Turtle Cheesecake is a decadent and indulgent dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans with the creamy luxury of traditional cheesecake. This dessert, inspired by the classic Turtle candies, is a delightful fusion of textures and tastes, creating a show-stopping treat for any occasion.
The foundation of Turtle Cheesecake is a buttery and crumbly crust, often made with crushed chocolate cookies or graham crackers. This serves as the perfect base for the velvety cheesecake layer. The cheesecake filling is a luxurious blend of cream cheese, sugar, and eggs, creating a smooth and dense texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy crust.
The “turtle” element comes into play with the addition of three key ingredients. First, a layer of gooey caramel sauce is drizzled over the cheesecake, adding a sweet and buttery richness. Next, a generous sprinkling of chopped pecans provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. Finally, the cheesecake is adorned with a layer of chocolate ganache, creating a glossy and indulgent finish.
The result is a Turtle Cheesecake that not only tantalizes the taste buds with its layers of flavors but also captivates the eyes with its decadent appearance. This dessert is often chilled to perfection before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and creating a delightful harmony of textures. Whether enjoyed as a centerpiece for celebrations, holidays, or simply as a luxurious treat to satisfy a sweet tooth, Turtle Cheesecake stands as a testament to the artistry of combining classic flavors in a delightful and visually appealing way. Its combination of creamy cheesecake, rich caramel, crunchy pecans, and luscious chocolate makes it a perennial favorite among dessert enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
For the Keto Crust:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 3/4 cup crushed pecans
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons Monkfruit sweetener
For the Butter Pecan Cheesecake:
- 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup Monkfruit Sweetener (granular or confectioners)
- 3 eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup Lily’s sugar-free chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream (piping hot)
- 1/2 cup Keto Caramel Sauce (link below)
- 1 ½ cups roasted, salted pecans
Instructions:
- Heat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix almond flour, crushed pecans, melted butter, and Monkfruit sweetener. Press the mixture onto the bottom of a parchment paper-lined 9-inch springform pan.
- Beat cream cheese and Monkfruit sweetener with an electric mixer until well combined. Add sour cream and vanilla extract; mix well. Add eggs, one at a time, beating on low speed after each addition just until blended. Pour the mixture over the crust.
- Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes or until the center is almost set. Run a knife around the rim of the pan to loosen the cake; cool before removing the rim.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for 4 hours.
- One hour before serving, heat the heavy cream until it is piping hot and pour it over the chocolate chips. Cover the bowl and allow it to sit for 2 minutes. Stir the chocolate until a creamy sauce has formed and the chocolate is completely melted.
- Pour the chocolate ganache over the cheesecake and allow it to chill.
- Just before serving, top with roasted pecans.
This indulgent Keto Butter Pecan Cheesecake with a crunchy crust and a luscious chocolate ganache topping is a delightful low-carb treat for those following a ketogenic lifestyle.