Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake

Moldovan Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake Recipe with Pecans and Caramels

Region / culture: Moldova | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake recipe. With a buttery crust, creamy cheesecake filling, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and a drizzle of melted chocolate, this dessert is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

History

The Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake is a modern twist on the classic turtle candy, which typically consists of caramel, pecans, and chocolate. This dessert combines those flavors with a creamy cheesecake filling to create a show-stopping treat that is perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

2 cups of vanilla wafer crumbs
6 tbsp of melted margarine
1 bag (14 oz or 397 g) of caramels
1 can (5 oz or 142 g) of evaporated milk
1 cup of toasted chopped pecans
16 oz (454 g) of softened cream cheese
0.5 cup of sugar
1 tsp of vanilla
2 large eggs
0.5 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted

How to prepare

Combine the crumbs and margarine, then press onto the bottom and sides of a 9-inch spring-form pan.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes.
In a 1.5 qt (1.42 liter) heavy saucepan, melt the caramels with milk over low heat, stirring frequently, until smooth.
Pour the caramel mixture over the crust.
Top with pecans.
In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. Mix at medium speed using an electric mixer until well blended.
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Blend in the chocolate, then pour the mixture over the pecans.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 40 minutes.
Loosen the cake from the rim of the pan and allow it to cool before removing the rim.
Chill the cake.
Garnish with whipped cream, additional chopped nuts, and maraschino cherries, if desired.

Variations

Swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
Drizzle caramel sauce and chocolate sauce over the top of the cheesecake for an extra decadent touch.
Add a pinch of sea salt to the caramel mixture for a sweet and salty flavor combination.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use a spring-form pan for easy removal of the cheesecake.

- Toasting the pecans before adding them to the cheesecake will enhance their flavor.

- Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before chilling it in the refrigerator.

- For a smoother cheesecake filling, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped pecans for an extra indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the pecans before adding them to the cheesecake will enhance their flavor.

- Be sure to mix the cheesecake filling until smooth and creamy to avoid lumps in the final product.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use graham cracker crumbs or chocolate cookie crumbs for the crust instead of traditional crumbs.

- Substitute milk chocolate chips for the semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweeter flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish slices of Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake with a drizzle of caramel sauce, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, and a cherry on top for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of milk for a delicious dessert pairing.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, allow the cheesecake to come to room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake contains approximately 40 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake contains approximately 7 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake is a rich source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy, nuts, and eggs.

Summary

Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that is high in calories and fats, but also provides essential nutrients like calcium and iron.

Summary

Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake is a decadent dessert that combines the flavors of caramel, pecans, and chocolate with a creamy cheesecake filling. Perfect for special occasions or holiday gatherings, this dessert is sure to impress your guests.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was a warm summer day, the sun was shining brightly through the kitchen window, and I was feeling particularly inspired to try something new. I had always been a fan of cheesecake, but I wanted to put a twist on it, make it even more decadent and indulgent. That's when I remembered a conversation I had with a dear friend years ago about a dessert she had tried at a fancy restaurant - Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake.

I immediately set to work, rummaging through my collection of recipes and cookbooks, trying to find a base recipe for cheesecake that I could adapt to incorporate the flavors of chocolate and caramel. As I sifted through the pages, I couldn't help but think back to all the different recipes I had collected over the years, each one a piece of history and tradition passed down to me by friends, family, and even strangers.

I remember the first time I learned how to make my grandmother's famous apple pie, the way she would painstakingly peel and slice each apple by hand, and the secret ingredient she swore by to make the crust perfectly flaky. Then there was the recipe for chicken and dumplings that I picked up from a neighbor when I first moved to the city, a comforting and hearty dish that never failed to warm the soul on a cold winter's night.

But as I stood in my kitchen that day, surrounded by all these memories and recipes, I knew that this Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake would be something truly special. I started by making a graham cracker crust, crushing the crackers into fine crumbs and mixing them with melted butter and sugar until they formed a cohesive mixture. I pressed the crust into the bottom of a springform pan, using the back of a spoon to create an even layer.

Next, I moved on to the cheesecake filling. I whipped together cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy, then added in eggs one at a time, being careful not to overmix. I poured the filling over the crust and smoothed it out with a spatula, then placed the pan in the oven to bake.

As the cheesecake baked, I turned my attention to the toppings - chocolate and caramel. I melted dark chocolate in a double boiler, stirring constantly until it was smooth and glossy, then drizzled it over the top of the cheesecake. I then sprinkled chopped pecans and a generous amount of caramel sauce over the chocolate, creating a beautiful and decadent turtle-inspired finish.

When the cheesecake was finally done baking, I let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge to set. The anticipation was almost unbearable as I waited for it to chill, the flavors of chocolate, caramel, and cream cheese mingling in the air around me.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. I carefully removed the sides of the springform pan and sliced into the cheesecake, revealing a perfectly creamy and decadent dessert that was even better than I had imagined. The rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and creamy cheesecake all worked together in perfect harmony, creating a dessert that was truly a masterpiece.

As I took my first bite, I couldn't help but smile at the thought of all the recipes and memories that had led me to this moment. Each one had played a part in shaping my love for cooking and baking, and I was grateful for the opportunity to share this Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake with my friends and family, passing down yet another delicious recipe for future generations to enjoy.

And so, as I savored each bite of that decadent dessert, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. The recipe for Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake may have come from a conversation with a friend years ago, but it was the culmination of a lifetime of learning, experimenting, and creating in the kitchen. And for that, I was truly grateful.