Description
This rich and creamy Turtle Cheesecake combines buttery caramel sauce, crunchy pecans, and smooth chocolate with a classic graham cracker crust. Baked to perfection, this decadent dessert features layers of caramel, chocolate, and cream cheese filling, topped with chocolate drizzle and pecan chips, making it an indulgent treat perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a luscious cheesecake.
Ingredients
Scale
Caramel Sauce
- ½ cup (112g) salted Challenge butter, room temperature
- 2 cups (414g) sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream, room temperature
- 5 tbsp (41g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- ¼ cup (28g) pecan chips
Crust
- 2 cups (268g) graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup (112g) salted Challenge butter, melted
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- ¼ cup (28g) pecan chips
Chocolate Mixture for Filling
- 4 oz (2/3 cup | 116g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 6 tbsp (90ml) heavy whipping cream
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (678g) Challenge cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup (144g) light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp (24g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (230g) sour cream
- 1 ½ tbsp vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
Chocolate Drizzle
- 2 oz (1/3 cup | 58g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tbsp (45ml) heavy whipping cream
Topping
- ¼ cup (28g) pecan chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Caramel Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the sugar and stir continuously until it begins to melt and caramelize. Slowly pour in the room-temperature heavy whipping cream while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Mix in the sifted flour and cook for 2-3 more minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat, stir in the pecan chips, and set the sauce aside to cool.
- Make the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, brown sugar, and pecan chips thoroughly. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form a firm crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven and let the crust cool completely.
- Prepare the Chocolate Mixture for Filling: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips and 6 tbsp heavy whipping cream for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth then allow to cool to room temperature.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the light brown sugar and flour, mixing well. Blend in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Carefully fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the batter until evenly combined.
- Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the prepared filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Reduce oven temperature to 325°F (163°C) and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set but slightly jiggles. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Remove from oven and cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight.
- Make the Chocolate Drizzle: Heat the remaining 2 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips with 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth and let cool slightly.
- Assemble the Toppings and Serve: Once fully chilled, drizzle the caramel sauce over the cheesecake. Then drizzle the prepared chocolate sauce on top and sprinkle pecan chips for added crunch and decoration. Slice and enjoy your decadent Turtle Cheesecake!
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients (butter, cream cheese, whipping cream, sour cream) are at room temperature to achieve a smooth batter.
- Allow the caramel sauce to cool before adding to prevent melting the chocolate later.
- Do not overbake the cheesecake; slight jiggle in the center ensures a creamy texture.
- Using a springform pan makes it easier to remove the cheesecake without breaking it.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and firmness before adding the chocolate drizzle and serving.
- You can toast the pecan chips slightly to enhance their flavor if desired.
