Semiconductor devices and stacked die assemblies, and methods of fabrication are provided. In various embodiments, the die assembly comprises a first die mounted on a substrate and a second die mounted on the first die. In one embodiment, the second die has a recessed edge along the perimeter of the bottom surface to provide clearance for a bonding element extending from bond pads on the first die to pads on the substrate, thus eliminating the need for a spacer between the two dies. In another embodiment, the second die is at least partially disposed within a recess in the upper surface of the first die. In another embodiment, an adhesive element is disposed within a recess in the bottom surface of the first die for attaching the first die to the substrate. In yet another embodiment, the first die is at least partially disposed within a recess within the bottom surface of the second die. The stacked die assemblies can be encapsulated to form semiconductor packages.