Description
Turtle Brownie Cheesecake – A dreamy dessert mashup! A dense, fudgy brownie base meets velvety vanilla cheesecake, all crowned with luscious caramel, toasted pecans, and chocolate chips
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup pecan halves
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Base
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Remove from heat and stir in both sugars until dissolved.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Spread the brownie batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Step 3: Bake the Brownie Layer
- Bake the brownie base for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Layer
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating just until incorporated.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled brownie base.
Step 5: Bake the Cheesecake
- Bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the center is set and edges are lightly golden.
- Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 6: Add the Turtle Topping
- Once chilled, drizzle caramel sauce over the top.
- Scatter pecan halves and chocolate chips across the surface.
- Optional: drizzle with extra melted chocolate or caramel before serving.
Notes
- Always chill the cheesecake fully before adding toppings to ensure a firm base.
- For homemade caramel, melt 1/2 cup sugar with 2 tbsp water until golden, then add 1/4 cup cream and 2 tbsp butter.
- Allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature for 20 minutes before slicing for the cleanest presentation.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 80-85 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American