Candy Bar Cheesecake: A Delightfully Rich and Sweet Dessert
Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12
Category: Dessert
Rating: ★★★★★ (1 review)
If you love cheesecake with a twist, this Candy Bar Cheesecake will become your new favorite. With a buttery, crumbly crust and a creamy, indulgent filling packed with some of the best candy bars, it’s a dessert that combines the richness of classic cheesecake with the sweet crunch of chocolate. This recipe was entered by a grandmother and her granddaughter in a magazine contest, where it won first place—and it’s easy to see why. The bite-sized candy bars make preparation quick and simple, saving you the hassle of chopping, while adding a fun, delicious touch to every bite.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Graham cracker crumbs | 3/4 cup |
| Butter (melted) | 1/4 cup |
| Cream cheese (softened) | 1 (8 oz) pkg |
| Butter (softened) | 3 tablespoons |
| Half-and-half | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| White chocolate baking bar | 1 (4 oz) bar |
| Favorite bite-sized candy bars | 1/3 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 274.5 |
| Fat Content | 17.2 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 9.8 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 87.2 mg |
| Sodium Content | 159.2 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 27.5 g |
| Fiber Content | 0.2 g |
| Sugar Content | 25.9 g |
| Protein Content | 3.7 g |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Prepare the Crust:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, shortbread cookie crumbs, and melted butter. Stir well to combine. The mixture should be slightly crumbly.
Press this crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom, and slightly up the sides. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool. -
Prepare the Filling:
In a food processor or blender, combine the softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons of softened butter, half-and-half, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Cover and blend until smooth. -
Add the Candy:
Stir together your chopped candy bars (such as Snickers, Milky Way, or any of your favorites). Gently fold the candy pieces into the cream cheese mixture. -
Assemble the Cheesecake:
Pour the cream cheese mixture into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Place the tart pan into a shallow baking pan to catch any potential drips during baking. -
Bake the Cheesecake:
Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the center of the cheesecake appears set when gently shaken. The edges should be lightly golden, and the center will have a slight jiggle. -
Cool and Chill:
Allow the cheesecake to cool in the pan for about an hour. Once cooled, cover the cheesecake and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the texture firm up. -
Serve:
Once chilled, remove the cheesecake from the tart pan and place it onto a serving platter. Slice and enjoy the decadence of this candy-packed cheesecake!
This Candy Bar Cheesecake brings a rich, satisfying sweetness to any dessert table. Perfect for a family gathering, holiday celebration, or special occasion, it’s sure to be a hit with cheesecake lovers and candy enthusiasts alike. The creamy filling, crunchy crust, and surprise bursts of candy create a delightful treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
