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Decadent Turtle Cheesecake with rich caramel, chocolate, and pecan topping

7 Steps to Create a Decadent Turtle Cheesecake: A Gourmet Dessert Guide


  • Author: Velma
  • Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Craft a decadent turtle cheesecake with luscious cream, rich caramel, chocolate, and crunchy pecans. Discover this gourmet dessert guide now!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crust

  • 1½ cups crushed chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup caramel sauce, swirled into batter

For the Toppings

  • ¾ cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • ½ cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
  • ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
  • ¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
  • Mix cookie crumbs and melted butter until well combined.
  • Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
  • Bake for 8–10 minutes. Set aside to cool.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling

  • Beat cream cheese and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.
  • Mix in vanilla, sour cream, and flour.
  • Pour half the batter over the crust.
  • Drizzle caramel sauce over the batter and lightly swirl.
  • Pour remaining batter over top and smooth.

3. Bake in Water Bath

  • Wrap the pan in foil to prevent leaks.
  • Place in a large roasting pan with hot water (1–2 inches deep).
  • Bake for 55–65 minutes, until edges are set and center slightly jiggles.
  • Turn off oven and crack the door; cool inside for 1 hour.
  • Transfer to fridge and chill at least 6 hours or overnight.

4. Prepare Toppings

  • Ganache: In a small saucepan or microwave, heat heavy cream until steaming. Pour over chocolate chips, let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
  • Toasted Pecans: Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly. Let cool.

5. Decorate

  • Pour ganache over chilled cheesecake and spread gently.
  • Drizzle caramel sauce over the ganache.
  • Sprinkle with toasted pecans.
  • Add extra caramel and chocolate drizzle just before serving, if desired.

Notes

  • Add whipped cream and a whole turtle candy on each slice for presentation
  • Serve with espresso or black coffee to cut the richness
  • Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 5 days
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Desserts
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12 slices
  • Calories: 540 kcal
  • Sugar: 31 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 39 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: Decadent Turtle Cheesecake