Indulge in the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, and caramel goodness with these No Bake Turtle Cheesecakes! These delightful individual desserts capture all the beloved flavors of classic turtle candies—chocolate, caramel, and pecans—paired with the rich creaminess of cheesecake, all without turning on your oven.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving something special for yourself, these no-bake treats deliver impressive results with minimal effort. The contrast between the buttery graham cracker crust, silky cheesecake filling, and decadent toppings creates a dessert experience that feels far more time-consuming than it actually is.
Why You’ll Love This
- No oven required—perfect for warm weather or when you don’t want to heat up the kitchen
- Individual portions make serving easy and elegant
- Make-ahead friendly—prepare them up to 2 days before serving
- Customizable toppings let everyone adjust to their preference
- Impressive presentation despite the simple preparation process
Ingredients
- 1 cup ground graham crackers
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Caramel sauce
- Chopped pecans
- Mini chocolate chips
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature, sliced into 6 pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Line 12 baking cups or use mini springform pans.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Mix until well combined. Press the mixture firmly into the prepared cups using a shot glass. Chill in the fridge.
- Using an electric mixer, whisk together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually add the heavy whipping cream and continue to mix until the mixture thickens to a mousse-like consistency.
- Spoon 4-5 tablespoons of the filling onto the chilled crusts. Refrigerate to cool.
- Melt the chopped chocolate and mix with heavy cream until smooth.
- Spoon 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of caramel sauce over each cheesecake. Add a dollop of chocolate ganache on top and carefully spread it to cover the caramel almost completely. Sprinkle chopped pecans and mini chocolate chips as a garnish.
- Combine granulated sugar, butter, heavy cream, and salt in a saucepan. Simmer on low heat while constantly whisking until the sauce thickens (6-9 minutes). Note: It will thicken further as it cools.
- Store the cheesecakes in the refrigerator before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a firmer set, add 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin bloomed in 3 tablespoons of water to the cream cheese mixture
- Substitute chocolate graham crackers or Oreo cookie crumbs for the crust for an extra chocolate kick
- Make them gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers or cookies for the crust
- For a boozy twist, add 1 tablespoon of bourbon to the cheesecake filling
- Create a layered effect by adding a thin layer of caramel sauce between the crust and filling
- For a lighter version, use Neufchâtel cheese instead of full-fat cream cheese
Serving Suggestions
These No Bake Turtle Cheesecakes are stunning served in clear glasses to showcase the beautiful layers. For an extra special presentation, serve with additional whipped cream on top and a whole pecan for garnish. They pair wonderfully with a small cup of espresso or a dessert wine like port.
For a complete dessert table, offer these alongside fresh berries and small cookies to give guests options to mix and match flavors and textures.
Notes
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- The cheesecakes can be frozen (without toppings) for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator
- For best flavor, remove from refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving
- If making your own caramel sauce, be sure it’s cooled completely before adding to the cheesecake mixture
FAQs
Can I make this in one large dish instead of individual servings?
Yes! Use an 8-inch springform pan instead of individual glasses. Increase the chilling time to at least 4 hours or overnight.
Why isn’t my filling setting properly?
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened and your heavy cream is properly whipped to stiff peaks. If you live in a warm climate, adding the optional gelatin can help.
Can I use store-bought caramel and chocolate sauce?
Absolutely! Quality store-bought sauces work perfectly in this recipe and save time.
How do I know when my pecans are properly toasted?
Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and slightly darkened. Watch carefully as they can burn quickly.
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