Description
No-Bake Turtle Mini Cheesecakes are rich, creamy, and decadent bite-sized desserts combining the classic flavors of turtle candy—chocolate, caramel, and pecans—in an effortless no-bake recipe. Perfect for quick treats or parties, these mini cheesecakes offer layered textures with a buttery graham cracker crust, gooey caramel, crunchy nuts, and smooth chocolate in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings
- 1/3 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl, mixing until evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottoms of mini cupcake liners or a muffin tin to form a solid base.
- Make the cheesecake filling: Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing continuously until fully combined and silky.
- Assemble the layers: Spoon a layer of the cheesecake filling over the crust in each cup, smoothing the tops if needed. Drizzle a generous layer of caramel sauce over the cheesecake layer.
- Add pecans and chocolate: Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly over the caramel, followed by mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate to provide the signature turtle crunch and chocolate flavor.
- Chill until set: Refrigerate the assembled mini cheesecakes for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow them to firm up and for flavors to meld beautifully.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Do not skip chilling; proper refrigeration is essential for the right texture.
- Choose a rich and buttery caramel sauce to elevate flavor.
- Press crust firmly to ensure it holds together when serving.
- Experiment with toppings like different nuts, sea salt, or fruit to customize.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: no bake cheesecake, turtle cheesecake, mini cheesecake, caramel, chocolate, pecans, easy dessert, party dessert, gluten free dessert