These Twix cheesecake bars have a buttery shortbread crust, a fluffy caramel cream cheese filling, a smooth chocolate ganache topping, and chopped candy bars over the top. They’re a must-try for any chocolate-caramel lover!

Close-up of chopped candy bars along the edge of the chocolate topping.

These bars are fairly simple to make. They need a few hours to chill, but the hands-on prep is simple, and the finished bars slice up into a rich, make-ahead dessert that works well for holidays, birthdays, and weekend get-togethers.

They’re light, creamy, and taste just like a Twix candy bar. Well, in my opinion anyway!

I actually tried making these as a pie first. The filling just didn’t cooperate in that form, so bars ended up being the better call. And honestly, they’re easier to serve anyway.

The filling is airy and not too sweet. The shortbread crust is buttery and makes a great base.

It’s similar to the one I use in my favorite pumpkin cheesecake bars. It holds up better than a graham cracker crust.

Shortbread also fits the flavor profile better than graham crackers or Oreos, too!

The ganache topping is super simple to make and adds the perfect amount of chocolate. The chopped Twix bars are the best finishing touch!

Close-up of a cheesecake bar slice with ganache and chopped candy bars on top.

How to make Twix cheesecake bars

Here’s a quick overview explaining how I make these Twix bars. The exact recipe with detailed instructions is further down the page.

Cream cheese, caramel sauce, and powdered sugar in a mixing bowl. — In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Add the powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and vanilla extract.

Cool whip added to a bowl of caramel filling. — Fold in the thawed Cool Whip until no streaks remain.

Caramel cheesecake filling spread over the cooled shortbread crust. — Spread the filling over a cooled shortbread crust, and transfer the pan to the refrigerator while you make the ganache.

Chocolate ganache spread over cheesecake bars. — Pour ganache over the filling and spread it to the edges.

Finished dessert bars in a pan with ganache and chopped candy bars. — Scatter the chopped Twix bars over the top, pressing them lightly into the ganache. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set, before slicing.

Don’t skip these tips if you want fantastic cheesecake bars

Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing the filling. If it is still cold, the mixture can stay lumpy no matter how long you beat it.

Let the shortbread cool all the way before adding the filling. Otherwise, the filling will soften right into it.

Don’t pour hot ganache straight over the filling. Give it a few minutes to cool so it doesn’t melt the cream cheese layer.

Partial pan of cheesecake bars showing the shortbread crust and caramel filling.

Storage

Store the bars covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because of the cream cheese filling and whipped topping, they need to stay cold. This makes them a great option to prep a day or two before a party. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

You can also freeze them after they’re fully set. Slice the bars, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

If you’re thinking about swapping in a different candy bar (Snickers, Milky Way, etc.) keep in mind that the filling here is built specifically around Twix. It’s a caramel cream cheese filling, not a plain cheesecake base, so the candy isn’t really interchangeable.

If you love Reese’s, my peanut butter cup pie is made the same way (different filling, different crust, same ganache) and it’s a much better fit for that flavor.

Twix cheesecake bars in a square pan with a glossy chocolate topping.

Can I substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream?

I’ve only made these with Cool Whip, so that’s what I recommend. Cool Whip keeps the filling firm and helps it hold its shape when you slice the bars. I can’t say for sure how homemade whipped cream would hold up, so I wouldn’t risk it if you’re making these for a crowd.

How do I get clean slices?

Run your knife under hot water, dry it off, then slice. Wipe the blade between cuts. The ganache and cream cheese filling can drag on a cold knife, and this one small step makes the slices look so much cleaner.

These Twix cheesecake bars are great on their own, but they taste amazing with an iced coffee or with a salty snack like Alabama fire crackers to cut through the richness.