Twix Caramel Cheesecake

Y’all know I love a good cheesecake, especially when it involves chocolate and caramel! The smell of graham cracker crust baking always reminds me of Sunday afternoons with my grandma. But this Twix Caramel Cheesecake? It takes that cozy feeling and kicks it up a notch. Imagine creamy, dreamy cheesecake swirled with ribbons of gooey caramel and studded with chunks of crunchy Twix candy. I’ve made this a half dozen times in my own Texas kitchen, tweaking it until it was just right. Prepare yourself for a decadent dessert that will have everyone begging for seconds!

Why This Recipe Works

Between soccer practice, school plays, and everything else, us mamas barely have time to breathe! That’s why this Twix Caramel Cheesecake is a lifesaver. It’s:

• Surprisingly Simple: Don’t let the “cheesecake” part scare you. This recipe is very straightforward.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake it a day or two in advance, which is a huge help for busy week.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Who doesn’t love chocolate, caramel, and cheesecake? It’s a guaranteed winner!

I’ve personally tested this recipe to make sure it’s foolproof and delicious every single time. Y’all deserve a dessert that’s both impressive and easy to pull off!

Ingredients

• For the Crust:
  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• For the Cheesecake Filling:
  • 32 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
• For the Caramel Swirl & Topping:
  • 1 cup caramel sauce, store-bought or homemade
  • 6 fun-size Twix bars, chopped

Ingredient Notes

Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened! This is key to getting a smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling. I usually let mine sit out for at least an hour, or even longer if it’s cold in the kitchen.

Caramel Sauce: You can use your favorite store-bought caramel sauce, but if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade caramel is absolutely divine! A good quality store-bought version is perfectly fine though. Look for one that’s thick and rich.

Twix Bars: Fun-size Twix bars are perfect for this recipe because they’re already bite-sized. But you can also use regular-sized bars; just chop them into smaller pieces.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking, darlin’! Here’s how to make this show-stopping cheesecake.

1. Step 1: Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let it cool completely.
2. Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and beat until combined.
3. Step 3: Add the Eggs and Sour Cream: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gently stir in the sour cream until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause cracks in your cheesecake.
4. Step 4: Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour half of the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the filling, then sprinkle with half of the chopped Twix bars. Pour the remaining cheesecake filling over the top. Drizzle with the remaining caramel sauce and sprinkle with the remaining Twix bars.
5. Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake: Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour with the door slightly ajar. This helps prevent cracking.
6. Step 6: Chill the Cheesecake: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.
7. Step 7: Serve: Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and slice. Serve cold and enjoy!

Expert Tips from My Kitchen

Here are a few of my tried-and-true tips to help you bake the perfect Twix Caramel Cheesecake:

• Water Bath (Optional): For an even creamier cheesecake, bake it in a water bath. Wrap the bottom of the springform pan in heavy-duty aluminum foil, then place it in a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan until it reaches about halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
• Preventing Cracks: The key to preventing cracks is to avoid overbaking and to let the cheesecake cool gradually. Letting it cool in the oven with the door ajar works wonders!
• Room Temperature Ingredients: As I said before, make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them blend together smoothly and evenly.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can incorporate too much air, which can cause the cheesecake to puff up and then crack. Mix until just combined.
• Caramel Drizzle: For a prettier caramel swirl, warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling it over the cheesecake.
• Kid-Friendly: Let the kiddos help with the topping! They’ll love sprinkling the Twix pieces over the cheesecake.

Storage & Meal Prep

Storage: Store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered tightly, for up to 5 days.

Freezing: You can freeze the cheesecake for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Make-Ahead: This cheesecake is perfect for making ahead! You can bake it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.

Substitutions & Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust to make this cheesecake gluten-free.

Dairy-Free: I haven’t tested a dairy-free version of this recipe yet, but you could try using dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream alternatives. The results may vary.

Other Candy: Feel free to swap out the Twix bars for other candy, such as Snickers, Milky Way, or Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Get creative!

Chocolate Crust: Use chocolate graham crackers to make a chocolate crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without a springform pan?

A springform pan is really the best tool for making cheesecake, as it allows you to easily remove the cheesecake without damaging it. If you don’t have one, you can try using a regular cake pan, but be sure to line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang to help you lift the cheesecake out.

How do I know when the cheesecake is done?

The cheesecake is done when the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. It will continue to set as it cools.

Why did my cheesecake crack?

Cheesecakes crack for a variety of reasons, including overbaking, sudden temperature changes, and overmixing the batter. Following the tips in this recipe will help prevent cracking.

Can I use a different size pan?

This recipe is designed for a 9-inch springform pan. If you use a different size pan, you may need to adjust the baking time.

Is this cheesecake kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the combination of chocolate, caramel, and cheesecake. Just be mindful of any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions

This Twix Caramel Cheesecake is delicious all on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it even more special:

• Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle with chocolate sauce for an extra-chocolatey treat.
• Fresh Berries: Serve with fresh berries, such as strawberries or raspberries, for a pop of color and flavor.
• Ice Cream: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert.

I hope y’all enjoy this Twix Caramel Cheesecake as much as my family does! It’s the perfect dessert for birthdays, holidays, or just a special treat. Don’t be shy, get in the kitchen and try this recipe! I promise, the flavors of caramel, chocolate, and creamy cheesecake make this recipe a winner! And please, if you try it, let me know what you think in the comments below! I love hearing from y’all. Be sure to check out my other family recipes at FamiliesRecipes.com, and sign up for my newsletter so you never miss a delicious new recipe!

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