Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake

Even if you’ve never baked before, you will become a turtle cheesecake pro when you follow my easy step-by-step recipe and learn my tips for baking a cheesecake in a water bath. Take it from Julie below, your friends and family will RAVE about this turtle cheesecake recipe!

Made this for a dinner party tonight and it got RAVES! Thank you!

Julie

This Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake is so easy!

Turtle desserts are one of my favorites. The combination of chocolate, caramel and nuts is spot on. We have a no bake turtle pie you will love and these turtle cookies are amazing! 

I feel like I have perfected the art of making cheesecake, and once you know the important steps to follow, you’ll be able to make flawless cheesecake every time!  

There’s no need to be intimated about making cheesecake factory style cheesecake at home! 

Pecan Turtle Cheesecake Ingredients

5 ingredient graham cracker crust

• graham cracker crumbs
• chopped pecans: I love to add chopped pecans in the crust when making our turtle cheesecake recipe. It adds extra nutty flavor! 
• brown sugar: adds a deep rich flavor to the crust and helps to bind the crumbs and butter together
• cinnamon: adds a little warmth and spice without being overwhelming
• butter: this is the most crucial ingredient in binding the crust together

How to make Graham Cracker Crust for Turtle Cheesecake

Mix all the crust ingredients together and then firmly press the crust into the bottom and up the sides of a springform pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or bottom of a glass cup to help pack the crust.

Ingredients you’ll need for the Best Turtle Cheesecake Recipe

Our turtle cheesecake recipe only calls for 4 ingredients!

• cream cheese: use three 8 oz packages. Be sure to use full fat, not low fat, cream cheese for best results.
• sugar: helps to balance the tanginess of the cream cheese.
• vanilla extract: just a teaspoon, but it enhances the flavor.
• eggs: eggs are the last ingredient that get mixed into the cheesecake batter. Be sure to mix them in just until the yolk breaks. Over beating the eggs is the number one cause of air bubbles and cracking.

How to make Turtle Cheesecake

Crust

1. In a small bowl, combine the crumbs with the finely chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon and melted butter, mix well until incorporated.
2. Add the crumbs to a 8 or 9 inch springform pan, using a cup or the bottom of something flat to press the crumbs into the pan.
3. Place the pan in the oven, pre-bake the crust for 8-10 minutes or until golden.
4. Remove the pan from the oven, and allow it to cool to room temperature before adding the cheesecake mixture.
5. Turn the oven down to 325º F.

Cheesecake

1. Place the springform pan inside an oven safe bag and roll the top of the bag down so it doesn’t cover the cheesecake. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the sugar, and vanilla extract, beat again. Add in the eggs, beating just until the egg yolks break. Beat the mixture for 1 additional minute. Pour the cheesecake mixture on top of the cooled crust.
3. Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan. Carefully fill the roasting pan with about 1 inch of water.
4. Place the water bath with the cheesecake inside in the oven and bake at 325º F for 60-70 minutes.
5. Once the cheesecake is done baking, turn the oven off and crack the oven door. Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature inside the oven before removing – this could be 60-90 minutes.
6. Once cooled to room temperature, remove the cheesecake from the oven. Loosely cover the cheesecake with foil or store in a large airtight container and place in the fridge overnight.
7. Spread caramel sauce on top of the cheesecake. Drizzle chocolate ganache and add chopped pecans.

Give your Pecan Turtle Cheesecake a water bath

I know it sounds weird, putting your turtle cheesecake in a water bath, but it’s the secret to creating moist, perfectly baked cheesecake. It’s really not scary.

The basics of a water bath: Place a springform pan inside a large cake or roasting pan, fill the roasting pan with about 1 inch of water and place in the oven.

How to cool a Pecan Turtle Cheesecake

Remember, don’t rush the cooling process.

Once the turtle cheesecake is done baking, turn the oven off and gently remove the springform pan from the water bath and oven safe bag. Place the cheesecake on a baking sheet and return to the oven (oven is off) with the oven door cracked.

A slow cooling process will help prevent the cheesecake from cracking. Don’t forget to refrigerate your cheesecake over night before serving.

Best Turtle Cheesecake Recipe pro tips

• Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before beating it. Room temperature cream cheese is easier to whip.
• The eggs are the last ingredient that get mixed into the cheesecake batter. Be sure to mix them in, just until the yolk breaks. Over beating the eggs is the number one cause of air bubbles and cracking.
• Using a different size springform pan will alter the baking time. I used a 9 inch springform pan.
• Allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven (with the door cracked) for 1 hour.

What to serve with Turtle Cheese Cake

I like to top my cheesecake with caramel sauce, chocolate ganache and chopped nuts for a true turtle dessert! You can also serve this with a dollop of whipped cream!

How to freeze a Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake

1. Cool the turtle cheesecake completely before freezing. You can allow it to cool on the counter or you can place it in the fridge over night to chill before freezing. Add the caramel sauce, chocolate ganache and pecans.
2. Use a knife to remove the outer springform ring. Use the knife to gently remove the cheesecake from the bottom of the pan. Place the cheesecake on a round cardboard circle that’s been covered in aluminum foil. Make sure the cardboard circle is the same size as the cheesecake.
3. Wrap the entire cheesecake well in plastic wrap. Then wrap the cheesecake in aluminum foil for extra protection. Place in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the cheesecake in the fridge overnight.

More Cheesecakes

• No Bake Oreo Cheesecake
• Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes
• Classic Cheesecake
• No Bake Cheesecake
• Chocolate Cheesecake