No-Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites Recipe

Are you on the hunt for a truly spectacular dessert that tastes divine but doesn’t require any time in the oven? Picture this: a crisp chocolate biscuit foundation, a layer of luxuriously smooth cheesecake, and a decadent topping of sticky caramel finished with a drizzle of intense dark chocolate. If this is your idea of dessert perfection, then you’ve come to the right place. We are delighted to share our guide for making the most incredible No-Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites you’ll ever have the pleasure of tasting.

These delightful little squares are simply ideal for any celebration, from parties to family get-togethers, or even just as a delightful indulgence to elevate your week. They present beautifully, offer a sublime taste experience, and are remarkably straightforward to put together. Leave behind any thoughts of complex baking; our method relies on clever layering and chilling to create a dessert masterpiece. Shall we begin?

Why You’ll Absolutely Adore These Cheesecake Bites

Before we get to the recipe itself, let’s explore exactly why this is destined to become a firm favourite in your home. We’re utterly smitten with these bites for a whole host of reasons, and we’re confident you’ll feel the same.

• Completely No-Bake: This is the quintessential no-bake dessert. It’s a lifesaver on hot summer days when the oven is off-limits, or any time you fancy a wonderfully simple, stress-free treat.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, contributing to a potluck, or simply craving a sweet reward, these bites are always the perfect choice. Their individual portion size makes them incredibly easy to serve and enjoy.
• Make-Ahead Magic: You can conveniently prepare these cheesecake bites a day or two ahead of time, which makes them an excellent choice for effortless entertaining. In fact, we find the flavours meld and become even richer overnight!
• Utterly Irresistible Flavour: The glorious combination of a crunchy chocolate base, a velvety cheesecake middle, and a sweet, slightly salty caramel topping is a classic for very good reason. It’s a delightful trio of textures and tastes that is nothing short of heavenly.

Essential Ingredients for Your Cheesecake Bites

Assembling the correct ingredients is the very first step towards achieving cheesecake perfection. We have laid out everything you will need for each scrumptious layer. We must stress the importance of using full-fat ingredients, particularly for the cream cheese and double cream, as this is vital for ensuring your cheesecake sets beautifully.

For the Chocolate Biscuit Base

• 300g digestive biscuits (or chocolate digestives for an extra chocolatey kick)
• 150g unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tbsp cocoa powder

For the Creamy Cheesecake Filling

• 500g full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
• 100g icing sugar, sifted
• 300ml double cream, cold
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Luxurious Caramel & Chocolate Topping

• 300g thick caramel (we like using a good quality, shop-bought tin like Carnation Caramel)
• 100g dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 tsp coconut oil or vegetable oil (optional, for shine)

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating Your No-Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites

And now for the most exciting part! Just follow our straightforward steps to create these magnificent treats. We promise it’s far simpler than it looks.

1. Prepare Your Tin: To begin, we need to get our tin ready. Take a 20cm (8-inch) square baking tin, give it a light greasing, and then line it with baking parchment, ensuring you leave some extra hanging over the sides. This overhang will serve as a handy ‘sling’ to lift the cheesecake out with ease later on.
2. Craft the Biscuit Base: Put your digestive biscuits into a food processor and pulse until they form fine crumbs. If a food processor isn’t available, you can place them in a sealed bag and crush them thoroughly with a rolling pin. Tip the crumbs into a mixing bowl, stir in the cocoa powder and melted butter, and mix until the consistency resembles damp sand.
3. Press the Base: Transfer the biscuit mixture into your lined tin. Using the back of a spoon or the flat bottom of a glass, press the mixture down firmly and evenly across the bottom. A solid, compact base is the foundation for our fantastic mini cheesecake recipe. Pop the tin into the fridge to chill whilst you prepare the filling.
4. Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, use an electric whisk to beat the room-temperature cream cheese with the sifted icing sugar until it’s completely smooth and creamy. It’s absolutely vital that your cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent any lumps! Mix in the vanilla extract. In a separate clean bowl, whip the cold double cream until it holds soft peaks. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until everything is just incorporated. Take care not to overmix.
5. Assemble and Chill: Take your chilled biscuit base out of the fridge. Spoon the cheesecake filling on top of the base, spreading it out to create a smooth, level surface. Place the tin back into the fridge to chill for a minimum of 6 hours, though we find overnight is even better. This chilling period is non-negotiable, as it’s what allows the cheesecake to set to the perfect firmness.
6. Add the Finishing Touches: Once the cheesecake layer is perfectly firm, it’s time for the final flourish. Carefully spoon the caramel over the cheesecake and spread it out evenly. To melt the dark chocolate, place it in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water (or use a microwave, heating in short intervals). For a lovely glossy sheen, you can stir in the optional oil. Finally, drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel layer.
7. Slice and Serve: Return the tin to the fridge for one last 30-minute chill to let the chocolate topping harden. Once it’s set, use the parchment overhang to gently lift the entire cheesecake slab from the tin. For beautifully clean and neat slices, use a large, sharp knife that you’ve dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each and every cut. Slice it into 16 small squares, and they are ready to serve.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cheesecake Bites Every Time

Having made countless cheesecakes over the years, we’ve learned a few invaluable tricks that help guarantee a perfect result every single time.

• Room Temperature Is Key: For a wonderfully smooth, lump-free cheesecake filling, it is essential that your full-fat cream cheese is at room temperature before you start. If it’s too cold, it simply won’t blend smoothly with the sugar.
• Don’t Overwhip: When you incorporate the whipped double cream into the cream cheese, be sure to use a gentle folding motion. Overmixing can knock the air out of the cream, which may lead to a filling that doesn’t set as well.
• The Secret to Clean Slices: The hot knife technique really is a game-changer. Simply fill a tall jug with hot water, dip your sharpest knife in for a moment, wipe it dry on a tea towel, and then make your cut. By repeating this process for each slice, you’ll achieve that professional, clean-cut look.
• Get Creative with Your Base: While we adore the classic digestive base, please feel free to experiment! Crushed Oreos (you can leave the cream filling in), Biscoff biscuits, or even ginger nuts would all create a delicious foundation for this caramel chocolate treat. For more biscuit-based inspiration, why not have a look at our Tasty Blueberry Cheesecake Swirl Cookies Delicious Easy?

Customisations and Variations

One of the most wonderful aspects of this recipe is its versatility. Here are some of our favourite ways to add a personal touch:

• Salted Caramel: For a more sophisticated flavour, stir a generous pinch of flaky sea salt into your caramel before spreading it over the cheesecake to create a delightful salted caramel version.
• Chocolate Chip Filling: Fold a handful of miniature chocolate chips through the cheesecake filling itself. This will add an extra layer of texture and an even more intense chocolatey flavour.
• Nutty Crunch: For a lovely bit of crunch, sprinkle some toasted and chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel just before you add the final chocolate drizzle.
• Coconut Dream: If you’re a fan of the coconut and chocolate pairing, you might draw some inspiration from our Almond Joy Cookie Recipe. A sprinkling of toasted desiccated coconut on top would make a truly wonderful finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about No-Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites

To help you on your way, we’ve gathered answers to some of the most common queries about making these cheesecake bites.

How long do these cheesecake bites last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these bites will remain fresh and delicious for up to 4-5 days. Although, in our house, they’re usually gone long before then!

Can I make these cheesecake bites gluten-free?

Of course! All you need to do is substitute the digestive biscuits with your preferred gluten-free variety. You can find an excellent selection of suitable gluten-free biscuits in most large supermarkets these days.

Can I freeze no-bake cheesecake bites?

Yes, they freeze very well. We recommend freezing the cheesecake before you add the caramel and chocolate toppings. Just place the cut squares on a tray in the freezer until solid, then wrap each one in cling film and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep for up to 2 months. Simply thaw them overnight in the fridge and add the toppings just before you wish to serve them.

My cheesecake filling isn’t firm. What went wrong?

This can sometimes happen with no-bake cheesecakes, and the cause is almost always ingredient-related. It is crucial to use full-fat block cream cheese (not the soft, spreadable type from a tub) and double cream. Lower-fat alternatives have a higher water content and will prevent the filling from setting correctly. For a more detailed explanation of this key ingredient, have a look at this brilliant guide to cream cheese from BBC Good Food. Secondly, make sure you give it the full chilling time – patience really is key here!

What’s the best caramel to use?

To make things simple and guarantee a great result, we always suggest using a thick, ready-made caramel from a tin, like Carnation Caramel. It has the ideal consistency for spreading smoothly. If you’re feeling more ambitious and wish to make your own, just be sure it’s thick enough not to slide off the cheesecake.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Treat

And there you have it – our simple, dependable recipe for utterly decadent No-Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites that is sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try one. With its crunchy foundation, creamy centre, and rich, gooey topping, this dessert really does tick all the boxes. It’s the perfect proof that you don’t need to switch on the oven to create something truly magnificent.

We are so excited for you to make this recipe for easy cheesecake bites. Please do give it a try and let us know how you get on in the comments section below! We always love to see your kitchen creations, so don’t forget to share photos with us on social media. Happy (no) baking everyone!