Mini Turtle Cheesecakes

Rich and creamy Mini Turtle Cheesecakes topped with gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of chocolate. These bite-sized delights are perfect for parties, holidays, or whenever I need a sweet treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for sharing at parties or gatherings.

Combines the classic flavors of caramel, chocolate, and pecans with creamy cheesecake.

Easy to make with a simple step-by-step process.

A great make-ahead dessert that can be chilled and served later.

Each mini cheesecake is a perfect portion, making them both adorable and practical.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

1 cup graham cracker crumbs

2 tablespoons sugar

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Toppings:

1/2 cup caramel sauce

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup melted chocolate (milk or semi-sweet)

Directions

Prepare the Crust:

Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.

Divide the mixture evenly among the cupcake liners and press firmly into the bottom to form a crust.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.

Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.

Spoon the cheesecake mixture over the crusts, filling each liner about 3/4 full.

Bake the Cheesecakes:

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the centers are set.

Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature before chilling in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

Add the Toppings:

Once the cheesecakes are chilled, spoon a layer of caramel sauce over each one.

Sprinkle with chopped pecans and drizzle with melted chocolate.

Serve:

Remove the cheesecakes from the liners and serve chilled. Enjoy these decadent mini turtle cheesecakes!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12 mini cheesecakes

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Variations

Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with crushed pretzels for a salty twist.

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.

Dark Chocolate Lovers: Swap milk chocolate with dark chocolate for a richer flavor.

Fruit Twist: Add a small dollop of raspberry sauce along with the caramel.

Caramel Choices: Experiment with salted caramel for a sweet and salty combo.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerator: Store the mini cheesecakes in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Freeze the cheesecakes (without toppings) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Add toppings after thawing.

Reheating: These cheesecakes are best served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary. Simply thaw frozen ones in the refrigerator overnight.

Related Recipes:

• Chocolate Turtle Cake
• Turtle Pie
• Turtle Bars

FAQs

How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

I recommend beating the ingredients just until combined and avoiding overmixing, which can introduce air bubbles that lead to cracks.

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely. I like to make these a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What can I use instead of graham cracker crumbs?

Crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or Oreos make great alternatives for the crust.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, doubling the recipe works well. Just ensure you have enough cupcake liners and a second muffin tin if needed.

Conclusion

Mini Turtle Cheesecakes are a decadent and delightful dessert that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. Whether for a party, holiday gathering, or a simple sweet craving, these bite-sized treats deliver the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and sweet flavors. Try them once, and they’ll quickly become a favorite.

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