Why Snickers Cheesecake Is the Ultimate Dessert for Candy Lovers

If you’re a fan of Snickers bars—those irresistible layers of chocolate, peanuts, caramel, and nougat—this cheesecake is your dream come true. A Snickers cheesecake takes everything you love about that classic candy bar and folds it into a rich, velvety cheesecake: think creamy peanut-infused filling, chunks of real Snickers throughout, a buttery cookie crust, and an epic topping of melted chocolate, caramel drizzle, and crunchy peanuts.

It’s the kind of dessert that doesn’t just satisfy your sweet tooth—it demands applause. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, a dinner party, or simply want to show off your dessert game, this cheesecake delivers big on flavor, texture, and visual impact.

The best part? You don’t need any fancy techniques—just a little patience (because cheesecakes need to cool and set properly) and the willpower not to eat all the Snickers before they go into the batter.

What Makes This Cheesecake Stand Out

1. The Crust

Instead of the usual graham crackers, we use chocolate digestive biscuits or Oreos to echo the chocolatey base of a Snickers bar. Add melted butter, press it into the pan, and you’ve got a crunchy, decadent foundation.

2. The Filling

The filling is rich and creamy, with cream cheese, sour cream, and a hint of peanut butter for a nutty, salty-sweet depth. Chopped Snickers pieces get folded into the batter, so you get chewy, gooey candy bar bits in every bite.

3. The Topping

After baking and chilling, the cheesecake is finished with a glossy chocolate ganache, drizzled caramel, and roasted salted peanuts. It’s dramatic, beautiful, and everything a Snickers fan could want.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Cream Cheese

Use full-fat block cream cheese for structure and creaminess.
Bring it to room temperature for smooth blending.

Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt

Adds tang and balances the richness.
Use full-fat for best texture.

Sugar

Caster sugar dissolves easily and mixes smoothly into the batter.
A touch of brown sugar can be added for caramel notes.

Peanut Butter

Choose smooth peanut butter (not natural or oily types).
Avoid crunchy or unsweetened—stick with classic brands for stability.

Snickers Bars

About 4–5 full-size bars, chopped into small chunks.
For the topping, reserve a bar or two to slice and fan out on top.

Eggs

Use room-temperature eggs for easy incorporation.
Add one at a time and mix gently—overbeating can cause cracks.

Equipment You’ll Need

Springform Pan (8 or 9-inch)
Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer
Rubber Spatula
Mixing Bowls
Foil Wrap & Roasting Pan (for water bath)
Offset Spatula (for smooth topping)

Avoiding Common Cheesecake Mistakes

1. Skipping the Water Bath

It helps regulate heat and prevents cracking. Wrap your pan well in foil to keep water out.

2. Overmixing the Batter

Too much air leads to cracks. Mix on low speed and stop as soon as it’s smooth.

3. Rushing the Cooling

Cool the cheesecake gradually, first in the oven with the door ajar, then on the counter, then in the fridge.

4. Cutting Before It’s Fully Set

Cheesecake needs at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to firm up before slicing.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: Bake the day before serving and chill overnight.
Fridge: Keeps well for 4–5 days, covered.
Freezer: Freeze slices wrapped in parchment and foil for up to 1 month.
Thawing: Defrost overnight in the fridge.

Snickers Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients

Crust:

200 g (about 14) chocolate digestives or Oreos, crushed
80 g (5 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
Pinch of salt

Filling:

600 g (21 oz) full-fat cream cheese, room temp
150 g (¾ cup) caster sugar
2 tbsp smooth peanut butter
2 large eggs
120 ml (½ cup) sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
4 full-size Snickers bars, chopped into chunks

Topping:

100 g (½ cup) double cream (heavy cream)
100 g (3.5 oz) dark or milk chocolate, chopped
2 tbsp caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 bar Snickers, sliced for garnish
2 tbsp roasted salted peanuts

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

Preheat oven to 160°C (140°C fan) / 325°F.
Grease and line the base of a springform pan.
Mix crushed biscuits with melted butter and salt.
Press firmly into the base and slightly up the sides of the pan.
Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy (don’t overmix).
Add peanut butter, vanilla, and salt. Mix until combined.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently.
Stir in sour cream until just incorporated.
Fold in chopped Snickers pieces with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

Pour filling over the crust and smooth the top.
Wrap the outside of the pan in two layers of foil.
Place in a roasting pan and pour in hot water to halfway up the sides.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until edges are set and the center jiggles slightly.
Turn off oven, crack door open, and let cool inside for 1 hour.

Step 4: Chill and Top

Remove cheesecake, cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight best).
Make ganache: heat cream until just simmering, pour over chocolate, let sit 1 minute, then stir smooth.
Pour ganache over chilled cheesecake and spread evenly.
Drizzle with caramel sauce, then decorate with sliced Snickers and peanuts.

Step 5: Serve

Slice with a warm knife for clean cuts. Serve chilled or slightly softened.

Storage and Leftovers

Fridge: Keep covered and chilled up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze slices for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly and thaw before serving.

Troubleshooting Tips

Cracks on Top? Likely overbaked or mixed too vigorously. Topping will hide them.
Too Soft? Needs more chill time.
Water Leaked Into Crust? Use two layers of foil and/or place springform in a larger cake pan before water bath.

Variations: Classic vs. Creative

Classic: As written, with real Snickers bars, chocolate ganache, and caramel drizzle.
Peanut-Free: Use a peanut-free candy bar like Milky Way and skip peanut butter.
Mini Cheesecakes: Use muffin tins and liners for bite-sized versions.

Serving Suggestions

With Coffee or Espresso: Cuts through the richness beautifully.
As a Birthday Cake Alternative: Swap candles for extra toppings!
As a Holiday Dessert: It’s a showstopper for potlucks or parties.

If you’re craving a cheesecake that’s decadent, dramatic, and packed with candy-bar magic, this Snickers Cheesecake is it. Rich, gooey, and crowd-pleasing, it’s the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, salty, and sweet.