Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. Turtle Cheesecake layers creamy vanilla cheesecake over chocolate crust with caramel ribbons, toasted pecans, and chocolate ganache for candy-inspired indulgence.
Ready in 90 minutes bake plus chill, it serves 12 with perfect crack-free center and glossy toppings.
Why This Recipe Works
Room temperature ingredients prevent cracks through even baking. Chocolate graham crust complements caramel without sogginess. Brown sugar adds turtle candy chew. Water bath ensures creamy texture. Ganache seals toppings preventing weep.
Ingredients & Prep
Crust:
- 1½ cups chocolate graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup finely chopped pecans
- 5 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
Filling:
- 32 oz cream cheese, room temp
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup caramel sauce (divided)
Toppings:
- ½ cup toasted pecans
- ¾ cup chocolate chips + ½ cup cream (ganache)
- Extra caramel sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat 325°F; wrap springform pan foil. Mix crust; press bottom/sides. Bake 10 minutes.
- Beat cream cheese + brown sugar smooth. Add sour cream, vanilla.
- Add eggs one-at-a-time low speed. Pour ⅓ batter crust; drizzle 2 tbsp caramel. Swirl.
- Add remaining batter; swirl more caramel. Place in roasting pan + 1″ hot water. Bake 70 minutes.
- Turn oven off; crack door 1 hour. Chill overnight. Top with ganache, pecans, caramel drizzle.

Flavor Variations
| Variation | Key Add/Swap | Resulting Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Peanut | Peanut butter cheesecake | Snickers vibe |
| Pretzel | Pretzel crust | Salty crunch |
| Pumpkin | Pumpkin puree + spices | Fall turtle |
| No-Bake | Gelatin stabilized | Refrigerator set |
Storage Tips
Fridge airtight 5 days; freeze slices 2 months.
FAQs
Cracks appear?
Water bath + room temp ingredients.
Water leaks?
Triple foil layers; slow pour.
Runny center?
Bake longer; chill minimum 8 hours.
Conclusion
Turtle Cheesecake caramel-hugs decadence creamy perfection.
PrintTurtle Cheesecake Recipe
Turtle Cheesecake layers creamy vanilla cheesecake with caramel ribbons, toasted pecans, and chocolate ganache topping over buttery graham crust. Ultimate crowd-pleasing dessert combines turtle candy flavors in rich baked form.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 70 mins
- Total Time: 10 hours (incl chill)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 10 tbsp melted butter
- Filling:
- 32 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
- Swirl:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- Topping:
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- Sea salt flakes
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven 325°F. Mix graham crumbs, pecans, brown sugar, melted butter. Press firmly into 9-inch springform pan bottom and 1-inch up sides. Bake 10 mins, cool.
- 2. Beat cream cheese and sugars until smooth. Add sour cream and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, mix just until combined. Pour half batter over crust.
- 3. Mix 1/4 cup caramel sauce into remaining batter. Drop spoonfuls of caramel-pecan mixture over batter, swirl gently with knife. Pour remaining batter over. Tap pan to release air bubbles.
- 4. Place springform in roasting pan, add hot water halfway up sides. Bake 60-70 mins until center jiggles slightly. Turn off oven, crack door, cool 1 hour. Chill overnight.
- 5. Heat cream, pour over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth ganache forms. Spread over chilled cheesecake. Sprinkle sea salt, pipe caramel drizzle.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients prevent cracks. No water bath? Use cornstarch in filling.
- Quality caramel sauce essential – salted enhances flavors.
- Make caramel pecan swirl ahead, chill before swirling.
- Freeze whole cheesecake up to 2 months.
- Slice with hot knife for clean cuts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 685
- Sugar: 42g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 26g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: turtle cheesecake, caramel pecan cheesecake, chocolate turtle dessert, no bake turtle cheesecake

