Description
Indulgent mini turtle cheesecakes blend rich chocolate, caramel, and pecans into a creamy, irresistible dessert. Chocolate graham cracker crusts and smooth cream cheese filling create a luxurious treat that satisfies deep chocolate cravings with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheesecake Base:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Crust:
- 1 cup (120 grams) graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) granulated sugar
- 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter, melted
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup (85 grams) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) caramel sauce, melted
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pecans
Instructions
- Prepare the muffin tin by lining with paper liners and heating the oven to 325F (165C).
- Create a cohesive crust mixture by combining graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl.
- Firmly compact 1 tablespoon of crust mixture into the bottom of each paper liner, ensuring an even base.
- Craft the cheesecake filling by beating cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky smooth texture.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the mixture, thoroughly blending after each addition to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Infuse vanilla extract into the filling for enhanced flavor.
- Distribute the cheesecake mixture evenly across the prepared crusts, filling each liner approximately 3/4 full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, monitoring until the centers appear set and stable.
- Allow cheesecakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
- Refrigerate the mini cheesecakes for a minimum of 2 hours to achieve optimal texture.
- Prepare chocolate ganache by heating heavy cream in a saucepan until it reaches a gentle simmer.
- Pour hot cream over chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl, letting it rest for 2 minutes before whisking to a smooth consistency.
- Generously spread the chocolate ganache across the chilled cheesecakes.
- Enhance the dessert by drizzling caramel sauce over the ganache layer.
- Garnish with chopped pecans to add a delightful crunch and textural contrast.
Notes
- Ensure graham cracker crumbs are finely ground for a smooth, compact crust that holds together perfectly when baking.
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs to prevent lumps and create a silky, creamy cheesecake texture.
- Cool cheesecakes completely before adding toppings to prevent melting and maintain distinct layer definition.
- Swap pecans with almonds or walnuts for different nutty variations, making the dessert adaptable to personal preferences.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 296 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg