Mini Turtle Cheesecakes Recipe

This Mini Turtle Cheesecakes recipe is a creamy and decadent recipe, which is made with a chocolate graham cracker crust, a smooth caramel cheesecake filling, and a rich chocolate ganache. It’s the perfect party dessert, an impressive make-ahead treat that’s surprisingly easy to make.

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Mini Turtle Cheesecakes Ingredients

The classic turtle combination for an impressive, individual dessert.

For the Crust:

• 24 whole chocolate graham crackers, broken into pieces
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 8 Tbsp. (1 stick) salted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 3 packages (8-ounce each) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 whole large eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup jarred salted caramel sauce

For the Toppings:

• 12 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup pecan halves
• 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup salted caramel sauce

How To Make Mini Turtle Cheesecakes

A step-by-step guide to these wonderfully rich and decadent treats.

1. Prep Oven and Make the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 24-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners. In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers and sugar into fine crumbs. Add the melted butter and pulse until the mixture is well combined, like wet sand.
2. Form the Crust: Distribute about 2 tablespoons of the crumb mixture into each cupcake liner and press down firmly to create a compact crust.
3. Make the Cheesecake Filling: In an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the sugar and then the eggs, one at a time. Finally, mix in the vanilla and salted caramel until just combined.
4. Bake the Cheesecakes: Distribute the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each one about two-thirds full. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes, until the centers are just set. Let the cheesecakes cool completely on a wire rack, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
5. Make the Ganache and Decorate: Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Let the ganache cool slightly.
6. Finish and Chill: Top each chilled cheesecake with about 1 tablespoon of the ganache. Decorate with a pecan half, a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips, and a final drizzle of caramel sauce. Chill until the ganache is set.

Recipe Tips

For perfect, crack-free mini cheesecakes every time.

• How to prevent cracks? The two secrets to a smooth cheesecake top are using room temperature ingredients (especially cream cheese and eggs) and being very careful not to over-beat the batter once the eggs are added. Over-mixing incorporates too much air, which causes the cheesecakes to rise and then fall, creating cracks.
• How do I get a firm crust? After adding the crumbs to the cupcake liners, use the bottom of a small glass or a spice jar to press them down firmly. A compact crust is less likely to crumble when you peel off the liner.
• Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! These are the perfect make-ahead party dessert. You can prepare them completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They also freeze beautifully.
• How do I know when the cheesecakes are done? They are perfectly baked when the edges are set and the very center still has a slight wobble. They will continue to set up as they cool.

What To Serve With Mini Turtle Cheesecakes

This decadent treat is a star on its own.

These rich, individual desserts are a perfect addition to any party or holiday dessert table. They are fantastic served with:

• A hot cup of black coffee or an espresso to cut the sweetness
• A small glass of dessert wine or a cordial

How To Store Mini Turtle Cheesecakes

Keeping your delicious treats fresh.

• Refrigerate: These cheesecakes must be stored in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container, and they will stay fresh and delicious for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: As the recipe notes, these freeze exceptionally well. Place them in an airtight freezer container and they will keep for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

Mini Turtle Cheesecakes Nutrition Facts

An estimated guide per cheesecake.

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Fat: 30 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Bacon-Wrapped Water Chestnuts Recipe
• Salted Caramel Bundt Cake Recipe
• Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies Recipe