Get ready for a truly decadent treat with these Luxe Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites! This no-bake recipe is surprisingly easy and results in stunning mini cheesecakes perfect for parties or satisfying a serious sweet tooth. Featuring a crisp chocolate cookie crust, swirled layers of creamy chocolate and caramel cheesecake filling, and topped with extra caramel and chocolate candies, these Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites are pure indulgence. I love making no-bake desserts, especially as the weather gets warmer, and these bites deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort!
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites
- No-Bake Recipe: Perfect for when you don’t want to turn on the oven!
- Rich and Decadent: Combines chocolate cookie crust, chocolate cheesecake, caramel cheesecake, and candy toppings.
- Easy to Make: Uses simple ingredients and straightforward no-bake steps.
- Perfect for Parties: Individual portions make them easy to serve and enjoy at gatherings.
- Impressive Presentation: The swirled filling and toppings look elegant and sophisticated.
Ingredients for Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites
Here’s what you’ll need to make these luxe no-bake treats. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Crust
- Chocolate cookie crumbs (Crumb)
- Unsalted butter, melted (Fat)
Cheesecake Filling
- Cream cheese, softened (Dairy)
- Granulated sugar (Sweetener)
- Vanilla extract (Flavoring)
- Dark chocolate chips, melted (Chocolate)
- Caramel sauce (plus extra for drizzling) (Sauce)
Topping
- Mini chocolate squares (e.g. Rolos), chopped (Candy) Specific brand example given
- Chocolate shavings (Garnish)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Variations
I love the classic combination in these Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites, but here are some fun variations:
- Different Crust: Use graham cracker crumbs or crushed vanilla wafers instead of chocolate cookies.
- Salted Caramel: Use salted caramel sauce or add a pinch of flaky sea salt to the caramel filling layer and on top.
- Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the topping or mix them into the crust.
- White Chocolate: Use white chocolate chips for the chocolate cheesecake layer and white chocolate shavings for garnish.
- Peanut Butter: Swirl in some peanut butter into either the chocolate or caramel layer.
How to Make Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites
Let me show you how easy it is to make these decadent No-Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites:
Make the Crust
- First, I prepare the crust. In a medium bowl, I combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and the melted butter.
- I press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a muffin tin lined with paper liners to create the crusts.
- I place the muffin tin in the refrigerator to let the crusts set while I make the filling.
Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- I add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Next, I divide the cream cheese mixture roughly in half into two separate bowls.
- Into one half, I stir in the melted dark chocolate until well combined.
- Into the other half, I stir in the caramel sauce until well combined.
Assemble & Swirl
- I retrieve the chilled crusts from the refrigerator.
- I spoon the chocolate cheesecake mixture over the chilled crusts.
- Then, I spoon the caramel cheesecake mixture on top of the chocolate layer.
- Using a toothpick or the tip of a knife, I gently swirl the layers together to create a marbled effect. I try not to overmix the layers.
Chill
- I place the muffin tin back into the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites are completely firm and set.
Decorate and Serve
- Before serving, drizzle with additional caramel sauce
- Top with chopped Rolos
- Garnish with chocolate shavings
- Serve
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Cheesecake Bites
Here are my secrets for making these no-bake treats truly exceptional:
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Cool Melted Chocolate: Let the melted chocolate cool slightly before mixing it into the cream cheese to prevent the filling from becoming too warm or seizing.
- Chill Thoroughly: Don’t rush the chilling time! The cheesecake bites need at least 2 hours (preferably longer) to firm up properly.
- Use Liners: Paper or foil cupcake liners make removing the cheesecake bites from the muffin tin much easier.
- Finely Crush Cookies: Ensure the cookie crumbs for the crust are finely ground for a firm base.
How to Serve
These Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites are perfect for:
- Parties and Potlucks: Easy-to-serve individual desserts that always impress.
- Dessert Buffets: A decadent addition to any dessert spread.
- Special Occasions: Birthdays, holidays, or anytime you need a luxurious treat.
- Afternoon Snack: A rich and satisfying pick-me-up.
Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator.
Make Ahead and Storage
These cheesecake bites are perfect for making ahead! You can make them up to 2-3 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add the final drizzle and toppings just before serving for the best presentation.
FAQs about Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites
- Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?
- Yes, graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even shortbread cookies would work well.
- Can I freeze these cheesecake bites?
- Yes, place the firm cheesecake bites in a freezer-safe container, separated by wax paper if needed. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- My cheesecake isn’t firm enough, what went wrong?
- It likely needs more chilling time. Ensure it chills for at least 2 hours, or preferably longer, until fully set.
Enjoy these rich, decadent, and surprisingly easy No-Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites! They’re a luxurious treat perfect for any occasion.
Print
No-Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 mini cheesecakes 1x
- Category: Dessert, No-Bake, Cheesecake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Luxe Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites are decadent, no-bake treats featuring a chocolate cookie crust layered with swirled chocolate and caramel cheesecake fillings. They’re finished with a caramel drizzle and chopped chocolate candies for an impressive mini dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Crust:
- 2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreo, about 20–24 cookies, filling removed if desired)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick, 113g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces (two 8-ounce blocks) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (or semi-sweet), melted and slightly cooled
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade), plus extra for drizzling
For Topping/Garnish:
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate-caramel candies (such as Rolos), chopped
- Chocolate shavings (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Muffin Tin: Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
- Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
- Press about 1.5 tablespoons of the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of each paper liner to create the crust.
- Place the muffin tin in the refrigerator or freezer to allow the crusts to set while you prepare the filling (at least 10-15 minutes).
- Make Base Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer (hand mixer or stand mixer), beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract.
- Divide and Flavor Filling: Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly between two separate bowls (about half in each).
- Chocolate Filling: Stir the melted (and slightly cooled) dark chocolate into one half of the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Caramel Filling: Stir the 1/2 cup of caramel sauce into the other half of the cream cheese mixture until well combined.
- Layer and Swirl:
- Remove the chilled crusts from the refrigerator/freezer.
- Spoon alternating small dollops of the chocolate mixture and the caramel mixture over each chilled crust.
- Use a toothpick or the tip of a knife to gently swirl the two fillings together in each cup, creating a marbled effect. Do not overmix.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake bites for at least 2 hours, or until the fillings are firm and set.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, drizzle the tops of the cheesecake bites with additional caramel sauce. Sprinkle with the chopped mini chocolate-caramel candies (e.g., Rolos) and chocolate shavings (if using). Serve chilled.
Notes
- Cookie Crumbs: Use chocolate sandwich cookies like Oreos (you can scrape out the filling if you prefer a less sweet crust) or chocolate graham crackers.
- Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Melting Chocolate: Melt chocolate gently (microwave in short bursts or use a double boiler) and let it cool slightly before adding to the cream cheese.
- Caramel Sauce: Use a thick caramel sauce for best results.
- Swirling: Don’t over-swirl the fillings, or the colors will become muddy. A few gentle swirls are enough.
- Chilling: Chilling is crucial for the no-bake cheesecakes to set properly.
- Storage: Store leftover cheesecake bites covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.