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Turtle Cheesecake Delight

Turtle Cheesecake Delight

Silky cheesecake on a chocolate cookie crust, crowned with warm caramel, ribbons of chocolate, and toasted pecans.
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cup chocolate sandwich cookie crumbs finely crushed
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar for crust
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar for filling
  • 0.25 tsp fine salt
  • 0.67 cup sour cream room temperature
  • 1.5 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 large eggs at room temperature
  • 0.75 cup caramel sauce warmed; plus extra for serving
  • 0.75 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1 cup pecans toasted and chopped
  • 1 cup whipped cream optional, for serving

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Heat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9-inch springform pan, line bottom with parchment, and wrap the outside with foil.
  • Combine cookie crumbs, crust sugar, and melted butter until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the pan bottom.
  • Bake crust 8–10 minutes, then cool on a rack while you make the filling.
  • Beat cream cheese on medium speed until completely smooth, about 2 minutes.
  • Mix in filling sugar and salt until no grainy bits remain. Scrape the bowl well.
  • Blend in sour cream, vanilla, and flour just until combined; do not overmix.
  • Add eggs one at a time on low speed, beating only until each disappears.
  • Pour batter over the crust and tap the pan to release air bubbles.
  • Bake 55–65 minutes until edges are set and the center still jiggles slightly.
  • Turn off oven, crack the door, and cool 1 hour. Then cool to room temp and chill at least 4 hours.
  • Warm caramel until pourable. Spread over the chilled cheesecake.
  • Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream until smooth. Drizzle over caramel, then top with pecans. Chill 15 minutes to set.

Notes

Variation: Swirl 2–3 tablespoons of caramel into the batter before baking for ribbons inside. Serving tip: Warm your knife under hot water and wipe between cuts for clean slices. Storage: Refrigerate tightly covered for up to 5 days or freeze slices for up to 2 months.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Turtle Cheesecake Delight flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.