Surprise Turtle Cheesecake

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

• French Toast with Easy Brown Sugar Lemon Sauce
• Hometown Favourite Wedges and Dip
• Potacos (Taco Stuffed Potatoes)

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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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