If you’re looking for the ultimate indulgent dessert, look no further. This Turtle Cheesecake is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.
With a chocolate cookie crust, smooth cheesecake center, and a topping of caramel, pecans, and chocolate—each bite is heavenly. It’s perfect for holidays, birthdays, or when you just want to treat yourself.
When I First Tried It
I first had Turtle Cheesecake at a friend’s potluck. I fell in love after the first bite. The creamy texture and sweet toppings were unforgettable. I knew I had to recreate it.
Equipment List
- 9-inch springform pan
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Saucepan
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
Ingredients List
Crust
- 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate cookie crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 blocks (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
Toppings
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- ½ cup chocolate sauce
Step-by-Step Preparation
Step 1
Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease the springform pan.
Step 2
Mix cookie crumbs and butter. Press into pan.
Step 3
Bake crust for 10 minutes. Set aside.
Step 4
In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
Step 5
Add sugar and mix until well combined.
Step 6
Add eggs one at a time. Mix gently.
Step 7
Stir in vanilla and sour cream.
Step 8
Pour filling over baked crust. Smooth the top.
Step 9
Place pan on a baking sheet.
Step 10
Bake for 55–60 minutes until center is set.
Step 11
Turn off oven. Leave cheesecake inside for 1 hour.
Step 12
Remove from oven. Cool at room temperature.
Step 13
Chill in the fridge overnight.
Step 14
Top with caramel, chocolate, and chopped pecans.
Recipe Tips
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth texture.
- Don’t overmix to avoid cracks.
- Bake with a pan of water for even cooking.
- Let it cool slowly to prevent sinking.
- Use real caramel for best taste and texture.
What to Serve with Turtle Cheesecake
1. Fresh Strawberries
Fresh berries add a light and tart contrast to the richness.
2. Whipped Cream
A dollop of whipped cream makes each bite even smoother.
3. Coffee or Espresso
Hot coffee balances the sweet and creamy cheesecake well.
Conclusion
This Turtle Cheesecake is the perfect mix of creamy and crunchy. The caramel, pecans, and chocolate give it an amazing finish. It’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Serve it once, and you’ll be asked for it again.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 60 minutes
- Total Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: ~500 per slice
- Course: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Turtle Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate cookie crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 3 blocks 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
Toppings
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- ½ cup chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease the springform pan.
- Mix cookie crumbs and butter. Press into pan.
- Bake crust for 10 minutes. Set aside.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add sugar and mix until well combined.
- Add eggs one at a time. Mix gently.
- Stir in vanilla and sour cream.
- Pour filling over baked crust. Smooth the top.
- Place pan on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 55–60 minutes until center is set.
- Turn off oven. Leave cheesecake inside for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven. Cool at room temperature.
- Chill in the fridge overnight.
- Top with caramel, chocolate, and chopped pecans.
Notes
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for smooth texture.
- Don’t overmix to avoid cracks.
- Bake with a pan of water for even cooking.
- Let it cool slowly to prevent sinking.
- Use real caramel for best taste and texture