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Chocolate Caramel Turtle Cheesecake with Pecans

This rich cheesecake combines a crunchy Oreo crust, creamy cheesecake filling, smooth chocolate, sweet caramel, and buttery pecans, perfect for special occasions or as a make-ahead dessert.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 15 servings
Course: Dessert, Sweet
Cuisine: American
Calories: 516

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 30 pieces Oreo cookies Crushed into fine crumbs
  • 5 tablespoons butter, melted
For the filling
  • 24 oz cream cheese, softened Full-fat recommended, let it soften at room temperature
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature Add one at a time
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream For warming with chocolate
For the toppings
  • 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips Dark chips are an option
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce Salted caramel is an option
  • 1/2 cup pecan halves, chopped

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. Stir in the melted butter until evenly coated, then press into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill the crust in the refrigerator.
Mixing and Baking
  1. Beat the softened cream cheese until soft and creamy. Add brown sugar and vanilla, mixing for 1 to 2 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. Mix in sour cream and heavy cream until smooth.
  2. Pour the filling over the chilled crust. Set the pan in a larger pan, pouring boiling water around it until halfway up the sides. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes until edges set but center jiggles slightly.
Cooling
  1. Turn off the oven and crack the door, leaving the cheesecake inside for 45 more minutes. Remove from water bath and cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Toppings
  1. Warm 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, add chocolate chips, let sit, and stir until smooth. Drizzle chocolate and caramel on the cheesecake and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Slice and serve.
Storage
  1. Cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Add toppings after thawing for best results.

Notes

This dessert is great for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion. For a balanced dessert, serve with fresh berries or coffee. Avoid overmixing the batter and ensure to use a water bath for even baking.