Turtle Cheesecake

Step 1

To make the caramel sauce, pour the sugar into an even layer in a large saucepan.

Step 2

Heat on medium-high heat, whisking the sugar until melted. The sugar will clump up first, but will eventually completely melt. This should take about 10 minutes.

Step 3

Once the sugar has melted, stop whisking and allow to cook until the sugar has turned to a little darker amber color. You may notice a nutty aroma. The change in color will happen quickly, so don’t let it go too long or get too dark or it’ll burn. Remove the caramel from the heat.4.

Step 4

Add the butter and whisk until combined. The mixture will bubble up quite a bit, but keep whisking until all the butter has melted and combined.5.

Step 5

Slowly pour the heavy cream into the caramel and whisk until incorporated. I find it can help to add just a bit at a time until the caramel starts to thin out, then you can add the rest. Whisk until well incorporated and smooth.6.

Step 6

Set about 1 cup of caramel sauce aside for topping. Add the flour and pecan chips to the remaining caramel and set that aside.7.

Step 7

To make the cheesecake crust, preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper in the bottom and grease the sides.C

Step 8

mbine the crust ingredients in a small bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan.B

Step 9

ke the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.10.

Step 10

over the outsides of the pan with aluminum foil so that water from the water bath cannot get in (see how I prepare my pan for a water bath). Set prepared pan aside.11.

Step 11

educe oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).Po

Step 12

r the caramel sauce with the pecans and flour into the bottom of the crust and spread into an even layer.To

Step 13

make the cheesecake filling, put the chocolate chips in a small bowl.He

Step 14

t the heavy whipping cream just until it begins to boil, then pour over the chocolate chips. Allow it to sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth.Po

Step 15

r the chocolate into an even layer over the caramel sauce in the crust.In

Step 16

a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, brown sugar and flour on low speed until well combined and smooth. Be sure to use low speed to reduce the amount of air added to the batter, which can cause cracks. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.Ad

Step 17

the sour cream and vanilla extract and mix on low speed until well combined.Ad

Step 18

the eggs one at a time, mixing slowly to combine after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is well combined.Po

Step 19

r the cheesecake batter into the crust, over the chocolate.Pl

Step 20

ce the springform pan inside another larger pan. Fill the outside pan with enough warm water to go about halfway up the sides of the springform pan. The water should not go above the top edge of the aluminum foil on the springform pan.Ba

Step 21

e for 1 hour 35 minutes. The center should be set, but still jiggly.Tu

Step 22

n off the oven and leave the door closed for 30 minutes. The cheesecake will continue to cook, but slowly begin to cool as well.Cr

Step 23

ck the door of the oven for 30 minutes to allow the cheesecake to continue to cool slowly. This process helps prevent cracking.Re

Step 24

ove the cheesecake from the oven and remove the water bath and wrapping.Po

Step 25

r about 1/2 cup of the remaining caramel sauce over the top of the cheesecake and spread into an even layer. If the caramel sauce has firmed up too much to pour, heat it up for about 10 seconds.Re

Step 26

rigerate cheesecake until completely cool and firm, 5-6 hours. When the cheesecake is cool and firm, remove it from the springform pan and place on a serving dish.Pl

Step 27

ce the chocolate chips for the drizzle in a small bowl. Heat the heavy whipping cream just until it begins to boil, then pour over the chocolate chips. Allow it to sit for 3-4 minutes, then whisk until smooth.Dr

Step 28

zzle the remaining caramel sauce and chocolate sauce over the cheesecake and sprinkle with a few more pecan chips. Refrigerate cheesecake until ready to serve.