When you’re craving a luxurious treat without turning on the oven, these No-Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites are the ultimate solution. With layers of rich chocolate, silky caramel, and smooth cream cheese all nestled in a cookie crust, this crowd-pleaser is perfect for parties, potlucks, or a no-fuss weeknight indulgence.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No oven required – perfect for warm weather
Rich, layered flavor of dark chocolate and buttery caramel
Easy to make ahead and ideal for entertaining
Visually stunning with a marbled swirl and gourmet toppings
Ingredients Breakdown:
For the Crust:
2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs – Provides a deep, cocoa-rich base for each bite.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Binds the cookie crumbs for a firm, no-bake crust.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz cream cheese, softened – Delivers a creamy, tangy base that holds the layers together.
1/2 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling without overwhelming it.
1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a warm, aromatic depth of flavor.
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, melted – Mixed into half the filling for rich chocolate flavor.
1/2 cup caramel sauce – Blended into the other half of the filling for a sweet, buttery contrast.
For the Topping:
1/2 cup mini chocolate squares (such as Rolos), chopped – Adds chewy, chocolatey caramel texture on top.
Chocolate shavings – A final elegant touch of chocolate for garnish.
Additional caramel sauce – Drizzled on top for extra indulgence and visual appeal.
Tips and Tricks
Use high-quality dark chocolate for deeper flavor.
Chill the crusts while preparing the filling to keep them firm.
Let the melted chocolate cool slightly before mixing into cream cheese.
Use a zip-top bag with a snipped corner for easy caramel drizzling.
Variations and Customizations
Peanut butter twist: Add peanut butter to one half of the filling.
Sea salt sprinkle: Add a pinch of flaky sea salt on top for a salted caramel vibe.
Different crusts: Use graham cracker crumbs or Biscoff cookie crumbs for variety.
Add nuts: Chopped pecans or toasted almonds bring a great crunch.
Pairing Suggestions
Espresso or dark roast coffee to complement the chocolate
Vanilla ice cream on the side for extra indulgence
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze (without toppings) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and add toppings before serving.
Popular Questions
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but dark chocolate offers a richer flavor that balances the sweetness of the caramel.
Can these be made ahead?
Absolutely. Make them the day before and garnish just before serving.
Do I need a stand mixer?
Nope! A hand mixer or even a strong whisk will do the job just fine.
