No Bake Crunchie Cheesecake

Published by on

For tips, how-to’s and FAQs make sure to read the whole post. This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy.

Quick, easy and super delicious, this no bake Crunchie cheesecake is going straight to the top of your favourite dessert list! Perfect for any occasion with a smooth, creamy milk chocolate cheesecake filling, packed full of chocolate honeycomb pieces, on top of a milk chocolate Digestive biscuit crust. Trust me, you’ll be making it over and over again!

Chocolate honeycomb cheesecake decorated with cream swirls and chocolate bar pieces
Lou's Recipe Overview

Lou’s recipe overview

SKILL: Intermediate

TASTE: Rich, chocolate and honey indulgence

PROS: Quick all in one recipe

CONS: Getting a slice before it disappears

You guys seriously love a no bake cheesecake! Every day another request lands in my inbox or a comment on the Facebook page with a flavour recommendation. I love it!

So it’s time to introduce you to the newest addition, and the one that probably overtakes my Malteser cheesecake as my top, top favourite – my no bake Crunchie cheesecake!

This piece of dessert heaven is absolutely show-stopping and when presented to my family recently, it disappeared in minutes, if not seconds flat. So I know you’ll love it too, and here’s why…

  • It’s super simple to make – and easiness doesn’t mean that its compromised on flavour. No way!
  • It’s utterly delicious with a smooth milk chocolate cheesecake filling packed full of chocolate honeycomb pieces
  • It’s no bake, so there’s no messing around with water baths and keeping your fingers crossed, hoping that it doesn’t crack
  • It uses store cupboard ingredients and there’s no fancy equipment

How does that sound?

Slice of chocolate cheesecake sprinkled with chocolate bar pieces on a served on a white plate

What is a Crunchie?

It’s one the best sweet and sugary confections out there! Well, in my opinion it is!

And for those of you not familiar with Cadbury’s Crunchie bars, you may know the inside of the bar as hokey pokey, cinder toffee or sponge toffee. The golden, crunchy and sugary toffee is then coated in Cadbury’s Dairy Milk chocolate.

They are one of my favourite childhood chocolate bars, and still bring back memories when I take a bite – that Friday Feeling!

Slice of dessert served on a white plate with a fork

Ingredients

Check out my shopping list for ingredients and equipment

So you’re ready to get stuck in and make this cheesecake? Yes! Great, then you’ll need to grab these ingredients…

  • Crunchie Bars – If you can’t get these, chocolate covered honeycomb or honeycomb pieces can be used instead
  • Milk Chocolate – I use Cadbury Dairy Milk as it’s the same chocolate that coats the Crunchie bars, but you can use any milk chocolate you prefer. Milka chocolate also works well
  • Milk Chocolate Digestive Biscuits – I use milk chocolate ones, as they will go well with the milk chocolate cheesecake filling. You can switch these for a regular digestive biscuit or chocolate chip cookies if you prefer. You could also use Oreos but I find they are a bit too chocolately for the cheesecake.
  • Butter – To help bind the biscuit base together
  • Full-Fat Cream Cheese – Using a full-fat cream cheese is important to help the cheesecake filling set. Use either Philadelphia, block cream cheese or something similar for a smooth, creamy texture
  • Double or Heavy Cream – Again a high fat content is important to help the cheesecake filling set. If you can’t get double or heavy cream, them whipping cream can be used
  • Icing Sugar or Powdered Sugar – To add a little sweetness; powdered is best as it combines into the filling without causing a gritty or grainy texture that granulated sugar would do

Recommended ingredients

CONVERT TO CUPS: There is a cup conversion option in the recipe card to convert the ingredients. This is automatic and I can’t guarantee the accuracy. For best baking results, I recommend using digital scales and weighing the ingredients.

Equipment

Check your kitchen cupboards, you’ve probably got everything you need all ready in there. These are what I use…

Chocolate honeycomb dessert decorated with cream swirls and chocolate pieces

How to make no bake Crunchie cheesecake

Full measurements and instructions can be found on the recipe card

Just like the chocolate orange cheesecake and mint Aero cheesecake, I hope that I don’t need to persuade you to make this Crunchie cheesecake. I mean, just take a look at that cheesecake with its…

You know you want to make it, don’t you. So when you’re ready, here’s what you need to do…

The biscuit base

  • Start by crushing your biscuit of choice either using a food processor or in a Ziploc bag with a rolling pin. I’ve used for milk chocolate Digestive biscuits, but you could use chocolate cookies or regular Digestive biscuits 
  • Next add the crushed biscuits into a large mixing bowl
  • Pour the melted butter into the crushed biscuits and stir together to form a crumb dough.
  • Press the biscuit mixture into the bottom of a springform cake pan, levelling off and smooth over with the back of a spoon.
  • Pop the biscuit base into the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour to firm up.

TOP TIP: If you find a spoon difficult to level the biscuit base off, use a tumbler glass or measuring cup to pack down the biscuit base.

The cheesecake filling

The ideal time to make the filling is while the base is chilling in the fridge! It takes a matter of minutes, so there’s also plenty of time to grab a cuppa as well!

  • Start by melting the chocolate, either using a bain marie double boiler or in 30-second blasts in the microwave then leave to cool down
  • Add the cream cheese and the icing sugar into a large mixing bowl and gently fold together
  • Add in the cream and beat until the filling becomes thick and creamy. You can use a handheld mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment
  • Add the melted chocolate and chopped Crunchie bars into the filling and stir through until well distributed.
  • Pour the cheesecake filling on to the chilled base, level off and pop back in the fridge to set overnight

TOP TIP: Be careful not to overbeat the filling as the cream with become grainy. You want it to be smooth enough to spread easily with a palette knife.

To finish the cheesecake

When the cheesecake has chilled and is set, it’s ready to decorate.

You could drizzle with a chocolate sauce and scatter over more pieces of chocolate honeycomb; I prefer to pipe a little extra whipped cream around the top and add crushed Crunchie bars.

TOP TIP: Place a long knife under hot water. Dry off then run the warm knife carefully around the edge of the cheesecake filling to release it from the side of the springform cake pan

Step by step live video

Tips for success

This cheesecake recipe is so easy, I know that you’re going to ace it every time. But just in case, here’s some top tips to ensure perfection!

  • Use a springform cake pan – Have you ever tried to get a cheesecake out of a normal cake pan? Such a mess. Instead, invest in a springform cake pan that lets you release the cheesecake without having to turn it out. I also add a layer of baking parchment beneath my biscuit crust so I can easily slide the cheesecake onto a serving stand.
  • Make sure to fully crush the biscuits – To get a firm, solid biscuit crust, that doesn’t fall apart, crush the cookies with a food processor. You are looking for a fine sandy texture with no big lumps; any lumps with cause the crust to break up when the cheesecake is sliced.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese – This one is really important to make sure that your filling sets. The fat content of the cream cheese, along with the double cream, will give you the velvety smooth texture you’re looking for.
  • Make sure your cream cheese is room temperature – Take the cream cheese out of the fridge 5-10 minutes before you want to use it and allow it to come up to room temperature. Fridge cold cream cheese can cause lumps in your filling, and the mixture will not be as creamier in texture.
  • Use an offset spatula to level off – Quite possibly one of the best kitchen tools you can get! An offset spatula will let you level off the cheesecake filling without sticking your fingers in the mix as you do it.
  • Be patient and chill – It’s really important that you let the cheesecake chill in the fridge for at least 6-7 hours before serving. Remember you can always make the cheesecake the day before, and chill overnight.
Over head shot of chocolate honeycomb dessert served on white plates

FAQs about no bake Crunchie cheesecake

How many does the cheesecake serve?

An 8-inch round springform pan will serve 10-12 slices.

How should the cheesecake be stored?

Once the filling has chilled and set, store the cheesecake in the fridge, either covered loosely with cling film/ plastic wrap or foil.

How long does the cheesecake keep?

The cheesecake will keep up to 3 days in the fridge.

Can the cheesecake be frozen?

Yes it can be; for up to 3 months. Make sure that you wrap the cheesecake with cling film/ plastic wrap and a layer of kitchen foil. This will help protect the cheesecake from freezer burn and reduce the potential of ice crystals forming. Remember to allow the cheesecake to defrost in the fridge before serving.

How does the cheesecake set?

This recipe does not contain gelatine, and the recipes uses full-fat cream cheese and double/heavy cream to set the filling. Some recipes suggest gelatine, but I prefer the simplicity of this recipe and the smooth and creamy texture it gives the cheesecake.

Why has my cheesecake filling not set?

There could be a number of reasons ranging from the ingredients to the weather but the most common reason is that the filling hasn’t been whipped enough. Check out my top tips for how to fix this.

Close up of a no bake chocolate cheesecake on a white cake stand

Could I make my own honeycomb?

If you can’t get hold of Crunchie bars or chocolate honeycomb you certainly can make your own.

And it’s really easy to do so with just three simple ingredients – caster sugar, Golden Syrup and bicarb of soda or baking soda.

I decided to keep this cheesecake quick and easy to make using readymade Crunchie bars but if you fancy giving your own honeycomb a go, then head on over to BBC Good Food for the instructions.

Just remember if you make your own honeycomb, you’re working with very hot sugar, so it’s one to do without little ones helping. Let them join in with making the cheesecake instead.

No Bake Crunchie Cheesecake - Pinterest

More cheesecake recipes to try

If you liked this no bake Crunchie cheesecake recipe here are some other recipes that I think you’d enjoy…

No Bake Crunchie Cheesecake - Featured

No Bake Crunchie Cheesecake

5 from 4 votes
Serves : 12 slices
Quick, easy and super delicious, this no bake Crunchie cheesecake has a milk chocolate cheesecake filling, full of chocolate honeycomb pieces, and a milk chocolate Digestive biscuit crust.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Chilling Time 6 hours
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 250 g Milk Chocolate Digestive Biscuits or Chocolate Cookies
  • 75 g Butter Unsalted, Melted
  • 500 g Cream Cheese Full Fat
  • 75 g Icing Sugar or Powdered Sugar
  • 300 ml Double Cream or Heavy Cream
  • 150 g Milk Chocolate Melted
  • 200 g Crunchie Bars or Chocolate Honeycomb pieces

For Decoration

VIDEO

Instructions
 

  • Make the biscuit base – Add the biscuits into a food processor, and blitz until they form a crumb, then add to a large mixing bowl. Make a well in the centre of the biscuit crumbs, and pour in the melted butter.
    250 g Milk Chocolate Digestive Biscuits, 75 g Butter
  • Mix together until well combined, and then pour into an 8 inch springform tin. Press down onto the biscuit base with a spoon and smooth out to the edges. Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Make the cheesecake filling – Add the chocolate to a small heatproof bowl, place over a saucepan of simmering water. Make sure that the bowl does not touch the water. Heat until all the chocolate has melted. Alternatively, melt in the microwave. Set aside to cool.
    150 g Milk Chocolate
  • Using a stand mixer with the balloon whisk attachment, gently combine the icing sugar and cream cheese.
    75 g Icing Sugar, 500 g Cream Cheese
  • Add the double cream and whisk together until the cream thickens and the filling is smooth and thick.
    300 ml Double Cream
  • Add the melted chocolate and gently beat into the filling until well combined.
  • Alternatively, you can make the cheesecake filling, in a large mixing bowl, by hand or with an electric hand whisk.
  • Chop the Crunchie bars into small pieces and fold into the cheesecake filling with a spatula. If using honeycomb pieces, depending on their size, you can add these straight into the filling and fold through.
    200 g Crunchie Bars
  • Assemble the cheesecake – Pour the cheesecake filling over the top of the chilled biscuit base, then smooth over and level with an offset spatula. Chill the cheesecake in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  • Decorate the cheesecake – When ready to serve, whip up the remaining double/ heavy cream with the icing sugar and pipe on top of the cheesecake. Decorate with more Crunchie bar chunks or chocolate honeycomb pieces.
    100 ml Double Cream, 2 Crunchie Bars

Notes

Read my Top Tips in the post above for some really helpful hints and tips to make this recipe successfully.
  • Use a springform cake pan so you can release your cheesecake without running the risk of damaging it in the process.
  • Your cheesecake will keep for up to 3 days in the fridge, and up to 3 months in the freezer. When freezing make sure you wrap it well with cling film or plastic wrap, and then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent ice crystals forming in the filling. Remember to allow the cheesecake to thaw before serving.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid any potential lumps that you might get if it is too cold.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 574kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 5gFat: 41gSaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 256mgPotassium: 162mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 1206IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 1mg

DISCLAIMER

The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

Tried this recipe?Mention @crumbscorkscrews or tag #crumbscorkscrews!

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a ☆☆☆☆☆ rating in the recipe card and/or a review in the comments section.

Hi I’m Lou

… Dessert obsessed baker, busy 9-to-5er, and the recipe developer and photographer behind Crumbs and Corkscrews. Based in the UK, I live in the beautiful Cotswolds. I’m so glad to have you here with me and I can’t wait for you to start trying some of my recipes.

6 thoughts on “No Bake Crunchie Cheesecake”

  1. 5 stars
    recipe was great, I changed the bar to Mars Bars and added salted caramel Kahlua and it was so good, especially with the added melted chocolate. much nicer than the original kahlua and Moro recipes I’ve found. Thank you.

  2. 5 stars
    Hey, would this recipe work well with Kahlua and Mars Bars instead of crunchies?

    • Hi Gabby – the beauty of the no-bake cheesecake is that you mix up the add-ins, flavours etc. So you could certainly add some Kahlua – check out my Baileys version for a twist adding a liqueur. And yes, you can swap the crunchies for Mars instead. You could even add a caramel like in my Twix version.

      You’ve got me thinking about a Mars version now!

      Hope you have fun trying different things out!
      Lou

    • 5 stars
      thank you, just noticed reply now, that bailey’s version does look great, might have to do the bailey’s version for Christmas and keep the kahlua one for my kids teachers as they are already looking forward to that one, thanks for your help.

  3. 5 stars
    Amazing! Followed the instructions to a T. Looked the part and was delicious. Froze leftovers after the first day and ate what was left a few weeks later. Tasted superb after freezing as well (thawed in fridge for a few hours). Niece called it ‘the best cheesecake’ and she is a cheesecake fiend! Thanks for the recipe!

    • Thank you so much for your lovely comment; I’m beyond happy that you found the recipe and enjoyed it! Your niece’s comment is just the best – love it!

      All the best
      Lou

Leave a comment

Recipe Rating