Description
Indulgent no-bake turtle mini cheesecakes blend rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy pecans into a perfect dessert symphony. Chocolate graham cracker crusts cradle silky cheesecake layers, promising delightful bites that melt effortlessly on palates craving sweet comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream
- 6 ounces (170 grams) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 cup graham crackers, ground
- 5 tablespoons (75 milliliters) butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon (15 grams) sugar
Flavor and Topping Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) vanilla extract
- Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- Chopped pecans for garnish
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
Instructions
- Line 12 mini baking cups or springform pans with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter, mixing thoroughly until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Firmly press the crumb mixture into the bottom of each cup, creating an even, compact base. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.
- Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until completely smooth and free of lumps.
- Gradually pour heavy whipping cream into the cream cheese mixture, beating continuously until the mixture transforms into a light, airy mousse-like consistency.
- Carefully distribute the creamy filling over the chilled crusts, using approximately 4-5 tablespoons per cup. Return to refrigerator for 1 hour to firm.
- Create chocolate ganache by gently melting chocolate and whisking in heavy cream until glossy and pourable.
- Drizzle a generous layer of caramel sauce over each chilled cheesecake, ensuring even coverage.
- Top the caramel with the prepared chocolate ganache, spreading delicately to completely conceal the caramel layer.
- Garnish each mini cheesecake with a sprinkle of finely chopped pecans for added crunch and visual appeal. Keep refrigerated until serving.
Notes
- Chill the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother, lump-free filling that blends effortlessly.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the ganache to elevate the rich, decadent flavor of these mini desserts.
- Opt for graham crackers with a hint of cinnamon to add an extra layer of warmth and complexity to the crust.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute graham cracker crumbs with almond flour or gluten-free cookie crumbs, maintaining the same buttery texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg