If you’re looking for an irresistible treat that masterfully combines rich chocolate, luscious caramel, and the dreamy decadence of cheesecake—all without ever turning on your oven—these No Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites are your new secret weapon! Imagine a buttery graham cracker base, a velvety caramel-infused cheesecake layer, topped with silky chocolate ganache and a salted caramel drizzle. Whether you’re hosting a party or just spoiling yourself after a long day, No Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites are the kind of dessert that disappears in a flash and leaves everyone begging for the recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed by how a handful of everyday ingredients can create something so delightfully indulgent. Each component plays an important role: the crust for the perfect crunch, creamy filling for that classic cheesecake tang, and the toppings for a burst of sweet and salty bliss. Here’s what you’ll want on hand before you dive in:
- Graham cracker crumbs: These form the base layer and provide a buttery crunch that perfectly complements the creaminess above.
- Unsalted butter (melted): The magic ingredient that binds your crust together and gives it a rich, buttery flavor.
- Cream cheese (softened): For an ultra-smooth and creamy cheesecake center—make sure it’s at room temperature for the best texture!
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to bring out the cheesecake flavor.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of this brings warmth and depth to the filling.
- Caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling): Infuses the cheesecake with that irresistible gooey caramel flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted): Melting these with cream creates a luscious ganache for the perfect finishing touch.
- Heavy cream: This helps the chocolate layer turn extra silky and luxurious.
- Sea salt (optional): A sprinkle at the end balances the sweetness and adds gourmet flair.
- Mini cupcake liners or silicone molds: Makes for easy unmolding and serving—silicone molds are fabulous for clean releases!
How to Make No Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Start by lining your mini muffin tin with paper liners or setting out silicone molds. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter and give everything a thorough stir until you have a mixture that looks like wet sand. Firmly press a spoonful of this crust into the bottom of each liner, making sure it’s packed tightly so your No Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites have a sturdy, delicious base.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Caramel Cheesecake Filling
In a separate bowl, beat your softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar and vanilla extract. Whip it up until it’s light, fluffy, and absolutely lump-free—this step is the secret to ultra-creamy bites. Add in the caramel sauce and mix until it’s smoothly incorporated, giving you a golden, dreamy filling.
Step 3: Spoon in the Cheesecake Layer
Using a spoon or small scoop, dollop the cheesecake filling over the prepared crusts in each liner. Fill them nearly to the top, then smooth the surface with the back of a spoon or a mini offset spatula. This ensures each bite has an even layer of creamy cheesecake to balance the crust and toppings.
Step 4: Create the Chocolate Ganache Topping
Time to make things extra indulgent! In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in short 20-second bursts, stirring well after each interval, until you have a glossy, completely smooth chocolate ganache. Carefully spoon or pipe a layer of ganache over the top of each cheesecake bite.
Step 5: Chill to Perfection
Pop the tin or molds into your refrigerator and let the cheesecake bites chill for at least 4 hours, or until they’re delightfully set. This patience pays off with perfectly firm, sliceable treats that hold their shape and are easy to handle.
Step 6: Add Final Touches Before Serving
When you’re ready to serve, remove the bites from their liners and arrange them on a platter. Drizzle with a little extra caramel sauce and sprinkle with a flaky pinch of sea salt, if you like. Now, watch your No Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites vanish before your very eyes!
How to Serve No Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, I love to drizzle these bites generously with caramel sauce while they’re still cold. A small pinch of flaky sea salt not only adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness but also turns every bite into a true gourmet experience. You could even garnish with a few crushed graham crackers or chocolate shavings for an extra wow factor!
Side Dishes
Since these bites are incredibly rich, pair them with something refreshing. Try serving them alongside a bowl of fresh mixed berries or a crisp fruit salad—the juicy tartness balances out the sweet creaminess of your No Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is another crowd-pleaser if you want to go all out.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes all the difference. Stack these cheesecake bites in a pyramid on a pretty cake stand for a dramatic dessert centerpiece, or place each bite in a mini cupcake wrapper and tie them up in clear gift bags as an edible party favor. For a fun party twist, arrange different toppings—like chopped nuts, toffee bits, or white chocolate drizzle—for guests to customize their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your No Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to five days. Just pop them in an airtight container in a single layer (or with parchment between stacked layers) to prevent the ganache and caramel from sticking together. They stay just as creamy, fresh, and utterly irresistible all week long!
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead or save some for later, freezing is a breeze. Arrange the bites on a sheet tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to a month—just let them thaw in the fridge overnight before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since these are a no-bake dessert, there’s no need to reheat. If you’re grabbing them from the freezer, allow them to defrost slowly in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This keeps the cheesecake smooth and prevents any weeping, so your bites are always picture-perfect and creamy when it’s time to serve.
FAQs
Can I use a different crust besides graham crackers?
Absolutely! Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies or vanilla wafers make fantastic alternatives for the base. Just be sure to adjust the amount of butter slightly if your new crumbs are drier or moister.
How long do No Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites need to chill?
They need at least four hours in the fridge to fully set, but overnight chilling works even better if you have the time. This ensures the layers stay neat and hold together beautifully when removed from the liners.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works great and saves time. Just look for a nice thick caramel so it blends well with the cheesecake layer and holds up as a drizzle.
Are these No Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites gluten free?
As written, they’re not gluten free due to the graham cracker crust, but you can easily swap in your favorite gluten free graham crackers or cookies to accommodate dietary needs.
What’s the best way to remove them from silicone molds?
Once chilled and set, gently press from the bottom of the flexible silicone mold and the cheesecake bite should pop out cleanly. If needed, you can slide a thin offset spatula or butter knife around the edge for extra help.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with these No Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites—zero oven time, maximum chocolate-caramel bliss, and endless compliments from anyone who tries them. Give them a try, share them with friends, and don’t be surprised if they disappear in record time!
Print
No Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 24 mini bites
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful No Bake Chocolate Caramel Cheesecake Bites for a decadent treat that is sure to impress. Creamy cheesecake filling with a hint of caramel, topped with luscious chocolate ganache – all in a convenient bite-sized form!
Ingredients
Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce, plus more for drizzling
Chocolate Ganache:
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (optional)
- Mini cupcake liners or silicone molds
Instructions
- Prepare Crust: Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners or use silicone molds. Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter, press into liners for crust.
- Make Filling: Beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add caramel sauce, mix well. Spoon mixture over crusts.
- Add Ganache: Combine chocolate chips and cream in microwave, heat until smooth. Spoon ganache over cheesecake layer.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set.
- Serve: Drizzle with caramel sauce, sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
Notes
- For easier removal, use silicone molds.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Crushed chocolate cookies can substitute graham crackers for a richer crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
