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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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