Name: Snickers Cheesecake with Salted Caramel
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 8 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups graham cracker crumbs; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 24 oz cream cheese, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 3 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups chopped Snickers bars; 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce; 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional)

I have a confession to make: Snickers bars are my guilty pleasure. There’s just something about that combination of caramel, nougat, and peanuts wrapped in chocolate that instantly takes me back to childhood. So when I had the idea to transform those flavors into a cheesecake—complete with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy filling dotted with Snickers chunks, and a thick pour of salted caramel on top—I knew it would be a winner.

This Snickers Cheesecake with Salted Caramel is rich, indulgent, and downright irresistible. It’s the kind of dessert you make when you want to wow a crowd or treat yourself to something extraordinary. Every bite is packed with creamy, nutty, sweet, and salty goodness. If you love layered flavors and a bit of crunch in your creamy desserts, you’re going to fall hard for this one.

Why You’ll Love This Snickers Cheesecake with Salted Caramel

It’s a show-stopper—plain and simple. With its golden caramel drips and chopped Snickers on top, it looks like something straight from a bakery. But beyond appearances, the taste is what seals the deal. The balance of salty and sweet, the crunch of peanuts against silky cheesecake, and the playful nostalgia of your favorite candy bar make this dessert unforgettable. Plus, it’s easier to make than it looks, and perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any special occasion.

What Kind of Snickers Should I Use?

You can use regular-size Snickers bars or fun-size versions—whatever you have on hand. I usually go for the standard bars and chop them into bite-sized pieces. You’ll want some for folding into the cheesecake batter and extra for piling on top. If you’re a fan of the almond or peanut butter versions of Snickers, feel free to swap those in for a fun twist.

Options for Substitutions

If you need to make adjustments, there’s plenty of wiggle room:

Crust: Use Oreo cookie crumbs instead of graham crackers for a chocolatey base.
Cheese: If you’re out of cream cheese, mascarpone is a decadent substitute.
Candy: No Snickers? Try Milky Way or even Twix for a similar texture and flavor profile.
Caramel: A store-bought salted caramel sauce works beautifully, but homemade adds a richer depth if you’re up for it.
Gluten-Free: Simply use gluten-free cookies for the crust.

Ingredients for this Snickers Cheesecake with Salted Caramel

Graham cracker crumbs – Form the base of the crust, adding crunch and a buttery foundation for the creamy filling.
Unsalted butter – Melted and mixed with the crumbs to bind the crust together.
Cream cheese – The star of the cheesecake; it creates that silky, rich texture you expect in every bite.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cheesecake without overpowering the other flavors.
Sour cream – Adds a slight tang and extra creaminess to balance the sweetness.
Heavy cream – Helps loosen the batter for a smooth, luxurious consistency.
Eggs – Bind the ingredients and provide structure to the cheesecake.
Vanilla extract – Enhances all the underlying flavors.
Chopped Snickers bars – Folded into the batter and sprinkled on top for crunch and caramel-nutty goodness.
Salted caramel sauce – For drizzling over the top, adding a glossy finish and that beautiful sweet-salty hit.
Chopped roasted peanuts – Optional but recommended for extra texture and salty contrast.

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then let it cool while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and lump-free. Add sugar and beat again until fully combined. Mix in sour cream, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid incorporating too much air. Gently fold in half of the chopped Snickers bars.

Step 3: Pour and Bake

Pour the cheesecake batter over the pre-baked crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to release air bubbles. Place the springform pan in a larger baking dish and fill it with about an inch of hot water to create a water bath. Bake for 55–65 minutes or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly.

Step 4: Cool and Chill

Turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly. Let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to avoid cracking. Remove from the water bath, then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to fully set.

Step 5: Decorate and Serve

Just before serving, top the cheesecake with remaining chopped Snickers, a generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped roasted peanuts. Slice with a warm knife for clean cuts and serve chilled.

How Long to Prepare the Snickers Cheesecake with Salted Caramel

Prep Time

Preparing the crust and filling will take about 30 minutes. This includes crushing the graham crackers, mixing the batter, and prepping the pan. It’s helpful to have everything measured and ready before starting to save time.

Baking & Chilling Time

Bake the cheesecake for 55–65 minutes, then cool it in the oven for another hour. Afterward, it needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours (preferably overnight). So while hands-on time is short, be sure to plan ahead for the total process, which spans about 8 hours including passive chilling and baking.

Tips for Perfect Snickers Cheesecake with Salted Caramel

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temp. This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
Don’t Overbeat the Batter: Mixing too much introduces air, which can cause cracks. Use low speed and gentle folding.
Use a Water Bath: It helps the cheesecake cook evenly and prevents the top from drying out or cracking.
Chill Overnight: It’s tempting to cut into it right away, but chilling allows the flavors and texture to fully develop.
Warm Knife for Slicing: Run a knife under hot water and wipe it dry between slices for clean, bakery-style cuts.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the Water Bath: This leads to uneven baking and often cracks.
Opening the Oven Door: Sudden drops in temperature can make the cheesecake collapse or crack.
Overbaking: The center should still jiggle slightly. If it’s completely firm, it may turn out dry.
Not Cooling Gradually: Abrupt temperature changes can ruin the texture. Always cool slowly.
Using Cold Ingredients: This causes lumps and uneven texture in the batter.

What to Serve With Snickers Cheesecake with Salted Caramel?

1. Fresh Berries

The tartness of raspberries or strawberries cuts through the sweetness and adds freshness.

2. Whipped Cream

A light, airy topping that complements the richness without overpowering it.

3. Coffee or Espresso

A strong coffee pairs beautifully with the sweetness and adds a refined touch.

4. Vanilla Ice Cream

Melts perfectly next to a cold slice of cheesecake, adding creamy contrast.

5. Chocolate Sauce Drizzle

If you’re a chocoholic, a drizzle of dark chocolate adds an extra layer of decadence.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep the toppings (caramel and Snickers pieces) separate until ready to serve for best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this cheesecake (without toppings) for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding caramel and serving.

Estimated Nutrition

Per slice (based on 12 servings):

Calories: 540
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Sugar: 33g
Protein: 7g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 320mg
Cholesterol: 110mg

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Use a water bath and avoid overbaking. Let it cool slowly in the oven before refrigerating.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. This cheesecake is perfect to make a day in advance and store in the fridge.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

You can use a deep pie dish, but a springform makes removal and presentation much easier.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

It’s possible, but the texture won’t be as rich or creamy. Full-fat is recommended for best results.

Can I skip the caramel topping?

Sure, but it’s one of the stars of this dessert! If needed, try a chocolate or peanut butter drizzle instead.

Conclusion

Snickers Cheesecake with Salted Caramel is pure dessert indulgence. It takes the beloved candy bar and transforms it into a show-stopping cheesecake that’s as rich and satisfying as it looks. With creamy layers, crunchy peanuts, a buttery crust, and that luscious salted caramel pour, it’s the kind of dessert that leaves people raving and asking for seconds. Whether for a birthday, holiday, or just a weekend splurge, this cheesecake will never disappoint.