Description
Mini Turtle Cheesecakes are a delightful dessert featuring a chocolate cookie crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and topped with caramel, pecans, and chocolate drizzle.
Ingredients
- 1½ cups (150 g) chocolate cookie crumbs (Oreos with filling removed)
- 3 tbsp (38 g) granulated sugar
- 5 tbsp (70 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 16 oz (450 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60 g) sour cream
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- ¾ cup thick caramel sauce
- 1 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- Flaky sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
- In a bowl, combine the chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Divide evenly among the muffin cups (about 2 tablespoons per cup) and press firmly into the bottoms. Bake for 5 minutes and let cool.
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add the sugar and beat until creamy. Mix in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla, sour cream, flour, and salt until just combined.
- Divide the cheesecake batter evenly over the crusts, filling each liner about ¾ full. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly jiggly. Cool completely at room temperature and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
- For the chocolate drizzle, place the chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce over each chilled cheesecake, sprinkle with toasted pecans, and drizzle with melted chocolate. Finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt, if desired.
- Serve chilled or let the cheesecakes sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture.
Notes
- For best results, use full-fat cream cheese.
- Allow the cheesecakes to chill overnight for improved flavor and texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of caramel and chocolate drizzle to your liking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheesecake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg