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Mini Turtle Cheesecakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 122 reviews

These Mini Turtle Cheesecakes combine a rich, creamy cheesecake base with a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with indulgent caramel sauce, smooth chocolate ganache, crunchy pecans, and a touch of sea salt. Perfectly portioned and beautifully balanced, these cheesecakes make an irresistible dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 graham cracker sheets)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Cheesecake Filling

  • 2 (8 oz) cream cheese bricks, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Ganache

  • 3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)
  • 6 Tbsp heavy whipping cream

Toppings

  • Caramel Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • Pecans
  • Sea Salt, optional

Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven and Muffin Tin: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners to prepare for baking.
  2. Make the Crust: In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs and sugar together. Add melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
  3. Form the Crust: Distribute 1 to 2 tablespoons of the graham cracker mixture into each muffin cup. Press firmly and evenly into the bottom to create a thick crust layer, using the back of a spoon or your fingers.
  4. Beat Cream Cheese: Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes light, fluffy, and smooth.
  5. Add Sugar and Mix: Incorporate the sugar into the cream cheese, mixing thoroughly and scraping the bowl sides as necessary.
  6. Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter.
  7. Add Vanilla and Final Mix: Mix in vanilla extract and continue to beat until the mixture is silky smooth and well combined.
  8. Fill Muffin Cups: Evenly divide the cheesecake batter among the muffin cups, filling each about two-thirds to three-quarters full.
  9. Bake Cheesecakes: Bake for 18-20 minutes until the centers jiggle slightly when gently shaken, indicating perfect doneness.
  10. Cool Gradually: Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let cheesecakes cool inside for 45-60 minutes to prevent cracking.
  11. Room Temperature Cooling: Remove from oven and continue cooling completely on countertop.
  12. Chill: Refrigerate cheesecakes for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set thoroughly.
  13. Prepare Ganache: About 1 hour before serving, place chopped chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Heat heavy cream in the microwave until hot but not boiling.
  14. Melt Chocolate: Pour hot cream over chocolate, cover with a towel, and let sit for 2-3 minutes to melt the chocolate.
  15. Whisk Ganache: Stir mixture until completely smooth with no lumps remaining.
  16. Assemble Toppings: Spoon a dollop of caramel sauce atop each chilled cheesecake. Add a dollop of ganache on top and spread gently to cover the caramel.
  17. Add Pecans and Salt: Press a pecan into the center of the ganache and sprinkle lightly with sea salt, if desired.
  18. Set Ganache: Chill assembled cheesecakes for about 30 minutes to let the ganache firm up before serving.
  19. Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients for smoother cheesecake batter.
  • Letting cheesecakes cool slowly in the oven helps avoid cracking and creates a creamier texture.
  • For extra flavor, homemade caramel sauce adds a rich, buttery sweetness.
  • Sea salt enhances the sweet and salty contrast in this dessert but is optional.
  • Ensure ganache is not too hot when spreading to avoid melting the caramel layer completely.
  • Cheesecakes are best served chilled and can be made a day in advance.

Keywords: Mini Turtle Cheesecakes, cheesecake recipe, mini cheesecakes, turtle dessert, caramel chocolate cheesecakes, graham cracker crust, chocolate ganache, pecan topping

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/mini-turtle-cheesecakes-recipe/