Craving a dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the gooey indulgence of caramel and chocolate? These Caramel Pecan Turtle Cheesecake Bars are a luxurious twist on classic turtle candy, layered over a buttery graham cracker crust. Perfect for holiday desserts, potluck treats, or special occasion baking, they’re a guaranteed showstopper.
Advertisements
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
-
Combines creamy cheesecake with crunchy pecans, caramel drizzle, and chocolate ganache
-
Simple, step-by-step process for beginner to expert bakers
-
Makes a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties or events
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Crust:
-
Graham Cracker Crumbs (1 ½ cups): Creates a sweet and crunchy base for the bars.
-
Granulated Sugar (⅓ cup): Adds a touch of sweetness and helps the crust bind.
-
Melted Unsalted Butter (¼ cup): Brings richness and moisture to the crust.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
Advertisements
-
Cream Cheese (16 oz): The star of the filling—smooth, tangy, and creamy.
-
Granulated Sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the cheesecake layer perfectly.
-
Eggs (2 large): Help the filling set with a rich, custardy texture.
-
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
-
Sour Cream (½ cup): Adds creaminess and a slight tang for balance.
For the Topping:
-
Chopped Pecans (1 cup): Offer a toasty crunch and nutty depth.
-
Caramel Sauce (1 cup): Adds sticky-sweet flavor and ties the “turtle” theme together.
-
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (½ cup): Melts into the caramel for a silky topping.
-
Heavy Cream (2 tbsp): Creates a smooth, pourable chocolate-caramel layer.
Tips and Tricks:
-
Line the pan with parchment for easy lifting and clean cuts.
-
Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
-
Toasting the pecans intensifies their flavor and adds extra crunch.
-
For extra indulgence, drizzle additional caramel just before serving.
Variations and Customizations:
-
Salted caramel twist: Add a pinch of flaky sea salt to the caramel layer.
-
Nut-free version: Swap pecans with crushed pretzels or leave off entirely.
-
Chocolate crust: Use chocolate graham crackers or Oreo crumbs for a cocoa kick.
-
Mini cheesecakes: Press crust and filling into cupcake liners and reduce baking time by 5–7 minutes.
Pairing Suggestions:
-
Hot coffee or a latte balances the sweetness.
-
Serve with a bourbon cream liqueur for adult occasions.
-
Pair with vanilla ice cream for an over-the-top dessert experience.
Storage Instructions:
-
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
-
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Popular Questions:
Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel adds an even richer, more buttery flavor.
Advertisements
What if I don’t have sour cream?
Greek yogurt works well as a substitute in equal amounts.
How do I know when the cheesecake is done?
The center should jiggle slightly when gently shaken—residual heat will finish the setting process.
Advertisements
Caramel Pecan Turtle Cheesecake Bars
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 bars 1x
Description
Decadent layers of creamy cheesecake, rich chocolate, buttery caramel, and crunchy pecans atop a graham cracker crust—a showstopping twist on classic turtle candy! Perfect for holidays, parties, or anytime you deserve a little luxury
Ingredients
-
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
-
⅓ cup granulated sugar
-
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
-
16 oz cream cheese, softened
-
½ cup granulated sugar
-
2 large eggs
-
1 tsp vanilla extract
-
½ cup sour cream
-
1 cup chopped pecans
-
1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
-
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
-
2 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
-
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
-
Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Make the Crust
-
In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
-
Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened.
-
Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
-
Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
-
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and fluffy.
-
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
-
Stir in vanilla extract and sour cream until combined.
4. Bake the Cheesecake
-
Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
-
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly.
-
Allow to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
5. Make the Turtle Topping
-
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes, until fragrant.
-
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramel sauce and chocolate chips in 20–30 second intervals, stirring until smooth.
-
Stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated.
6. Assemble the Bars
-
Once chilled, pour the warm caramel-chocolate mixture evenly over the cheesecake layer.
-
Sprinkle with toasted pecans.
-
Chill for an additional 30 minutes before slicing into bars.
Notes
These Caramel Pecan Turtle Cheesecake Bars are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining classic flavors in a decadent bar form
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Advertisements