make individual portions using a muffin tin and cupcake liners.
- Peanut Butter Twix Cheesecake: Add a peanut butter swirl to the filling for a nutty twist.
- Dark Chocolate Twix Cheesecake: Use dark chocolate ganache for a richer, bittersweet topping.
- Salted Caramel Twix Cheesecake: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel layer for a salted caramel flavor.
- White Chocolate Twix Cheesecake: Replace the semi-sweet chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter topping.
- Gluten-Free Twix Cheesecake: Use gluten-free cookies for the crust to make the cheesecake gluten-free.
- Twix Cheesecake Bars: Make this recipe in a 9×13-inch pan and slice into bars for easier serving.
- Nutella Twix Cheesecake: Add a layer of Nutella between the caramel and ganache layers.
- Oreo Crust Twix Cheesecake: Replace the shortbread crust with a crushed Oreo crust for extra chocolate flavor.
- Candy Explosion Cheesecake: Add chopped Snickers, Milky Way, or Kit Kats along with the Twix for a candy lover’s dream.
Freezing and Storage for Twix Cheesecake
- Freezing: Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Special Equipment for Twix Cheesecake
Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Twix Cheesecake easier:
- Springform Pan: A 9-inch springform pan is essential for easily removing the cheesecake after baking.
- Roasting Pan: Needed for the water bath to prevent cracks.
- Electric Mixer: Use a hand or stand mixer for a smooth and creamy cheesecake filling.
- Offset Spatula: Helpful for spreading the caramel and ganache layers evenly.
- Parchment Paper: Lining the pan makes removing the cheesecake easier.
Frequently Asked Questions for Twix Cheesecake
- Can I skip the water bath?
While you can skip it, the water bath helps prevent cracks and ensures even baking. It’s worth the extra step! - Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Absolutely! High-quality store-bought caramel works perfectly. - What can I use instead of Twix bars?
You can substitute any chocolate-covered caramel candy, like Milky Way or Rolo. - Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, it’s best to make it a day in advance to allow it to chill and set properly. - Can I use milk chocolate for the ganache?
Yes, but it will create a sweeter topping. Adjust to your preference.
Twix Cheesecake
- Total Time: 7-8 hours
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
Description
Ingredients
Crust:
- 2 cups crushed shortbread cookies (or graham crackers)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup caramel sauce
Topping:
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup chocolate ganache (made with 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate and ½ cup heavy cream)
- 6–8 Twix bars, chopped
Ingredient Highlights
- Shortbread Crust: Mimics the buttery cookie layer in a Twix bar, adding flavor and crunch to the base.
- Caramel Sauce: Brings the iconic caramel layer of Twix into the cheesecake, tying all the flavors together.
- Twix Bars: Chopped Twix bars add texture and a fun, recognizable element to the cheesecake.
Instructions
Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Make the Crust: Combine the crushed shortbread cookies and melted butter in a medium bowl. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
- Press into Pan: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool completely.
Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Sour Cream and Vanilla: Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Add the Eggs: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks.
- Add the Caramel: Gently fold in the caramel sauce for a rich, sweet flavor.
- Pour into Crust: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Bake the Cheesecake:
- Prepare a Water Bath: Wrap the bottom of the springform pan in aluminum foil to prevent leaks. Place the pan in a larger roasting pan and pour hot water into the roasting pan, about 1 inch deep.
- Bake: Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
- Cool: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door cracked open for 1 hour. Then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight.
Add the Toppings:
- Add Caramel Sauce: Spread the caramel sauce evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
- Make Chocolate Ganache: Heat the heavy cream until steaming (but not boiling) and pour over the chopped chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- Spread Ganache: Pour the ganache over the caramel layer and spread evenly.
- Add Twix Bars: Top the cheesecake with chopped Twix bars for a fun and decorative finish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Nutrition
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 6g
Conclusion
Twix Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that brings together the irresistible flavors of creamy cheesecake, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate, all inspired by the classic candy bar. With its indulgent layers and stunning presentation, this cheesecake is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying as a well-deserved treat.
This recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it ideal for everything from casual family nights to festive celebrations. Whether you’re sharing it at a party or savoring a slice yourself, this Twix Cheesecake is sure to delight with every bite.
I’d love to see how your Twix Cheesecake turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!