Twix Caramel Cheesecake Bars

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with these utterly irresistible Twix Cheesecake Bars – a dessert revelation that masterfully combines two beloved treats. Imagine the rich, creamy decadence of a classic homemade cheesecake, infused with the delightful crunch of chocolate, caramel, and shortbread from your favorite Twix bars, all crowned with a glistening chocolate ganache. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience designed to make every bite a moment of pure bliss. Forget the daunting task of baking a full-sized cheesecake; these convenient bars offer all the luxurious flavor in perfectly portioned squares, making them ideal for sharing, entertaining, or simply indulging in a well-deserved treat.

Our perfected Cheesecake Recipe begins with a golden, buttery graham cracker crust, providing the ideal foundation for the layers of flavor to come. Next, a velvety-smooth cheesecake batter is generously studded with chopped Twix bars, creating an exciting texture and an explosion of caramel-chocolate goodness. Finally, a silky, rich chocolate ganache is poured over the top, creating a professional finish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. A final sprinkle of crushed Twix pieces adds an extra layer of charm and crunch, elevating these bars from simply delicious to absolutely unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the world of cheesecakes, this recipe is designed for success, promising a dessert that will impress everyone who tries it. Get ready to embark on a baking adventure that ends in sweet satisfaction!

Why These Twix Cheesecake Bars Are an Absolute Must-Bake

While the allure of a traditional, whole cheesecake is undeniable, these Twix Cheesecake Bars offer a practical and equally decadent alternative, perfect for any occasion. Here’s why this recipe deserves a prime spot in your baking repertoire:

• Effortless Elegance & Portion Control: Baking a full cheesecake can be intimidating, and serving it often leads to uneven slices. These bars are incredibly easy to make and offer built-in portion control. They’re ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or simply having perfectly sized treats on hand without the commitment of a large cake. You can easily cut them into small squares for a bite-sized dessert or larger rectangles for a more substantial indulgence.
• A Symphony of Flavors and Textures: This dessert is a masterpiece of contrasts. You get the crisp, buttery graham cracker crust, followed by a smooth, creamy vanilla cheesecake filling. Then comes the exciting surprise of chopped Twix bars, which introduce delightful notes of crunchy shortbread, chewy caramel, and rich milk chocolate. The grand finale is a glossy, bittersweet chocolate ganache, offering a melt-in-your-mouth finish that ties all the components together. It’s a multi-layered sensory experience that keeps you coming back for more.
• Unleash Your Creativity: While the classic Twix bar inclusion is a showstopper, this recipe provides a fantastic canvas for experimentation. You can easily swap out the Twix for other favorite candy bars, add different types of chocolate chips, or even incorporate fruits or nuts into the cheesecake filling or ganache topping. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to customize this dessert to your exact preferences or seasonal availability.
• The Power of the Twix Bar: For those who might be unfamiliar with the iconic Twix bar, it’s a confectionery marvel composed of a tender shortbread biscuit, generously topped with a layer of chewy caramel, and then enrorobed in a smooth milk chocolate coating. Its unique stick shape and delightful combination of textures make it a standout candy. Integrating these beloved bars into a creamy cheesecake creates a harmonious blend of familiar flavors and exciting new dimensions. Our standalone Twix Cheesecake is already a fan favorite, so you know this bar version is guaranteed to be a hit!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, bringing a dish to a holiday gathering, or simply want to treat your family, these Twix Cheesecake Bars fit the bill. They look impressive, taste incredible, and are always a crowd-pleaser. Their convenience also makes them a fantastic make-ahead dessert, freeing up your time on the day of your event.

Mastering the Art of Twix Cheesecake Bars: Expert Tips for Success

Crafting the perfect cheesecake bar is all about precision and a few clever tricks. Follow these expert tips to ensure your Twix Cheesecake Bars turn out flawlessly every time, boasting that signature creamy texture and rich flavor:

• Perfecting Your Graham Cracker Crumbs: If you don’t have pre-made graham cracker crumbs, don’t fret! You can easily create them at home. Simply break whole graham cracker sheets into smaller pieces and pulse them in a food processor until fine crumbs form. Alternatively, place the crackers in a sturdy Ziploc bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Aim for fine, even crumbs for a cohesive crust.
• Achieving an Even Crust: Once your crumb mixture is prepared, pressing it firmly and evenly into the pan is crucial. Use the flat bottom of a measuring cup or a glass to compact the crumbs. This technique ensures a sturdy base that won’t crumble when sliced and helps prevent soggy spots. A well-packed crust is the secret to a great cheesecake bar.
• PRO-Tip: Room Temperature is Key for Creaminess: For the silkiest, most luscious cheesecake filling, always ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients are harder to mix smoothly, often resulting in lumps in your batter. Room temperature ingredients blend together seamlessly, creating a uniform, airy, and velvety consistency without overmixing.
• PRO-Tip: Choose the Right Mixer Attachment: When preparing the cheesecake filling, the paddle attachment on your stand mixer is your best friend. It thoroughly combines the ingredients while minimizing the incorporation of excess air, which can lead to cracks on the surface of your baked cheesecake. The whisk attachment, while great for whipping cream, can aerate the batter too much, compromising the dense and rich texture you desire for cheesecake.
• Embrace Versatility: While Twix bars are the star here, don’t hesitate to customize! If you prefer a simpler treat, omit the Twix bits from the filling and topping for classic vanilla cheesecake bars. For another delicious twist, consider adding mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a swirl of fruit preserves into the cheesecake batter before baking. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your cravings.
• Gentle Baking and Cooling: Cheesecake is delicate. Avoid opening the oven door frequently while baking, as sudden temperature changes can cause it to crack. After the baking time, turning off the oven and allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually inside (with the door ajar or closed, as specified in the recipe) helps prevent drastic temperature shifts and ensures a smooth, crack-free top.
• The Art of the Ganache: For a flawlessly smooth ganache, ensure your heavy cream is hot but not boiling. Pour it over finely chopped chocolate and let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes. This allows the hot cream to melt the chocolate evenly. Then, whisk gently from the center outwards until the mixture is glossy and uniform. Avoid over-whisking, which can incorporate air and dull the shine.
• Chilling is Non-Negotiable: Patience is a virtue, especially with cheesecake. Chilling the bars thoroughly (ideally for several hours or overnight) is crucial. This not only allows the cheesecake to fully set and firm up, but also lets the flavors meld together beautifully. Attempting to cut warm or insufficiently chilled bars will result in a messy, crumbling dessert.

The Step-by-Step Journey to Twix Cheesecake Perfection

Creating these sensational Twix Cheesecake Bars is a delightful process. Here’s a detailed guide to walk you through each stage, ensuring a successful and incredibly delicious outcome.

1. The Foundation: A Buttery Graham Cracker Crust

A great cheesecake starts with a great crust. The graham cracker crust in this recipe is simple to make and provides the perfect crunchy counterpoint to the creamy filling. Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the crumbs are evenly moistened and resemble wet sand. This ensures that the crust will hold together once baked. Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with nonstick foil, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy lifting later. Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes to set the crust, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely while you prepare the filling. This pre-baking step is essential for a crisp, firm crust.

2. The Creamy Core: Twix-Infused Cheesecake Filling

Once your crust is cooling, it’s time to prepare the star of the show: the cheesecake filling. First, lower your oven temperature to 300°F (150°C). This lower temperature is ideal for baking cheesecake gently, preventing cracks. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the room temperature cream cheese and sugar. Beat on low speed until just combined and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl with a spatula a couple of times to ensure everything is incorporated. Remember, the goal is to mix thoroughly without incorporating too much air. Next, add the flour and mix until just combined, followed by the sour cream. Mix again on low speed until smooth. Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing only until each egg is just incorporated before adding the next. Overmixing eggs can add too much air. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract. Gently fold in the smashed or chopped Twix pieces. Pour this luscious filling over your cooled graham cracker crust. Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any trapped air bubbles, which helps create a smooth, even surface.

3. The Gentle Bake and Patient Cool

Careful baking is crucial for a creamy, crack-free cheesecake. Place the pan in the preheated 300°F (150°C) oven and bake for 1 hour. Resist the urge to open the oven door during this time! Once the 60 minutes are up, turn off the oven but leave the cheesecake inside for an additional 30 minutes. This allows the cheesecake to cool down gradually, preventing sudden temperature changes that can cause cracking. After this resting period, remove the cheesecake from the oven and transfer it to a wire cooling rack. Let it cool completely at room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling is vital for the cheesecake to fully set and firm up, making it easier to slice and enhancing its texture.

4. The Glossy Finish: Silky Chocolate Ganache

Once your cheesecake bars are thoroughly chilled, it’s time to add the crowning glory: the chocolate ganache. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the heavy cream until it’s almost at a boil—watch for small bubbles forming around the edges. Remove the cream from the microwave and immediately add the finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate bars. Cover the bowl with a plate or a paper towel and let it sit undisturbed for 2 minutes. This allows the residual heat from the cream to melt the chocolate. After 2 minutes, whisk the mixture gently from the center outwards until it is completely smooth and glossy. If the ganache seems too thick, you can microwave it for another 10-15 seconds and stir again. Pour the warm ganache evenly over the cold cheesecake bars. Use an offset spatula to gently spread it across the top if needed, ensuring a smooth, even layer. While the ganache is still wet and tacky, sprinkle the reserved crushed Twix mini bars over the top for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. Return the bars to the refrigerator for at least another 30 minutes to allow the ganache to set. Once set, use the foil overhangs to lift the entire cheesecake out of the pan, place it on a cutting board, and slice into individual bars. Enjoy your exquisite homemade Twix Cheesecake Bars!

More of the Best Cheesecake Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with these Twix Cheesecake Bars, you’ll be thrilled to discover the vast and wonderful world of cheesecake beyond this recipe. Here are some other outstanding cheesecake recipes that are sure to impress and satisfy your cravings, ranging from decadent cakes to convenient bars:

• Cannoli Cheesecake Bars from Snappy Gourmet: A delightful fusion of Italian pastry and American cheesecake.
• Triple Chocolate Cheesecake: For the ultimate chocolate lover, layers of rich chocolate flavor.
• Instant Pot Cheesecake: A surprisingly easy way to achieve a perfectly smooth cheesecake.
• Hot Fudge Brownie Cheesecake: Combining two classic desserts into one irresistible treat.
• White Chocolate Cheesecake: A creamy and elegant dessert with subtle sweetness.
• Blackberry Cheesecake Bars: Bright, fruity, and perfect for summer.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars: The classic pairing of chocolate and peanut butter in bar form.
• For even more inspiration and helpful tips, explore our collection of Unique Homemade Cheesecake Desserts.

This delightful Twix Cheesecake Bars recipe is part of a collaborative series with my dear blogger friend, Danielle, from Hugs and Cookies. Be sure to visit her blog to see her unique take on this fantastic recipe and give her a follow on social media for more delicious inspiration!

The Recipe:

Twix Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Prep Time
30 minutes

Cook Time
1 hour 10 minutes

Additional Time
1 hour

Total Time
2 hours 40 minutes

Yield
24

Luscious Ganache Topped Cheesecake Bar studded with bits of Twix Bars

Ingredients

Crust

• 1¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 5 tablespoons butter, melted
• 5 tablespoons sugar

Cheesecake

• 24 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup sour cream
• 4 eggs, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 package of Twix mini bars, smashed or chopped (9.7 ounces), about 2 cups when measured
• 3 extra mini bars to crumble for top garnish

Ganache

• ½ cup heavy cream
• 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate bars, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°.
2. Mix crust ingredients and press into sides and bottom of 9×13 inch pan lined with nonstick foil. Bake for 10 mins and let cool.
3. Lower oven temperature to 300°.
4. Using the paddle attachment of your mixer, if you have one, beat the cream cheese and sugar on low to combine. Scrape the bottom of the bowl with a spatula a couple of times during the process.
5. Add flour and mix, then add the sour cream and mix.
6. Then add one egg at a time, mixing until combined before adding the next. Then add the vanilla. Fold in the Twix pieces and pour over the crust.
7. Drop the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles. Then place it in the oven
8. Bake for 1 hour. When the timer goes off, turn the oven off, but leave the pan in the oven for 30 more minutes. Do not open the door.
9. Remove from over to the cooling rack. When cool, chill.
10. When chilled, make the ganache.
11. To make the ganache, microwave cream until almost at a boil in a microwave-safe bowl.
12. Remove and add the chopped semisweet chocolate. Cover the bowl with a plate or paper towel for 2 minutes, then whisk until smooth.
13. Pour onto the cold cheesecake bars and use an offset spatula to smooth across the top if needed. Sprinkle with reserved Twix pieces.
14. Return to the refrigerator until set.
15. Sprinkle candies on while the top is still tacky.

Notes

Make sure the cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for the best results.

Use the paddle attachment for the creamiest cheesecake.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

• Silicone Spatula
• KitchenAid KSM150PSER Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield, 5-Quart, Empire Red
• 9 x 13 Baking Pan

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

1 bar

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 362Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 183mgCarbohydrates: 34gFiber: 1gSugar: 27gProtein: 5g

Thatskinnychickcanbake.com occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although thatskinnychickcanbake.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.

Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased can change the nutritional information in any given recipe. Also, many recipes on thatskinnychickcanbake.com recommend toppings, which may or may not be listed as optional and nutritional information for these added toppings is not listed. Other factors may change the nutritional information such as when the salt amount is listed “to taste,” it is not calculated into the recipe as the amount will vary. Also, different online calculators can provide different results.

To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information obtained is accurate.

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