This is a stunning cheesecake that will rival any restaurant or bakery! If you love turtle candies, those crispy pecan and caramel bundles coated in chocolate, then you are definitely going to love this homemade turtle cheesecake. It has all of the best parts of turtles – caramel, chocolate, and pecans – running throughout this rich, creamy, decadent swirled cheesecake. It starts with a thick layer of buttery Oreo crust. We’ll top that with a swirled mixture of caramel cheesecake and chocolate cheesecake, layered with chopped pecans. To top it off, homemade chocolate ganache, whipped cream, and even more caramel and nuts! If you are like me and can’t get enough luscious cheesecake recipes, be sure to check out my rustic Basque Cheesecake, classic NY Style Cheesecake, Chocolate Chip Cheesecake, and Pecan Pie Cheesecake next!
Turtle Cheesecake Recipe Highlights
Step-by-Step Cheesecake Recipe– This is probably my most complex cheesecake recipe to date! The step-by-step recipe below will walk you through each step, and I’m sharing my best cheesecake tips too. In the end, you will have created a masterpiece! Made from Scratch – You’ll learn to make a homemade Oreo cookie crust, homemade caramel sauce, and easy chocolate ganache in this recipe! Those skills will carry over to so many other amazing dessert recipes such as my Reeses Caramel Cheesecake and Chocolate Jello Pudding Pie. Decadent Flavors – The combination of chocolate, caramel, and rich cheesecake is nearly impossible to beat. This recipe might actually be cheesecake perfection!
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make a Caramel Pecan Turtle Cheesecake: Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
For the Crust
Crushed Oreo cookies and melted butter create a thick, crispy, chocolate crust for this cheesecake.
For the Cheesecake
Caramel Sauce, which we’ll be making from scratch with sugar, cream, and butter. Cream Cheese: You’ll need 4 blocks of regular full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature. Sour Cream: Full-fat sour cream adds richness to the filling. Eggs: In cheesecake batter, eggs provide structure to the dessert as it bakes. Let your eggs come to room temperature as well before you start mixing. Chocolate: Melted semisweet chocolate will be added to half of the filling to create a swirled cheesecake with the flavors of cocoa and caramel in every single bite. Pecans: You can’t have a turtle cheesecake without these! Chopped pecans will be mixed into the cheesecake and sprinkled on top.
For the Toppings
Chocolate Ganache, made with semisweet chocolate and heavy cream. Fresh Whipped Cream: Stabilized whipped cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
How To Make Turtle Cheesecake
For the full recipe with every step and ingredient, see the recipe card below. I suggest reading through all of the steps before you get started, as there are quite a few!
To make homemade caramel sauce
To Make the Oreo Crust
To Make the Cheesecake
To Make the Ganache and Decorate
Once the cheesecake has chilled in the fridge for at least six hours, remove it from the springform pan and place it on a platter. Then you can add the toppings!
Recipe Tips
Get Organized: Many of the ingredients in this recipe are used in multiple places. Before you get started, it will help to measure and separate everything so that nothing gets mixed up once you start going. Making the Crust: Be sure to really press down on the Oreo crumb mixture to create a firm, even crust. Use a flat-bottomed measuring cup or glass to make it smooth and flat. Mixing: For a smooth cheesecake, it’s important that the filling is mixed well. Stop frequently to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl. Water Bath: Please don’t skip this step! The water bath turns the oven into a moist environment, which will keep the cheesecake from cracking or drying out.
Storing Tips
You can keep this cheesecake wrapped and in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s also easy to freeze cheesecake. I prefer to freeze individual slices. Wrap each one with plastic wrap, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Turtle Cheesecake Variations
Without the chocolate, pecans, and caramel, this technically wouldn’t be a turtle cheesecake – but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make some adjustments! Nuts: Instead of pecans, try this recipe with walnuts, almonds, or pistachios. You can also leave out the nuts to make this a nut-free cheesecake recipe. Toppings: I think that the toppings really pull this dessert together, but if you decide to skip them, you’ll still have an amazing swirled turtle cheesecake that will wow your guests. Crust: Instead of Oreos, make a classic graham cracker crust. You can also use any other type of cookie you enjoy.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese for cheesecake?
I do not generally recommend baking with low-fat dairy products, especially in a rich dessert such as this one. Making it with full-fat cream cheese will give you the best flavor and texture.
How can I make a water bath if I don’t have a roasting pan?
If you don’t have a baking pan large enough to hold the cheesecake pan, you can place a smaller baking pan on the oven rack underneath the cheesecake. Fill it about halfway with hot water.
Why are they called Turtles?
Chocolate turtles get their name from their shape. Whole pecans and caramel are arranged in such a way that they resemble turtles once they’re coated with chocolate! Turtle Cheesecake, with two different cheesecake flavors, swirled together, and topped with caramel, chocolate, and pecans! It’s the perfect dessert, so be sure that you save the recipe by Pinning it for later. © Little Sunny Kitchen
