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Turtle Cheesecake

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A luscious chocolate cheesecake with a thick layer of creamy caramel and chopped pecans—this turtle cheesecake has it all, and it doesn’t even require a water bath to make it!

slice of turtle cheesecake being lifted off a cake stand with a cake server and the rest of the cheesecake behind it

 
pin for turtle cheesecake with text overlay

Hello hello! I hope you’re ready for (yet another) cheesecake! TURTLE CHEESECAKE! With a thick layer of caramel, a creamy chocolate cheesecake, and plenty of pecans for crunch.

This is a cheesecake that requires quite a few steps, but none of those steps is actually difficult so I promise you CAN make this. And you definitely should make this. Unless of course you’re not in the mood for a delicious dessert. . .

But if that’s the case you came to the wrong place 😉

Why you’ll love this turtle cheesecake:

  • No water bath required!
  • All the ingredients are easy to find—no special ingredients here
  • You don’t need a stand mixer!

Why is it called turtle cheesecake? What is a chocolate turtle?

This turtle cheesecake is a cheesecake-ified spin on the classic turtle candy, a confection made with chocolate, caramel, and pecans. (If you’ve never had a chocolate turtle you’ve GOT to try them.)

Chocolate-dipped pecans, as a brand, were developed by Johnson’s Candy Company in 1918, when a vigilant candy-dipper in Chicago noted that the candy was shaped like a turtle.

You can find all kinds of spins on turtle candies today, including cake versions, brownies versions, and candies made with nuts other than pecans. But this cheesecake uses the classic chocolate-caramel-pecan combo.

However, if you wanted to use a different nut I highly encourage you to experiment! Keep the proportion the same (1 cup of nuts) and you’ll be just fine.

How to make graham cracker crust

how to make graham cracker crust

  • Stir graham cracker crumbs and a few other ingredients together until the crumbs are saturated
  • Press the crust into a 9-inch springform pan, then freeze while you make the filling

How to make turtle cheesecake filling

how to make chocolate cheesecake filling

  • Beat room temperature cream cheese until creamy
  • Beat in eggs and a few more ingredients
  • Add melted chocolate
  • Beat to combine

how to finish turtle cheesecake step by step

  • Pour melted caramel candies into the frozen crust and top with chopped pecans
  • Pour the cheesecake filling over that

Then just bake (without a water bath—hooray!), chill overnight, and serve!

Serving your turtle cheesecake

Since this turtle cheesecake needs to chill overnight, you’ll need to be sure to make it a day before you intend to serve it.

I topped my cheesecake with whipped cream and pecan halves but there are lots of fun options for serving, like:

  • Drizzle with caramel sauce
  • Drizzle with hot fudge (I highly recommend!)
  • Spread a thick layer of whipped cream on top and sprinkle with chopped pecans
  • Some combination of the above—it’s hard to go wrong here

How to store your cheesecake

Uneaten cheesecake (if you should actually have such a thing) can be stored, covered, in the fridge for up to 3 days.

You can also wrap individual slices tightly with plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can defrost slices in the fridge overnight or at room temp for about half an hour (if you can wait that long—there’s nothing wrong with frozen cheesecake in my book!).

If you want to freeze the whole cheesecake to serve later you can pop the cheesecake, pan and all, into the freezer for about an hour, until it’s frozen solid. (Be sure it’s fully chilled before you freeze it.)

Once the cheesecake is frozen, wrap it well and freeze it for up to 3 months. Defrost the cheesecake in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to serve it.

A few more cheesecake recipes
Triple Chocolate Cheesecake
No Bake Cookie Dough Cheesecake
Red Velvet Cheesecake Cake
Coconut Lime Cheesecake
Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcakes

slice of turtle cheesecake on a plate with a fork taking a bite out of it and the rest of the cheesecake in the background

Did you make this turtle cheesecake? Hooray! Let me know what you think with a comment and a rating below. And post a pic on Insta; tag @theitsybitsykitchen so I can see your beautiful creations!

5 from 13 votes
slice of turtle cheesecake on a plate with a fork taking a bite out of it and the rest of the cheesecake in the background
Print
Turtle Cheesecake
Prep Time
35 mins
Cook Time
28 mins
Chilling time
8 hrs
Total Time
1 hr 3 mins
 

This turtle cheesecake features a creamy chocolate cheesecake and a thick layer of caramel and pecans. It's relatively easy to make and it doesn't even require a water bath!

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12
Author: Kelsie
Ingredients
Crust
  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs from about 12 sheets graham crackers
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
Filling
  • 11 ounces soft caramel candies unwrapped
  • 1/3 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup chopped toasted pecans
  • 16 ounces full fat cream cheese at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips melted
  • whipped cream and additional pecan halves for serving optional
Instructions
Crust
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray a 9-inch springform pan with cooking spray and set pan aside.
  2. Stir the graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugar, and salt together in a mixing bowl until the crumbs are evenly saturated in the butter. Press into the bottom and partway up the sides of the prepared pan.
  3. Pop the pan in the freezer for 10 minutes and leave it in the freezer while you make the filling.
Filling
  1. Combine the caramel candies and evaporated milk in a small saucepan set over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the caramels are melted and the mixture is smooth. (It will take quite a bit of stirring before the caramels start to melt.)
  2. Pour the caramel into the frozen crust and sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top.
  3. Place the cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until very creamy. Add the sugar and beat until well combined.
  4. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, then add the eggs and vanilla and beat to combine.
  5. Add the melted chocolate chips and beat on low speed until fully combined. Scrape into the crust and smooth the top. Bake for 28 to 34 minutes, until the edges are set but the center of the cheesecake still jiggles a little if you tap the pan.
  6. Remove cheesecake from the oven and cool to room temperature on a wire rack. Once cool, refrigerate the cheesecake overnight.
  7. When you’re ready to serve, top with whipped cream and pecan halves (optional). Slice and serve.
Recipe Notes
  • You could also serve this cheesecake with caramel sauce and/or hot fudge 
  • Store uneaten cheesecake in the fridge (covered) for up to 3 days or in the freezer (tightly wrapped) for up to 3 months

Adapted from Notably Nashville

Related

Comments

  1. sherry says

    September 26, 2019 at 5:45 am

    this sounds so very delicious kelsie. yum what a combo. cheers sherry

    Reply
  2. David @ Spiced says

    August 12, 2019 at 4:55 am

    5 stars
    I love turtles! (Also, glad to see that no actual turtles went into this recipe. Hah!) Seriously, though, I’ve always been a fan of nuts and chocolate together, so this cheesecake is calling my name. That layer of caramel on the bottom sounds awesome…what a creative idea, Kelsie! You nailed it with this one!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 12, 2019 at 7:08 am

      Thank you, David!

      Reply
  3. Liz says

    August 10, 2019 at 10:12 am

    5 stars
    Oh, my gosh, what an amazing cheesecake! I love ALL things turtle and want to dive through my computer screen to grab a slice!!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 12, 2019 at 7:06 am

      Thank you, Liz!

      Reply
  4. Olga says

    August 9, 2019 at 9:17 am

    5 stars
    I have always had a serious weakness when it comes to cheesecake, but never made my own. The flavor of this recipe is motivating me to try it for the first time. It simply looks amazing! 🙂

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 12, 2019 at 7:06 am

      Olga, you HAVE to make your own! Thank you!

      Reply
  5. Ben|Havocinthekitchen says

    August 7, 2019 at 5:34 pm

    5 stars
    Believe it or not but I tried turtle candy just last year (in ice cream), and I liked it. But what not to like about turtles: caramel, pecan, and chocolate? Also, what not to like about this luscious cheesecake? Perfection!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 12, 2019 at 7:05 am

      Turtle ice cream sounds awesome! Thanks, Ben!

      Reply
  6. John / Kitchen Riffs says

    August 7, 2019 at 8:28 am

    Wow. This looks wonderful — cheesecake taken to a whole ‘nother level. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 12, 2019 at 7:05 am

      Thank you, John!

      Reply
  7. Carlee says

    August 6, 2019 at 12:17 pm

    You’re killing me, smalls. I was going to try to start being good, but now I’ll have to wait until after I make (and eat) this!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 12, 2019 at 7:05 am

      Haha! Thanks, Carlee!

      Reply
  8. Shashi at SavorySpin says

    August 6, 2019 at 2:36 am

    5 stars
    Oh Kelsie – I am dying over here! First I stop by David’s blog and get my tastebuds teased with his chocolate chip cookie cheesecake and now THIS! I need to call in sick and dive into a sugar coma today with a slice (or three) of both f y’alls cheesecakes! I’m so so loving that layer of caramel and pecans that you have tucked between the crust and the cheesecake! So so divine!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 6, 2019 at 7:16 am

      Um yeah, I’m still thinking about that chocolate chip cookie cheesecake :). Thank you so much, Shashi!

      Reply
  9. Kim Lange says

    August 5, 2019 at 2:51 pm

    5 stars
    I love this so much, wish I could go right through the screen and grab! Pinning! xo

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 6, 2019 at 7:16 am

      Thank you, Kim!

      Reply
  10. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

    August 5, 2019 at 1:30 pm

    5 stars
    That filling is KILLER!! I go through periods in my life (basically weekly) where all I want is something smooth and chocolately and caramely. You answered my dreams, Kelsie! I am adding this to the must make ASAP!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 6, 2019 at 7:15 am

      Thanks, Katherine! (And those chocolate and caramel cravings are at least weekly for me too :))

      Reply
  11. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

    August 5, 2019 at 12:45 pm

    5 stars
    Feel free to bring on ALL the cheesecakes, girl! Especially considering you make some EPIC cheesecakes! I mean, just look at this one! Holy moly!!! Luscious is the perfect description!!! You know I can’t eat chocolate, but this is making me want to bust out the EpiPen and say what the h-e-double-hockey-sticks!! This looks insanely delicious! Turtle heaven!! Pinned!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 6, 2019 at 7:15 am

      Awww thanks, Chey! I’ll make you a white chocolate version!

      Reply
  12. Laura says

    August 5, 2019 at 10:23 am

    5 stars
    Kelsie, you definitely know the way to my heart (or stomach, but they are the same thing, right?)! Anything cheesecake anything turtle. Now you’ve combined them. Love the easy recipe! Pinning!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 6, 2019 at 7:15 am

      Haha! Thanks, Laura!

      Reply
  13. Kelly @ Kelly Lynn’s Sweets and Treats says

    August 5, 2019 at 8:31 am

    Again the cheesecake queen amazes me with the most delicious sounding cheesecake! Pinning!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 5, 2019 at 9:12 am

      Thank you, Kelly!

      Reply
  14. Milena says

    August 5, 2019 at 8:01 am

    Looks delicious! Turtle candy is sinfully good, I agree everyone should try it and this cheesecake is definitely up there with the most decadent desserts ever created!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 5, 2019 at 9:12 am

      Thank you, Milena!

      Reply
  15. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

    August 5, 2019 at 6:32 am

    5 stars
    Holy Moly this looks crazy good Kelsie! My mother is a huge turtles candy fan, so I’ll need to make this for her the next time I visit! Pinned and excited to try!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 5, 2019 at 9:12 am

      Thank you, Mary Ann!

      Reply
  16. annie@ciaochowbambina says

    August 5, 2019 at 5:19 am

    5 stars
    And my hubby just happened to pick up a package of caramels this weekend…. I’m ready!! Pinned!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 5, 2019 at 9:12 am

      Yaaay! Thanks, Annie!

      Reply
  17. Leanne @ Crumb Top Baking says

    August 5, 2019 at 5:01 am

    5 stars
    I have a serious weakness for turtle chocolates, but I only let myself buy them around Christmastime! So when it comes to turtle desserts, I’m all over them. This cheesecake looks so decadent and delicious! You may have outdone yourself this time Kelsie! Happy Monday! Pinning!

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 5, 2019 at 9:12 am

      Thank you so much, Leanne!

      Reply
  18. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

    August 5, 2019 at 4:32 am

    5 stars
    I’m always ready for cheesecake, especially when it looks as good as this! So lush and chocolatey and caramelly? What’s not to love?? Pinned! Have a lovely week, my friend 🙂

    Reply
    • Kelsie says

      August 5, 2019 at 9:12 am

      Thank you, Dawn!

      Reply

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About

photo of Kelsie Roehl     Hey there! I’m Kelsie and this is where I share my buttery, sugary, and all-around delicious recipes. I LOVE to bake and I want you to love baking too, so all of my recipes are totally do-able for the home baker.  If you need a little dessert in your life, consider this your one-stop shop for anything sweet! Need a little more info? Here you go!

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