Turtle Cheesecake Recipe

Updated: July 21, 2023 by Olivia Mittak | Leave a comment

One reason cheesecake is so terrific is that it can be mixed with any number of flavors to make it a delicious dessert anyone will love.

One popular type of cheesecake is turtle cheesecake.

When we think of turtle cheesecake, we think of anything that is flavored with chocolate, caramel, and nuts. But why name this combination after a reptile?

Well, the name originates with candies that were made by covering clusters of pecans with caramel and chocolate. Once they formed, they resembled a turtle, hence the name.

Today, there are several treats that are made with these ingredients included, all of which are called turtle. There are turtle sundaes, turtle cookies, turtle cakes…. and the list goes on.

The turtle flavorings are the perfect complement for cheesecake. The richness of the pecans, chocolate, and caramel is ideal when combined with the creamy cake and the textures work well together as a whole.

We offer two recipes for turtle cheesecake. One has the chocolate mixed into the cheesecake itself and one has the chocolate drizzled on top only.

The one with the chocolate mixed in is perfect for chocolate lovers everywhere. The recipe with the chocolate drizzled on top is great for those who like chocolate but would rather not make the full commitment!

Both recipes have a light flakey crust and a wonderful mix of cheesecake, caramel, chocolate, and nuts.

You may think that a cheesecake like this should only be served on special occasions. But you can surprise your family by serving it any day of the week to make your boring old weekday an event! Serve it on its own, with coffee or a dollop of whipped cream to truly elevate its taste.

This is a mouth-watering Turtle Cheesecake recipe created with smooth caramel and rich chocolate.

It’s a superbly satisfying dessert, worth every single calorie.

Turtle Cheesecake

Cheesecake Factory Clone

This recipe for turtle cheesecake doesn't have the chocolate mixed in the cheesecake itself (the recipe below does); it is drizzled on top along with the caramel.

Ingredients:

Crust:

2 1/2 cups graham crackers
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cup melted butter

Crust Layer 2:

30 caramels
3 Tablespoons milk
1/2 Cup chopped pecans

Filling:

3 (8 ounces each) packages cream cheese
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 whole eggs

Topping:

1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup hot fudge, heated
10 melted caramels

Directions:

Crust:

1. Mix together graham crackers, sugar and melted butter. Bake in 9 inch springform pan for 10 minutes. Cool.

Crust Layer 2:

1. Place caramels and milk in microwave, melt on medium power.

2. Pour over cooled crust, and sprinkle on the 1/2 cup chopped pecans.

Filling Directions:

1. Mix cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until smooth; scraping side of bowl to ensure creaminess.

2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition.

3. Pour this mixture over the caramel layer on top of the crust.

4. Bake at 325 degrees F until center is set (approximately 30-40 minutes).

Topping Directions:

1. Arrange pecans around outside edge of cheesecake, drizzle top with melted caramel and hot fudge.

Turtle Cheesecake #2

This version combines the chocolate into the cheesecake, making the flavors blend as wonderfully as a piece of deliciously decadent turtle candy.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk
14 ounces individually wrapped caramels
1 cup chopped pecans
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Melt the butter and combine with the vanilla wafer crumbs. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.

2. Place the evaporated milk in a 1-1/2 quart heavy saucepan, and melt the caramels in it over low heat. Heat and stir frequently until smooth. Pour mixture onto crust, and top with pecans.

3. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla; beat well until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after adding each egg.

4. Melt the chocolate, and combine with the cream cheese mixture. Pour over the caramel pecan mixture in springform pan.

5. Bake at 350F for 40 minutes. Loosen cake from the edges of pan, but do not remove rim until cooled. Chill completely. Garnish with whipped cream and drizzled chocolate if desired.

Tips for Making a Great Cheesecake

There are a number of tips out there to make a great cheesecake. By following the tips we give you in this article, and the recipes we have below, you'll produce an amazing cheesecake that will delight every time.

First, make sure you use full-fat ingredients. Cheesecake is reliant on the fat in its ingredients to achieve the density, texture, and flavor that we all know and love. If a recipe calls for low-fat ingredients, that is the one time when it's okay to use them in a cheesecake.

Before getting started with a cheesecake, make sure your ingredients are room temperature. Room temperature ingredients will blend better, giving you a cheesecake that is nice and smooth. Don't try to speed up the process by using a microwave; this will only leave you with ingredients that are unevenly heated.

Using a hand or a stand mixer is a good idea. Cheesecake is dense for a reason, and unless you're a world-class bodybuilder your arm will definitely get sore if you try to mix the ingredients by hand. An electric mixer will ensure the ingredients come together perfectly every time. Finally, consider using a water bath when baking your cheesecake. The bath will ensure the cheesecake bakes evenly, and will create a humid environment in your oven that prevents cracks.

Other Great Dessert Ideas

Once you've tried making this delicious turtle cheesecake, try some of these other delicious dessert ideas:

Chocolate lava cake. You may have had one of these at Applebee's, but have you tried making one at home? Chocolate lava cakes are soft cakes with a molten chocolate center that flows out like lava once the cake is cut, hence the name. It's great for the chocolate lover in your life.
Hot fudge sundae. Hot fudge sundaes are super easy to make, assuming you have the ingredients. Spoon some vanilla ice cream into a bowl, then cover with hot fudge and any other toppings you'd like. Finish with whipped cream and a cherry.
Fudge. Have you ever tried making your own fudge? Once you learn how to make your own fudge, you might never go back to buying it! There are so many different flavors of fudge to try, but we recommend starting with chocolate while you learn.
Brownies. Brownies are a classic dessert for a reason. You've definitely made regular fudge brownies before, but have you tried making different kinds? What about brownies with nuts, fruit, or peanut butter chips? There are lots of different options out there for you to try, so explore them all!
Peanut butter pie. If you're a big fan of peanut butter and pie, then why not combine them into a decadent dessert? Peanut butter pie is relatively easy to make. If you want to add extra sweetness to it, then consider adding chocolate into the recipe to make a chocolate peanut butter pie. It'll remind you of a Reese's!
Flourless chocolate cake. Flourless cakes are becoming more popular these days. If you're low on flour or you simply want to try something a little different, why not give this flourless chocolate cake a go? You might just be surprised at how much you love it.
Regular cheesecake. While turtle cheesecake is an amazing dessert, sometimes regular cheesecake is just what you need. Offer different toppings, like chocolate sauce or strawberry sauce, for your family or guests to use on their cheesecake slice.