If you have a sweet tooth craving that is just begging for something crunchy, creamy, and utterly delightful, let me introduce you to the magic of the No-Bake M&M’s Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe. This beauty brings together velvety cheesecake, the rich caramel and chocolate notes of Snickers, and the colorful, playful crunch of mini M&M’s, all without ever needing to turn on the oven. It’s a perfect dessert to pull together for a last-minute celebration or a comforting treat to share with loved ones that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe just right means using simple, classic ingredients that bring both texture and flavor to the bars. Each component is key—from the buttery, crunchy crust to the luscious filling, and of course, the irresistible caramel and chocolate topping.
- 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits: This forms a crisp, buttery base that holds perfectly.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the crust.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust ingredients and gives a rich flavor.
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened: The creamy foundation of the cheesecake filling.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Whipped to give the filling that light, airy texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake without overpowering it.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Adds depth with its caramel notes.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 cup chopped Snickers bars: Infuses the filling with rich caramel and nougat bits.
- 1/2 cup mini M&M’s (for filling): Brings colorful pops and a candy crunch inside the cheesecake.
- 1/2 cup mini M&M’s (for topping): Adds fun, vibrancy, and extra texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped Snickers bars (for topping): Creates a layered caramel and chocolate finish.
- 1/4 cup chocolate sauce or hot fudge: A luscious drizzle that seals the indulgence.
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce: Provides that silky caramel sweetness on top.
How to Make No-Bake M&M’s Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by combining your crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter in a bowl until the mixture resembles wet sand. This simple blend creates a buttery, crisp crust that serves as the perfect foundation and adds that satisfying crunch with every bite.
Step 2: Press into the Pan and Chill
Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or pie dish, making sure it’s firm and level. Pop it into the refrigerator to chill while you focus on the delicious filling—this step helps the crust set so it holds up well with the creamy layers above it.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and dreamy. Then, mix in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract for a balanced sweetness with caramel undertones. Separately, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, which adds a cloudlike texture. Fold the whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture for that perfect light yet rich feel. The final touch is folding in the chopped Snickers bars and half of the mini M&M’s—this brings delightful surprises of caramel, nougat, and chocolate throughout the filling.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Pour your luscious cheesecake filling over the chilled crust and smooth out the top with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but if you can let it sit overnight, the flavors will really blend together, giving you an even more decadent experience when you dig in.
Step 5: Prepare Toppings and Final Assembly
Chop extra Snickers bars for that irresistible topping. Warm your chocolate and caramel sauces slightly if needed so they drizzle smoothly. Once your cheesecake bars have fully set, sprinkle the remaining mini M&M’s and chopped Snickers bars evenly on top. Finish with generous drizzles of chocolate and caramel sauce, creating a stunning dessert that’s just begging to be sliced and shared.
How to Serve No-Bake M&M’s Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
Garnishes
To make every bite feel like a special treat, sprinkle a few more mini M&M’s or chopped Snickers bars just before serving for fresh crunch. A light dusting of cocoa powder or a couple of swirls of whipped cream can also elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pairing these bars with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream can balance the sweetness while enhancing the creamy texture. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a bright, tart contrast that cuts through the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress for a party or family gathering, serve these bars in individual glass jars or mini dessert cups with layered toppings for visual appeal. You could also drizzle extra caramel and chocolate sauces artistically across the serving plate or use edible gold flakes for a touch of luxe glamor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover bars tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This keeps the crust crisp and the filling creamy, so each serving tastes just as fresh as the first slice.
Freezing
You can freeze the bars, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain the creamy texture and delightful flavors without any compromise.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake, chilled dessert, reheating is not recommended. Instead, serve straight from the fridge or after thawing if frozen, to preserve the ideal texture and rich taste that makes this No-Bake M&M’s Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use other types of candy bars instead of Snickers?
Absolutely! While Snickers provide that perfect balance of caramel, nougat, and peanuts, you can experiment with other caramel-filled or nutty candy bars like Milky Way or Twix to customize the flavor profile to your liking.
Is it possible to make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free crackers or cookies to keep the crust safe for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising on crunch and taste.
How long do these cheesecake bars last in the refrigerator?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these bars will keep delicious and fresh for up to 4 days, but trust me, they rarely last that long once served!
Can I make the crust ahead of time?
Definitely. You can prepare and chill the crust up to 2 days in advance, making assembling this dessert even quicker when you’re ready to serve.
What can I substitute for heavy cream if I don’t have any?
While heavy cream is best for achieving those stiff peaks and rich texture, you can try whipped coconut cream as a dairy-free alternative, though the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
Final Thoughts
After making this No-Bake M&M’s Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe, I’m confident it will become one of your go-to desserts for any occasion. It’s a showstopper that requires no oven time, making it incredibly easy yet unforgettable. From the buttery crust to the creamy, candy-studded filling and that irresistible topping, each bite delivers pure joy. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and make some magic—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
No-Bake M&M’s Caramel Cheesecake Bars Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This No-Bake M&M’s Caramel Cheesecake Bars recipe is a delightful and indulgent dessert that combines a crunchy graham cracker crust with a creamy, sweet cheesecake filling loaded with chopped Snickers bars and mini M&M’s, topped with more candies and drizzled chocolate and caramel sauces. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, these bars require no baking and chill to set, resulting in a rich and satisfying treat.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (80g) packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (200g) chopped Snickers bars (about 4–5 small bars)
- 1/2 cup (85g) mini M&M’s
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup (80g) mini M&M’s
- 1/2 cup (80g) chopped Snickers bars
- 1/4 cup (60g) chocolate sauce or hot fudge
- 1/4 cup (60g) caramel sauce
Instructions
- Mix Crust Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press Into Pan: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan or pie dish, creating a firm, even layer.
- Chill Crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugars and Vanilla: Mix in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Whip Cream: In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated.
- Add Snickers and M&M’s: Fold in the chopped Snickers bars and mini M&M’s.
- Fill Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate: Cover and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, or until set. Overnight is best for the flavors to meld.
- Chop Snickers: Chop additional Snickers bars into small pieces.
- Prepare Sauces: If needed, warm the chocolate and caramel sauces slightly to make them easier to drizzle.
- Top Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is set, spread the mini M&M’s and chopped Snickers bars evenly over the top.
- Drizzle Sauces: Drizzle the chocolate sauce and caramel sauce over the cheesecake.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- This cheesecake requires refrigeration to set; for best results, chill overnight.
- Graham crackers can be substituted with digestive biscuits or other plain cookies.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for the best texture and taste.
- You can warm caramel and chocolate sauces slightly to make drizzling easier but do not overheat.
- Use a springform pan for easier removal, but a pie dish also works.
- For a nut-free version, omit the Snickers bars and increase the M&M’s or add other candy pieces.
