Dreamy Toffee Caramel Cheesecake

As seen in Classic American Comfort Dishes.

Luscious, creamy cheesecake gets stacked with sweet caramel, crispy toffee bits, and plenty of fluffy filling for a dessert that'll have everyone asking for seconds. The base is loaded with buttery cookies and the topping is all about caramel sauce and crumbled chocolate bars. Gelatine is optional but it will firm things up if you want a firmer slice. All you need to do is mix everything up, set the layers, and chill the dessert until set. Serve each piece with an extra hit of caramel and chunks of chocolate on top. It's super easy, doesn't take long, and always a crowd-pleaser for get-togethers or munchies.

Breanna
Created By Breanna
Last updated on Tue, 27 May 2025 16:23:39 GMT
A slice of cheesecake with lots of caramel on top. Save Pin
A slice of cheesecake with lots of caramel on top. | foodiffy.com

When I want to wow a crowd without putting in much effort, I always lean on this no-bake caramel toffee cheesecake. It's got creamy, dreamy filling, a crisp cookie bottom, and bits of toffee all smothered with gooey caramel on top. This is my go-to sweet fix after dinner with friends or family.

This first came together when I just needed something fast for guests. It was such a hit that now my whole family asks for it on every big day!

Dreamy Ingredients

  • Chocolate caramel bars in pieces: lay these right on top for extra crunch and some wow factor Look for gooey caramel-filled ones for the best finish
  • Sticky caramel sauce: pour it over before serving—you can go homemade or grab your favorite from the store
  • Splash of milk: just enough to soften the gelatine so it mixes in nice and easy
  • Plain gelatine: keeps everything set up stiff and neat Use sheets or powder—just check the directions on the pack
  • Crunchy toffee bits: these bring sweet caramel flavors and a great bite Try store-bought chips or smash up some toffee candies
  • Full-fat whipping cream: gives the cheesecake its fluff and softness Don’t skip if you want that cloud-light feel
  • Real vanilla extract: adds a hint of warmth and smells amazing Use the good stuff if you can
  • Fine powdered icing sugar: this blends right in, no grittiness Sift it for the smoothest mix
  • Cream cheese, softened: the main player for tang and creaminess Let it warm up a bit on the counter first
  • Melted butter: toss it with your crumbs to make the crust taste rich and hold firm Go for fresh, real butter if possible
  • Cookie crumbs: choose what you like—try crushed digestives for a classic, or swap for ladyfingers if you want it lighter

Easy Directions

Finish and Serve:
Before you bring it to the table, drizzle lots of caramel on your chilled cheesecake, scatter pieces of chocolate caramel bar, then slice with a hot clean knife. Serve nice and cold.
Chill and Set:
Spoon the fluffy filling over that cold cookie base, get it as smooth as you can, wrap it up tight, and pop into the fridge for at least four hours. Overnight gives you the best texture.
Mix in Toffee:
When your cream cheese mix and whipped cream are nearly combined, toss in the toffee bits, then carefully stir them through so they’re spread everywhere.
Combine with Whipped Cream:
Fold the cream cheese base into your whipped cream, being gentle so things stay nice and airy. You want a dreamy, fluffy mix.
Add Gelatine to Mix:
Take a little of your smooth cream cheese mixture and stir it into the melted gelatine, then fold this right back into the main bowl so it all comes together.
Ready the Gelatine:
Sprinkle gelatine into a bit of cold milk and let it soak for a moment, then lightly warm until dissolved—don’t let it bubble or boil.
Whip Cream:
In a chilled clean bowl, beat your heavy cream until stiff, so it holds peaks when you lift the whisk. This step is what makes your dessert super light.
Create the Filling:
Beat together soft cream cheese, icing sugar, and lovely vanilla until silky smooth. Scrape down your sides to keep the mix totally lump-free.
Crust Time:
Grab a bowl and blend cookie crumbs with melted butter until it clumps together, like damp sand. You want every crumb slicked in butter.
Pan and Press:
Line the cake tin if you like quick removal. Press your buttery crumbs into the bottom, go for even and flat, then chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes so the base can firm up.
One piece of creamy cheesecake drizzled with caramel. Save Pin
One piece of creamy cheesecake drizzled with caramel. | foodiffy.com

The way the toffee melts just a bit in all that fluff makes this my favorite. This is also the treat I served at my sister’s bridal shower, and so many people went home with the directions tucked in their pockets.

Storage Advice

Stash leftover slices in the fridge with a tight cover. They’ll be perfect for up to about four days. Or, if you want to save some for a while, freeze each piece on a tray then wrap well and pop in a freezer-safe box. Let them thaw in the fridge when you’re ready, or just until they’re soft enough to eat.

Swaps and Shortcuts

No digestive cookies? Graham crackers or vanilla wafers are both great. In a hurry? Use whipped topping instead of whipping up cream. Don’t want to use gelatine? The finished cake will be softer but still good—just chill it really well, or stick it in the freezer if you need it to set quickly.

One piece of creamy cheesecake drizzled with caramel. Save Pin
One piece of creamy cheesecake drizzled with caramel. | foodiffy.com

Fun Serving Ideas

To dress things up, drizzle more caramel and sprinkle extra toffee bits over the dessert. Or pair a slice with some tart berries like raspberries or strawberries for a fresh bite. Cut small pieces—they’re rich, so a little goes a long way for a larger group.

Backstory and Origins

This type of cheesecake traces its story back to ancient Greek times, but people really started making the no-oven ones in the mid-1900s when quick desserts were all the rage. The caramel and toffee twist is totally modern and ups the comfort factor for any sweet craving.

Common Questions

→ Can I use a different type of cookie for the base?

Absolutely! Graham crackers, ladyfingers, or digestive biscuits are all good. Just grab whatever you like best and crumble them up.

→ Is gelatine necessary for the cheesecake filling?

It isn't a must. Gelatine will help the filling hold together, but skip it if you like a softer, creamier finish. Pop it in the freezer for a few minutes if you skip the gelatine and want it a bit firmer.

→ What kind of caramel sauce is best to use?

Either homemade caramel (try sweetened condensed milk for extra richness) or store-bought if you're short on time. Both make it taste fantastic.

→ How long should the cheesecake chill before serving?

Leave it in the fridge at least 4 hours, but let it sit overnight for the best texture and flavor.

→ Can I substitute the toffee bits?

If you can't find toffee bits, broken chocolate bars with caramel or even plain chocolate bits work well for a twist on the flavor.

→ What is the best way to serve this dessert?

Right before you dig in, add more caramel and scatter some toffee bits or chocolate chunks on top for extra crunch and taste.

Toffee Caramel Cheesecake

Fluffy no-bake cheesecake with gooey caramel, crunchy cookies, dreamy filling, and a generous caramel swirl.

Preparation Time
15 Minutes
Cooking Time
~
Overall Time
15 Minutes
Created By: Breanna

Type: Comfort Food

Skill Level: Moderate

Regional Origin: American

Recipe Output: 8 Portions (1 20 cm cheesecake)

Diet Preferences: Meat-Free

What You'll Need

→ Cookie Base

01 60 ml unsalted butter, melted
02 190 g digestive biscuit crumbs

→ Cheesecake Filling

03 9 g powdered gelatine
04 15 ml water or milk
05 40 g toffee bits
06 240 ml whipping cream, cold
07 3.5 ml vanilla extract
08 90 g powdered sugar
09 225 g cream cheese, let it sit out so it softens

→ Topping

10 100 g chocolate-coated toffee bars, smashed up
11 Caramel sauce, pour as much as you like

How to Make It

Step 01

Before you slice it, pour on that caramel and scatter the toffee bar pieces. Chill and grab a fork.

Step 02

Spread the creamy filling over your cold biscuit bottom. Make the top even. Toss some plastic wrap over it and let it hang out in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Overnight's even better.

Step 03

Use a spatula to gently blend the cream cheese mixture into the whipped cream. Last, fold in the toffee bits.

Step 04

Scoop a little of your sweet cream cheese mix into the dissolved gelatine to mix it up. Then gently fold that blend back in with the rest of the cream cheese bowl.

Step 05

Chuck your gelatine over the milk or water in a tiny saucepan. Let it chill a minute while it soaks up the liquid. Warm it on low and whisk just until it's all dissolved – don't let it get hot. Take it off the heat.

Step 06

Get a clean mixing bowl and whip your cold cream until it's thick and stands up in stiff peaks. Stash it in the fridge till you're ready to mix.

Step 07

In another bowl, beat together the soft cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla. Keep beating until everything's super smooth. Leave it nearby for mixing later.

Step 08

Mix the melted butter right into your biscuit crumbs. Once it feels like damp sand, press it into the bottom of a lined 20 cm springform pan. Drop the pan in the fridge for about half an hour so the crust sets.

Additional Tips

  1. You can ditch the gelatine if you want a softer texture or you're going veggie. Just pop the cake in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving.
  2. If you want homemade caramel, gently simmer an unopened can of sweetened condensed milk in water for about 3 hours. Cool it all the way down before you open.

Must-Have Tools

  • 20 cm springform cake pan
  • Mixer (electric or hand-held)
  • Bowls for mixing
  • Small saucepan
  • Flexible spatula

Allergy Details

Double-check all ingredients for allergens and consult a professional if unsure.
  • Has dairy (cream cheese, whipping cream, butter)
  • Has gluten (biscuit crumbs)
  • May contain soy, eggs, or nuts depending on those chocolate bars

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

Please treat this information as general guidance and not as personalized health advice.
  • Calories: 461
  • Fat Amount: 30 g
  • Carbohydrate Count: 25 g
  • Protein Content: 3 g