No-Bake Caramel Cheesecake Recipe

Easy No-Bake Caramel Cheesecake Recipe That Melts in Your Mouth

Creamy no-bake caramel cheesecake promises a delightful dessert adventure without turning on your oven.

Soft cream cheese blends perfectly with golden caramel notes for an irresistible treat.

Sweet graham cracker crusts provide a delectable foundation that crumbles softly under each spoon.

Cool refrigeration helps set this dreamy confection into a silky smooth masterpiece.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe accessible for kitchen novices and seasoned bakers alike.

Quick preparation means you can whip up this decadent dessert in under thirty minutes.

Indulge in a slice that will make everyone at your table swoon with pure dessert delight.

Ingredients for No-Bake Caramel Cheesecake Success

Base Layer:
  • Graham Crackers: A classic, sweet base that provides a delightful crunch and sandy texture to the dessert.
  • Butter: Helps bind the cracker crumbs and creates a solid, compact foundation for the cheesecake.
Filling Layer:
  • Cream Cheese: A rich, smooth ingredient that gives the cheesecake its signature creamy and tangy flavor.
  • Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and helps create a silky, smooth consistency to the filling.
Topping Layer:
  • Caramel, Condensed Milk: A sweet, golden sauce that provides a luxurious and indulgent finish to the dessert.
  • Whipped Cream: A light and fluffy topping that adds a delicate, airy texture to the final presentation.

How to Prepare No-Bake Caramel Cheesecake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Crush Graham Crackers

Break graham crackers into fine crumbs using a food processor or place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin until they become a sandy texture.

Step 2: Melt Butter

Gently melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave until completely liquefied and smooth.

Step 3: Create Cracker Base

Mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Carefully spoon this mixture into the bottom of small shooter glasses, pressing down gently to create a compact base.

Step 4: Whip Cream Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and two-thirds of the sweetened condensed milk. Blend using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes creamy and fully incorporated, with no lumps.

Step 5: Layer Cream Cheese

Carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker base in each shooter glass, creating an even layer.

Step 6: Repeat Layering

Add another layer of graham cracker crumbs on top of the cream cheese layer, followed by another layer of cream cheese mixture.

Step 7: Prepare Caramel Sauce

Blend the remaining condensed milk with caramel sauce until smooth and well combined.

Step 8: Fill Glasses

Pour the caramel mixture into the glasses, filling them to the top.

Step 9: Chill Dessert

Place the shooter glasses in the refrigerator and let them set for one hour until firm.

Step 10: Garnish and Serve

Top each dessert with a dollop of whipped cream before serving. Enjoy your delightful no-bake caramel cheesecake shooters!

Pro Tips to Achieve a Smooth No-Bake Caramel Cheesecake

  • Crush Cookies Evenly: Use a food processor or place cookies in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for uniform, fine crumbs that create a perfect base.
  • Prevent Sticky Layers: Chill each layer for 10-15 minutes before adding the next to ensure clean, distinct layers and prevent mixing.
  • Control Sweetness: Adjust condensed milk quantity based on preference, using less for a less sweet dessert or more for extra richness.
  • Smooth Cream Cheese Mixing: Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to blend seamlessly without lumps, creating a silky texture.
  • Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle crushed cookies, drizzle extra caramel, or add chocolate shavings on top for a personalized, professional finish.

Variations to Personalize No-Bake Caramel Cheesecake

  • Chocolate Lovers' Version: Replace graham crackers with chocolate cookie crumbs and add cocoa powder to the cheese mixture for an intense chocolate experience.
  • Nutty Caramel Delight: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans between layers for extra crunch and nutty flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cookie crumbs like almond flour cookies or gluten-free graham crackers as base replacement.
  • Vegan Transformation: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream, use coconut condensed milk, and swap butter with coconut oil for a plant-based alternative.

Pairing Ideas for No-Bake Caramel Cheesecake

  • Pair with Spiced Chai Latte: The warm, aromatic spices of chai perfectly balance the sweet, creamy caramel cheesecake, creating a luxurious flavor harmony that dances on your palate.
  • Match with Toasted Almond Liqueur: The nutty, smooth liqueur complements the rich caramel notes, adding depth and sophistication to the dessert's creamy texture.
  • Serve with Fresh Berries: Tart raspberries or strawberries cut through the sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast that elevates the entire dessert experience.
  • Enhance with Salted Caramel Espresso: The intense coffee flavor and extra caramel undertones intensify the dessert's richness, creating a decadent flavor explosion.

Storage Advice to Maintain No-Bake Caramel Cheesecake Freshness

  • Seal the no-bake caramel cheesecake shooters in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is tightly closed to prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Wrap each shooter glass individually with plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container. These delightful treats can be frozen for up to 2 weeks without losing their creamy texture.
  • Transfer frozen cheesecake shooters from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them defrost slowly for 3-4 hours. This gradual thawing helps maintain the original smooth consistency.
  • These desserts are best enjoyed cold, so skip the microwave.

FAQs to Perfect No-Bake Caramel Cheesecake

  • What type of biscuits work best for the base?

Graham crackers or digestive biscuits are perfect for creating a crispy, buttery foundation that complements the creamy cheesecake texture.

  • Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare these no-bake cheesecake shooters up to 2 days in advance and keep them refrigerated until ready to serve.

  • How do I prevent the layers from mixing?

Chill each layer for about 10-15 minutes before adding the next one. This helps set the layers and keeps them distinct and visually appealing.

  • Is there a way to make this dessert less sweet?

Reduce the amount of condensed milk or use an unsweetened cream cheese to balance the sweetness of the caramel and condensed milk.

No-Bake Caramel Cheesecake: Effortless Elegance

  • Craft a No-Fuss Dessert: This recipe eliminates oven stress, making it perfect for newbies and busy home cooks who want a delicious treat without complex baking techniques.
  • Layer Like a Pro: Create stunning visual appeal with alternating cracker and creamy cheese layers that look professionally crafted, impressing guests with minimal effort.
  • Chill and Serve Strategy: Minimal preparation time means you can prepare these delightful individual desserts quickly, then refrigerate while focusing on other party preparations or enjoying family time.
  • Customize with Ease: Versatile shooter glasses allow personal creativity, letting you adjust portions, experiment with toppings, or create kid-friendly versions that everyone will adore.
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No-Bake Caramel Cheesecake Recipe

No-Bake Caramel Cheesecake Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Silky caramel cheesecake promises indulgent layers of creamy delight without turning on the oven. Rich graham cracker crust and smooth caramel topping create a dreamy dessert you’ll savor with pure dessert bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 250 grams (8.8 ounces) cream cheese
  • 1 can condensed milk
  • 1 can caramel

Crust Ingredients:

  • 130 grams (4.6 ounces) tennis biscuits
  • 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) butter

Topping Ingredients:

  • Whipped cream

Instructions

  1. Crush graham crackers into fine, uniform crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
  2. Melt butter completely until smooth and liquid.
  3. Mix cracker crumbs with melted butter thoroughly, creating a compact base mixture.
  4. Evenly distribute the crumb mixture into the bottom of shooter glasses, pressing firmly to create a solid foundation.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, blend cream cheese with two-thirds of the condensed milk until smooth and creamy.
  6. Carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture over the cracker base, creating an even layer.
  7. Prepare a second layer of cracker crumbs, gently spreading over the cream cheese layer.
  8. Combine remaining condensed milk with caramel sauce until well integrated.
  9. Pour the caramel mixture into the glasses, filling them to the top.
  10. Chill in the refrigerator for approximately 60 minutes until set and firm.
  11. Garnish with a delicate swirl of whipped cream just before serving.

Notes

  • Choose graham crackers or digestive biscuits for a classic base that provides crunch and subtle sweetness.
  • Ensure butter is completely melted and mixed thoroughly with crumbs to create a stable, compact bottom layer.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, creamy texture when mixing with condensed milk.
  • Experiment with alternative crusts like crushed Oreos or gluten-free cookies for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
  • Layer ingredients carefully and evenly to create visually appealing shooter glass desserts with clean, distinct layers.
  • Chill glasses between layers to help each component set quickly and maintain structural integrity.
  • Drizzle extra caramel sauce on top for additional indulgence and visual appeal before serving.
  • Make ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop deeper richness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Refrigerating
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 510
  • Sugar: 40 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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