Dessert,  Recipe

Surprise Turtle Cheesecake

Surprise Turtle Cheesecake is a decadent chocolate cheesecake with a hidden layer of caramel and pecans. This easy baked cheesecake starts with a vanilla wafer base, a thick layer of caramel topped with nuts and all covered with a rich, yet tangy chocolate cheesecake. This is the ultimate turtle cheesecake with a sweet surprise in the centre.

Surprise Turtle Cheesecake may look like it’s just a lovely chocolate cheesecake, but don’t be fooled. Inside there’s a thick layer of caramel and a healthy sprinkling of pecans. A little surprise if you will. This cheesecake is a favourite with anyone who tries it. The hidden layer pushes this version of turtle cheesecake to the very top of the cheesecake pyramid.

This cheesecake is rich and decadent. A total treat. Yes, it’s sweet, but it’s also tangy, and always, totally worth it. It’s one of those impress your guest desserts. The thick layer of caramel is tamed down by the tang of the cheesecake. It’s the best version of turtle cheesecake, I have ever found.

Surprise Turtle Cheesecake is a decadent chocolate cheesecake with a hidden layer of caramel and pecans. This easy baked cheesecake starts with a vanilla wafer base, a thick layer of caramel topped with nuts and all covered with a rich, yet tangy chocolate cheesecake. This is the ultimate turtle cheesecake with a sweet surprise in the centre.

I am not the biggest fan of turtle chocolates. The caramel gets stuck in my teeth, I find them hard to chew and they’re just not my favourite bite. However, this cheesecake, takes all the best parts of turtles chocolates and makes them even better. The pecans are chopped small, so you get a little bit in each forkful. The caramel layer, is everything. It’s smooth and sweet but not sticky, at least not in the way a traditional caramel is.

The cheesecake is the easiest chocolate cheesecake you can find. Literally it’s just mixing melted chocolate chips into the batter. I accidentally, combined two recipes the last time I made this cheesecake. Originally, it calls for two eggs, but somehow I managed to get three in there. I think I’ll keep it, though, because this version is perfect!

Surprise Turtle Cheesecake is a decadent chocolate cheesecake with a hidden layer of caramel and pecans. This easy baked cheesecake starts with a vanilla wafer base, a thick layer of caramel topped with nuts and all covered with a rich, yet tangy chocolate cheesecake. This is the ultimate turtle cheesecake with a sweet surprise in the centre.

How to make Surprise Turtle Cheesecake

I always start with my crust for any cheesecake. Combine the Nilla wafer crumbs with the melted butter. I can usually find a box of crumbs, but this time, I had to use the food processor to pulse them into a crumb mixture, either way works. Then press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a 9″ springform baking pan. Bake this for about 10 minutes.

Surprise Turtle Cheesecake is a decadent chocolate cheesecake with a hidden layer of caramel and pecans. This easy baked cheesecake starts with a vanilla wafer base, a thick layer of caramel topped with nuts and all covered with a rich, yet tangy chocolate cheesecake. This is the ultimate turtle cheesecake with a sweet surprise in the centre.

While that is baking, I start my caramel layer. Melt the caramels in a heavy bottomed sauce pan with half a can of evaporated milk. Stirring often until all the caramels have melted and the sauce is smooth. I slowly pour this over the baked crust. And sprinkle the pecans over the caramel layer. Then, just set this aside.

Next, it’s time to tackle the cheesecake, which is so easy. Using a hand mixer, I beat together the two blocks of cream cheese, sugar and vanilla. Then beat in one egg at a time, making sure to mix well after each one.

Surprise Turtle Cheesecake is a decadent chocolate cheesecake with a hidden layer of caramel and pecans. This easy baked cheesecake starts with a vanilla wafer base, a thick layer of caramel topped with nuts and all covered with a rich, yet tangy chocolate cheesecake. This is the ultimate turtle cheesecake with a sweet surprise in the centre.

Next, I melt the chocolate chips in the microwave. Heat the chocolate in 15 second intervals, stirring after each interval. It took about 45 seconds to melt my chocolate chips. Pour the melted chocolate into the cheesecake batter and blend until fully combined. Pour this over the pecans and bake for 40 minutes. When it’s cooked, the centre will jiggle and the outer edges will appear dry. This is what you want. It’ll continue to bake through, while it cools. Once cool, chill for a few hours before serving.

Surprise Turtle Cheesecake is the one cheesecake I always know will impress. It’s always delicious and that hidden layer of caramel and nuts makes this chocolate cheesecake with it’s surprise filling a favourite.

Surprise Turtle Cheesecake is a decadent chocolate cheesecake with a hidden layer of caramel and pecans. This easy baked cheesecake starts with a vanilla wafer base, a thick layer of caramel topped with nuts and all covered with a rich, yet tangy chocolate cheesecake. This is the ultimate turtle cheesecake with a sweet surprise in the centre.

Loved Surprise Turtle Cheesecake? Check out these other delicious recipes, I’m sure they’ll hit the spot:


If you get a chance to make this or any other recipe on the blog and want to share. Please feel free to tag @candyjarchronicles or use #candyjarchronicles on Instagram, so I can see your post. I’d love to see what you’re cooking in your kitchen!

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Surprise Turtle Cheesecake is a decadent chocolate cheesecake with a hidden layer of caramel and pecans. This easy baked cheesecake starts with a vanilla wafer base, a thick layer of caramel topped with nuts and all covered with a rich, yet tangy chocolate cheesecake. This is the ultimate turtle cheesecake with a sweet surprise in the centre.
5 from 1 vote
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Turtle Cheesecake

Perfect chocolate cheesecake with a thick layer of caramel and pecans. A decadent dessert for any occasion.

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword caramel, cheesecake, chocolate chip, turtle
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Servings 12 servings

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
  • 1/3 cup butter, melted
  • 14 oz Kraft caramels
  • 3/4 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped
  • 16 oz cream cheese (2 blocks)
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 3 eggs, divided
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

  2. Combine crumbs and butter together and press into the bottom and up the sides of a 9" springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside.

  3. In a heavy bottomed saucepan or double boiler, melt caramels with evaporated milk. Stir frequently, until smooth. Pour the caramel sauce over the crust and top with the pecans. Set aside.

  4. Using a hand mixer beat the cream cheese, sugar and vanilla and beat at medium speed until well blended. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each one.

  5. Melt chocolate chips in 15 second intervals in the microwave until completely melted. Blend into the cream cheese mixture. Pour over nuts. Bake for 40 minutes. Cool on a cooling rack. Chill in the fridge for at least two hours before serving. Store leftovers in the fridge.

RECIPE NOTES

Turtle Cheesecake adapted from S. Burton’s recipe.

Surprise Turtle Cheesecake

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