Get ready to discover your new favorite dessert obsession. These Salted Caramel Cheesecake Balls are the perfect bite-sized spheres of happiness, combining a rich, creamy cheesecake filling with a surprise gooey caramel center. Coated in a crisp chocolate shell and sprinkled with flaky sea salt, they are the ultimate no-bake treat for any occasion. Whether you need a show-stopping party dessert or a decadent snack to satisfy a sweet craving, this easy-to-follow recipe delivers pure indulgence with every single bite.
Why This Salted Caramel Cheesecake Balls Recipe is a Must-Try
If you’re looking for a dessert that truly has it all, you’ve found it. Here’s why you will absolutely fall in love with these little bites of heaven:
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The tangy cream cheese, sweet caramel, rich chocolate, and sharp sea salt create a complex and utterly addictive flavor profile.
Incredibly Easy to Make: With no oven required, this is a straightforward recipe that even beginner cooks can master. The steps are simple and the results are consistently delicious.
Make-Ahead Friendly: These cheesecake balls are perfect for preparing in advance. You can store them in the fridge or freezer, making them an ideal, stress-free party dessert.
Completely Customizable: Feel free to get creative! You can switch up the cookie base, use different types of chocolate for the coating, or add your own unique mix-ins.
The Key Ingredients for Perfect Cheesecake Balls
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create these decadent treats.
For the Cheesecake Filling
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. It should be softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These form the classic cheesecake base. You can buy pre-made crumbs or make your own by pulsing whole graham crackers in a food processor.
Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this dissolves easily into the cream cheese without creating a gritty texture.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors in the recipe.
For the Caramel Core & Drizzle
Thick Caramel Sauce: The star of the show! Use a thick, high-quality caramel sauce. A thinner sauce will be difficult to work with and may leak out of the cheesecake balls.
Flaky Sea Salt: This is crucial for getting that signature “salted caramel” taste. The crunchy texture and sharp flavor cut through the sweetness perfectly.
For the Chocolate Coating
Melting Wafers or High-Quality Chocolate: Chocolate melting wafers are the easiest option as they are designed to melt smoothly and set hard. Alternatively, you can use good-quality chocolate chips or a chopped chocolate bar.
That perfect gooey caramel center is what dreams are made of.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Salted Caramel Cheesecake Balls
Follow these simple steps to create a dessert that is guaranteed to impress. It’s all about the process and giving the ingredients time to chill.
Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s completely smooth and creamy. Gradually beat in the powdered sugar until well combined, then mix in the vanilla extract and graham cracker crumbs until a thick, uniform dough forms.
First Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the cheesecake mixture for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for making the mixture firm enough to handle.
Shape the Balls: Scoop out about 1 tablespoon of the chilled mixture and roll it into a ball. Use your thumb to create a small indent in the center. Spoon a small amount of thick caramel sauce into the indent. Carefully pinch the cheesecake mixture around the caramel to seal it inside completely. Roll the ball between your palms to smooth the surface. Place the finished ball on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
Second Chill: Place the baking sheet with the rolled cheesecake balls into the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This ensures they are very firm, which will make dipping them in chocolate much easier.
Melt the Chocolate: While the balls are chilling, melt your chocolate wafers or chips. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or in a double boiler over simmering water. Stir until the chocolate is completely smooth.
Dip and Coat: Remove the cheesecake balls from the freezer. Working one at a time, drop a ball into the melted chocolate. Use a fork to turn it over, ensuring it’s fully coated. Lift the ball out with the fork, allowing any excess chocolate to drip off.
Garnish and Final Chill: Place the coated ball back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Immediately sprinkle the top with a pinch of flaky sea salt and a drizzle of extra caramel sauce. Repeat for all the balls. Refrigerate them for a final 15 minutes to allow the chocolate shell to set completely.
Pro Tips for Foolproof Cheesecake Balls
Want to ensure your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Balls turn out perfectly every time? Follow these expert tips.
Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Chilling the mixture is non-negotiable. It prevents the balls from being too sticky to roll and ensures they hold their shape during the dipping process.
Use Thick Caramel: A runny caramel sauce will create a mess. If your caramel seems too thin, try chilling it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to help it thicken up before you begin.
Work Quickly When Dipping: The frozen cheesecake balls will start to soften as they sit at room temperature, so it’s best to dip them quickly and efficiently.
The Secret to Perfect Dipping: For a smooth, even coating, make sure your melted chocolate isn’t too hot. Let it cool slightly before you start dipping. This prevents it from melting the cheesecake balls on contact.
The secret to a perfect finish is a quick, even dip in melted chocolate.
Fun Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great base for experimentation. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Different Cookie Base: Swap the graham crackers for crushed Oreo cookies, Biscoff cookies, or shortbread for a unique flavor twist.
White Chocolate Wonder: Instead of milk or dark chocolate, use white chocolate melting wafers for the coating. The sweeter flavor pairs beautifully with the tangy cheesecake.
Add a Crunch: Roll the coated cheesecake balls in chopped nuts, toffee bits, or festive sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
Explore Other Flavors: If you love this recipe format, you have to try this amazing Cookie Dough Cheesecake recipe for another no-bake delight!
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
How to Store
Store your Salted Caramel Cheesecake Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week.
How to Freeze
These cheesecake balls freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw in the refrigerator for about 30-60 minutes.
If your mixture is too soft, it’s because it hasn’t been chilled for long enough. The cheesecake filling needs at least one hour in the refrigerator to become firm. If it’s still too sticky, chill it for another 30 minutes.
Yes, absolutely! These cheesecake balls freeze wonderfully. Store them in a single layer in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge for about 30-60 minutes before enjoying.
The best caramel to use is a thick, store-bought sauce, often labeled as a dipping sauce or topping. Avoid thin, runny ice cream syrups, as they will be too liquid and will leak out of the center.
To ensure your chocolate stays smooth, melt it gently and avoid overheating it, which can cause it to seize. Also, make sure your cheesecake balls are very cold and that no water comes into contact with the chocolate, as this will make it clumpy.
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, these cheesecake balls will stay fresh and delicious for up to one week.
More Decadent Desserts You’ll Adore
If you’re a fan of rich and rewarding desserts, you’re in the right place. For another cheesecake-inspired treat, check out our incredible Pecan Pie Cheesecake. And for a quick and surprisingly healthy option that still feels indulgent, these 3-Ingredient Banana Brownies are a must-try. You can even top them with a drizzle of our versatile Homemade Chocolate Syrup.
The Recipe for Salted Caramel Cheesecake Balls
FL Recipes
Salted Caramel Cheesecake Balls: The Ultimate No-Bake Treat
Indulge in these easy no-bake Salted Caramel Cheesecake Balls. A creamy cheesecake filling, a gooey caramel center, and a crisp chocolate shell make this the perfect bite-sized dessert for any occasion. Simple, decadent, and utterly delicious.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, followed by the vanilla extract and graham cracker crumbs. Mix until a thick dough forms.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the cheesecake mixture for at least 1 hour until firm.
Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of the mixture. Roll into a ball, make an indent, fill with a small amount of caramel sauce, and seal. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Freeze the rolled cheesecake balls for at least 30 minutes until very firm.
Melt the chocolate wafers in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a double boiler until smooth.
Dip each frozen ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it's fully coated. Place it back on the parchment paper. Immediately sprinkle with flaky sea salt and a drizzle of caramel.
Refrigerate the finished cheesecake balls for 15 minutes to allow the chocolate shell to set completely before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 185kcalProtein: 2gFat: 11gFiber: 1g
Notes
Tip 1: Do not use whipped or tub-style cream cheese; it is too soft and will not hold its shape. Tip 2: Ensure your caramel sauce is very thick. If it's runny, the filling step will be difficult and messy. Tip 3: Working with well-chilled/frozen balls is the key to easy and clean dipping.
We are so excited for you to try this recipe! There’s nothing better than seeing our readers create delicious masterpieces in their own kitchens. If you make these Salted Caramel Cheesecake Balls, be sure to leave a comment below and let us know how they turned out. And don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite dessert board on Pinterest!
Pure indulgence in every bite! These no-bake cheesecake balls are the perfect treat.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
