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Turtle Cheesecake Bars

Turtle Cheesecake Bars


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  • Author: Lina
  • Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 16 bars 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free graham crackers or almond flour)

Description

Turtle Cheesecake Bars combine creamy cheesecake, buttery caramel, and rich chocolate flavors in a delightful dessert bar. Featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, smooth cheesecake filling, gooey caramel, and a luscious chocolate topping, these bars offer a perfect balance of textures and tastes. Ideal for celebrations, parties, or cozy treats, they are easy to make and provide a crowd-pleasing indulgence with every bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Cheesecake Filling

  • 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks (semisweet or dark, or white chocolate for variation)
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined baking pan. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes until golden and set.
  2. Make the cheesecake filling: Beat softened cream cheese with sugar until smooth and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract. Pour filling evenly over the warm crust.
  3. Add caramel and nuts: Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the cheesecake layer. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts evenly on top, if desired, for added crunch.
  4. Bake and cool: Bake the entire bar at 325°F (160°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheesecake is just set but still slightly jiggly in the center. Let cool completely before proceeding.
  5. Top with chocolate: Melt chocolate chips and spread the melted chocolate evenly over the cooled bars. Chill in the refrigerator until the chocolate hardens and sets.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese for a silky, lump-free filling.
  • Do not overmix the batter to prevent cracks and air bubbles.
  • Choose high-quality caramel sauce for richer flavor.
  • Chill bars for at least four hours or overnight before slicing for clean cuts.
  • Line the pan with parchment paper to easily lift bars out without breaking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bar
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg