We’ve all craved that perfect blend of creamy cheesecake and chocolatey crunch, and our Twix Cheesecake recipe delivers just that. Inspired by the iconic Twix candy bar with its layers of caramel cookie and chocolate, we’ve transformed it into a decadent dessert that’ll elevate any gathering.
This easy twist on a classic favorite lets us combine rich flavors in a way that’s simple yet impressive. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, our recipe promises a slice of heaven that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients
For our Twix Cheesecake, we select high-quality ingredients that blend the creamy richness of cheesecake with the irresistible chocolate and caramel notes of Twix bars. We organize them below by preparation order to ensure a smooth baking process.
Crust Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: Use finely crushed for a sturdy base.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the crust’s texture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Ensures the crust holds together when pressed into the pan.
- 1 cup crushed Twix bars: Chop or crush these for a chocolatey crunch – prepare ahead for even distribution.
Filling Ingredients
- 24 oz cream cheese, softened: We recommend full-fat for the creamiest texture; let it sit at room temperature.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Whisk this in gradually for a smooth, lump-free mixture.
- 3 large eggs: At room temperature to help incorporate air and achieve the perfect rise.
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with a subtle aromatic depth.
- ½ cup caramel sauce: Opt for high-quality, store-bought or homemade for authentic Twix-like taste.
- 1 cup chopped Twix bars: Fold these in last for even distribution throughout the filling.
Topping Ingredients
- ½ cup chocolate ganache: Made from semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream for a glossy finish.
- Additional Twix bars, sliced: Use for garnish to add visual appeal and extra crunch.
| Ingredient Category | Total Calories | Total Sugar (g) | Total Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crust | 850 | 45 | 60 |
| Filling | 2200 | 120 | 180 |
| Topping | 450 | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 3500 | 195 | 270 |
Required Tools and Equipment
To bring our Twix Cheesecake recipe to life seamlessly after preparing the ingredients, we rely on a few key tools and equipment. These essentials ensure precise measurements, even mixing, and perfect baking results, making the process efficient and enjoyable.
Essential Kitchen Tools
We categorize the tools by their primary use in the recipe for clarity:
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate for measuring ingredients like sugar, butter, and extracts to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
- Food processor or large ziplock bag with rolling pin: Ideal for crushing graham crackers and Twix bars into fine crumbs for the crust, ensuring a uniform texture.
- Electric mixer or stand mixer: Crucial for creaming the softened cream cheese and sugar in the filling, creating that signature smooth and airy consistency.
- Mixing bowls (medium and large sizes): Used for combining crust ingredients and preparing the filling mixture, allowing for easy blending without mess.
- Springform pan (9-inch): Our go-to for baking cheesecakes as it provides a leak-proof base and makes unmolding effortless for a clean, professional finish.
- Spatula or rubber scraper: Perfect for folding in ingredients and scraping down bowl sides, preventing lumps in the filling.
- Baking sheet and aluminum foil: Supports the springform pan during baking, especially for a water bath to prevent cracks and ensure even cooking.
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl: Essential for melting chocolate ganache smoothly for the topping, delivering that glossy chocolate layer.
- Cooling rack and refrigerator: Vital for cooling the baked cheesecake evenly and chilling it to set the flavors and textures.
By having these tools on hand, we streamline the process and elevate our Twix Cheesecake from good to exceptional. Always opt for quality items to maintain safety and precision in your kitchen adventures.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through the straightforward steps to craft our irresistible Twix Cheesecake. Each phase ensures a creamy texture and chocolatey crunch that will delight every bite.
Prepare the Crust
First, combine 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar in a mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter and 1 cup of crushed Twix bars for that signature crunch. Mix thoroughly until the mixture resembles wet sand ensuring even distribution for a sturdy base.
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan using the back of a spatula to create an even layer. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10 minutes allowing the crust to set without over-browning.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat 24 ounces of softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy developing a velvety consistency. Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar, 3 large eggs one at a time, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for rich flavor infusion.
Fold in 1/2 cup of caramel sauce and 1 cup of chopped Twix bars to incorporate gooey sweetness and chocolatey bits. Continue mixing until fully blended ensuring no lumps remain for a flawless filling.
Assemble the Cheesecake
Pour the prepared filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan creating a generous layer. Gently tap the pan on the counter to release any air bubbles promoting an even rise.
For added indulgence, drizzle an extra 1/4 cup of caramel sauce over the filling and swirl lightly with a knife to form beautiful caramel swirls. Top with 1/2 cup of additional chopped Twix bars enhancing the chocolatey appeal.
Bake the Cheesecake
Place the assembled cheesecake in the preheated oven at 325°F and bake for 50-60 minutes until the edges are set but the center remains slightly jiggly for optimal creaminess. Avoid opening the oven door frequently to prevent cracks and maintain even baking.
Once done, turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour gradually reducing the temperature to avoid sudden shocks.
Chill and Set
Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature for about 2 hours allowing flavors to meld. Then, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight ensuring a firm, sliceable texture.
Before serving, prepare the chocolate ganache topping by melting 1 cup of chocolate chips with 1/2 cup of heavy cream in a double boiler for a glossy finish. Pour over the chilled cheesecake and garnish with sliced Twix bars for an eye-catching presentation.
Make-Ahead Instructions
As we perfect our Twix Cheesecake recipe, making it ahead allows us to save time while preserving its creamy texture and chocolatey crunch. This approach is ideal for busy schedules or events, ensuring the dessert remains fresh and flavorful when served.
Preparing Components in Advance
We can prepare several parts of the cheesecake up to 48 hours before assembly to streamline the process:
- Crust Preparation: Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted unsalted butter, and crushed Twix bars as outlined in our earlier steps. Press the mixture into the springform pan, bake it, and let it cool completely. Once cooled, wrap the crust tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the base firm and ready for the filling.
- Filling Preparation: Beat the softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, caramel sauce, and chopped Twix bars together until smooth. Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly for easier pouring.
- Full Assembly: For maximum convenience, we recommend assembling the entire cheesecake (crust, filling, and initial bake) up to 2 days in advance. After baking and cooling the cheesecake as per our instructions, cover it loosely with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator. Avoid adding the chocolate ganache topping until just before serving to prevent it from becoming too firm.
Storage and Serving Tips
To maintain the rich flavors and prevent any spoilage, follow these guidelines:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 48 hours for assembled cheesecake; up to 24 hours for filling alone | Keep the cheesecake covered to avoid absorbing odors; serve chilled for the best velvety consistency. |
| Freezer | Up to 1 month for fully assembled and cooled cheesecake (without ganache) | Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding ganache and serving. |
When it’s time to serve, we suggest preparing the chocolate ganache fresh and pouring it over the chilled cheesecake, then garnishing with sliced Twix bars for that irresistible presentation. Always check for freshness to ensure our Twix Cheesecake delights with its signature caramel and chocolate notes.
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this Twix Cheesecake recipe to deliver pure delight in every bite. It’s a fun way to elevate your baking game while impressing friends and family.
Remember, experimenting with flavors is key to making it your own. We’re confident you’ll love the results as much as we do. Give it a try and share your creations with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Twix Cheesecake?
Twix Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that blends the creamy richness of traditional cheesecake with the chocolatey crunch of Twix candy bars. It’s perfect for gatherings or a sweet treat, offering rich flavors from caramel, chocolate, and a buttery crust for an indulgent experience.
What ingredients are needed for Twix Cheesecake?
You’ll need ingredients for the crust (graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted unsalted butter, and crushed Twix bars), filling (softened cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, caramel sauce, and chopped Twix bars), and topping (chocolate ganache and sliced Twix bars). These high-quality items ensure a smooth, flavorful result.
What tools are required to make Twix Cheesecake?
Essential tools include measuring cups and spoons, a food processor or rolling pin, an electric mixer, mixing bowls, a springform pan, a spatula, and a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. These items streamline the process and help achieve a professional finish.
How do I make Twix Cheesecake?
Start by mixing and baking the crust in a springform pan. Beat the filling ingredients together, fold in caramel and Twix, pour over the cooled crust, and bake until set. Chill, then top with chocolate ganache and garnish with Twix slices for a stunning presentation.
Can I make Twix Cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the crust up to 48 hours in advance and store in the fridge. The filling can be made 24 hours ahead. Assemble and bake the whole cheesecake up to 2 days before serving, adding ganache just prior for the best texture and freshness.
How should I store Twix Cheesecake?
Refrigerate the assembled cheesecake for up to 48 hours. For longer storage, freeze it without ganache for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before serving. This keeps the creamy texture and chocolatey crunch intact.
What are the nutritional facts for Twix Cheesecake?
Nutritional info varies by slice, but each serving typically has around 400-500 calories, with high sugar and fat content due to cream cheese, chocolate, and caramel. Check the full breakdown in the recipe for details on calories, sugar, and fat per component.