Caramel Pecan Turtle Cheesecake Bars

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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.

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:

• 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.

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.

Caramel Pecan Turtle Cheesecake Bars

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 16 bars 1x

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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

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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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

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