Ingredients You’ll Need:
Crust:
- 2 cups of crushed chocolate graham crackers
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¼ cup sugar
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
Twix Layer:
- 10-12 Twix bars, roughly chopped
Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream
Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Kitchen Equipment Needed:
- Springform pan (9-inch recommended)
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Food processor (for crushing graham crackers)
- Saucepan (for caramel and ganache)
- Large mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil
- Cooling rack
Directions:
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine crushed chocolate graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust. You can use the bottom of a glass to get an even layer.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and allow it to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until well combined.
- One at a time, add the eggs, beating on low speed after each addition to avoid incorporating too much air.
- Fold in the sour cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Layer the Twix Bars
- Spread roughly chopped Twix bars evenly across the cooled crust. These will melt into gooey, caramel goodness during baking.
Step 4: Add the Cheesecake Mixture
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the Twix layer in the crust, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake
- Place the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any spills.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will still have a slight wobble.
- Turn off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cheesecake to cool in the oven for about 1 hour. This helps prevent cracks on top.
Step 6: Make the Chocolate Ganache
- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream until it just starts to simmer (don’t let it boil).
- Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips, stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Let the ganache cool slightly, then pour it over the top of the cooled cheesecake.
Step 7: Add Caramel Sauce
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake. You can use a spoon to create beautiful swirls or just let it flow naturally over the ganache.
Step 8: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cheesecake to firm up.
- Before serving, garnish with extra Twix bars or a drizzle of chocolate for an added visual appeal.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Cheesecake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure all of your ingredients, especially the cream cheese and eggs, are at room temperature. This helps achieve a smooth filling without lumps.
- Prevent Cracking: Cool the cheesecake gradually in the oven, and avoid overmixing the batter to prevent cracks.
- Water Bath (Optional): For an even creamier texture, you can use a water bath during baking. Wrap the springform pan in foil to prevent leaks, then place it in a roasting pan filled with hot water before baking.
- Homemade Caramel Sauce: If you want to take this cheesecake to the next level, consider making your own caramel sauce. It’s a simple mix of sugar, butter, and cream and tastes much better than store-bought versions.
- Chilling is Key: Be patient and let the cheesecake chill for at least 4 hours. This helps the cheesecake fully set and makes it easier to slice.
Variations and Recipe Swaps
- Snickers Cheesecake: Swap out the Twix bars for chopped Snickers for a peanut-caramel twist.
- Cookie Crust: Instead of chocolate graham crackers, try using crushed Oreo cookies for a richer, more indulgent crust.
- Salted Caramel: Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel sauce for a salted caramel version of this cheesecake.
- Peanut Butter Drizzle: For an extra indulgence, drizzle some melted peanut butter over the top alongside the caramel.
Storing Leftovers
Cheesecake should be stored in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, to keep it fresh. It will last up to 5 days in the fridge. If you need to store it longer, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Cheesecake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the slices in the fridge overnight.