🥄 What are the ingredients in Turtle Cheesecake?

Turtle Cheesecake is made from a few delicious components: a graham cracker or chocolate cookie crust, a rich and creamy cream cheese filling, and classic turtle toppings— caramel sauce , chocolate drizzle , and toasted pecans . Some variations also include brown sugar, sour cream, or a chocolate swirl in the batter.

🐢 Why is it called a Turtle Cheesecake?

It’s named after Turtle candies , which are clusters of pecans covered in caramel and dipped in chocolate. The cheesecake mimics those flavors and textures—making it rich, nutty, gooey, and sweet. The name is a tribute to the candy’s iconic flavor combination, not the animal!

🗽 What is the difference between New York-style cheesecake and regular cheesecake?

New York-style cheesecake is known for being ultra-dense and creamy due to the use of extra cream cheese , heavy cream , and sometimes egg yolks . Regular cheesecake tends to be lighter and fluffier. Turtle Cheesecake can be made with either base, but it’s often paired with the denser, richer style to hold up to the bold toppings.

🌰 Does Turtle Cheesecake have almonds?

Traditionally, no —Turtle Cheesecake is made with pecans , just like classic Turtle candies. However, you can absolutely customize it with almonds , walnuts , or even hazelnuts if you prefer. Just make sure they’re toasted for the best flavor and crunch.

10 Irresistible Reasons to Love Turtle Cheesecake (And How to Make It Perfectly) - Mary Recipes

Description

This Turtle Cheesecake is a showstopping dessert that layers creamy New York-style cheesecake over a chocolate cookie crust and finishes with gooey caramel, rich chocolate ganache, and toasted pecans. Inspired by the beloved Turtle candy, this indulgent treat offers a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and sweetness—ideal for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you’re craving something special.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust:

1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreos, finely crushed)
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
¼ cup heavy cream

Turtle Topping:

½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
¼ cup heavy cream (for ganache)
¾ cup chopped toasted pecans

Instructions

For the Crust:

Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment and lightly grease.
In a bowl, mix chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool while preparing the filling.

For the Filling:

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add sugar and vanilla; beat until combined.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low after each addition.
Blend in sour cream and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.
Pour the mixture over the crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake:

Place the pan on a baking sheet and bake at 325°F for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggly.
Turn off oven, crack the door, and let cheesecake cool for 1 hour inside.
Remove and chill in refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Topping:

Heat chocolate chips and ¼ cup cream in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
Once cheesecake is set, drizzle with caramel sauce and chocolate ganache.
Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans evenly over the top.

Notes

To prevent cracking, avoid over-mixing and consider baking with a water bath.
For homemade caramel, simmer 1 cup sugar with 6 tbsp butter and ½ cup cream.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Chill Time: 6 hours
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 530
Sugar: 33g
Sodium: 310mg
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 145mg