Turtle Cheesecake: A Cheesy, Nutty, Caramel-Filled Adventure

Decadence with a Crunch You’ll Go Nuts For

Love turtles? No, not the slow-moving kind—but the chocolate, caramel, and pecan kind! This Turtle Cheesecake recipe is a playful twist on the classic candy, layering creamy cheesecake with rich chocolate, buttery caramel, and toasted pecans. It’s a dessert that delivers a delightful crunch, a silky-smooth bite, and a flavor combination that will have your taste buds dancing. Perfect for holidays, parties, or any time you need a sweet escape.

If you enjoy chocolate caramel desserts or crave the nutty crunch of pecan pie cheesecake, this indulgent treat is right up your alley.

Why You’ll Love This Turtle Cheesecake

• Decadent layers: Chocolate, caramel, and pecans in every bite.
• Textural contrast: Crunchy crust meets creamy cheesecake filling.
• Dessert versatility: Works as a show-stopping centerpiece or single-serving indulgence.
• Nostalgic inspiration: Brings classic Turtle candy to cheesecake perfection.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crust Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or OREO cookie crumbs for more chocolate flavor)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Filling Ingredients

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened (2 packages, 8 oz each)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 3 oz bittersweet chocolate chunks
• 3 oz soft caramels, quartered
• 1/4 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Decoration Ingredients

• 3 oz bittersweet chocolate, grated
• Optional: caramel sauce, extra chopped pecans

Directions to Make Turtle Cheesecake

Make the Crust

1. In a medium mixing bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped pecans, and melted butter until evenly combined.
2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 10-inch ungreased pie plate.
3. Freeze the crust while preparing the cheesecake filling to ensure a firm base.

Prepare the Filling

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl with a paddle attachment, beat softened cream cheese and sugar on medium-high until smooth, roughly 3 minutes.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a creamy texture.
4. Gently fold in chocolate chunks, quartered caramels, toasted pecans, and vanilla extract using a spatula.
5. Pour the filling over the frozen crust, spreading evenly to the edges.

Bake the Cheesecake

1. Bake in preheated oven for 25–35 minutes, until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles when gently shaken.
2. Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for 2 hours.
3. Cover the cheesecake with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for best results.

Decorate & Serve

1. Just before serving, grate the bittersweet chocolate over the chilled cheesecake.
2. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle additional chopped pecans, if desired, for added crunch and visual appeal.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Turtle Cheesecake

• Toast pecans at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, stirring halfway, to maximize flavor.
• Ensure cream cheese is fully softened and well-beaten with sugar for a smoother filling.
• Freeze the crust briefly before filling to prevent sogginess.
• For a richer flavor, use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought.

Variations and Creative Twists

• Swap pecans for almonds or walnuts for a nutty variation.
• Use OREO crumbs for a chocolate crust to amplify chocolate flavor.
• Try homemade caramel sauce for a more decadent topping.
• Make a mini version in 4-inch pans for individual servings.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Serve alongside chocolate-covered strawberries for a romantic dessert.
• Ideal for holiday dessert recipes or celebratory gatherings.

FAQs About Turtle Cheesecake

Q: Can I use a different nut for the crust? A: Absolutely! Substitute pecans with almonds or walnuts for a new flavor dimension.

Q: Can caramel sauce replace soft caramels in the filling? A: Yes, but the texture may slightly differ; for more gooey bites, fold in chunks of soft caramel instead.

Q: Can this cheesecake be made ahead of time? A: Yes, prepare up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.

More Recipes You’ll Enjoy

• Explore chocolate caramel desserts for similar flavors.
• Reference pecan pie recipes for nutty dessert inspiration.
• Include homemade caramel sauce for toppings and DIY caramel lovers.
• Connect to holiday dessert recipes for seasonal browsing.

Final Thoughts

This Turtle Cheesecake is a symphony of flavors: the richness of chocolate, the buttery sweetness of caramel, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans. Whether it’s a special occasion, a holiday celebration, or a weekend indulgence, this dessert promises to delight and impress. With easy-to-follow steps and creative variations, it’s the ultimate cheesecake for turtle candy lovers and dessert enthusiasts alike.

Originally published in 2014, updated November 2025 with new photos, step-by-step tips, and improvements.

Notes: Appears on page 220, The Cheesecake Bible. Excerpted from The Cheesecake Bible by George Geary © 2014 Robert Rose Inc. www.robertrose.ca. May not be reprinted without publisher permission.