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Close-up shot showing the pale yellow creamy filling and dense chocolate brownie crust of the Turtle Brownie Cheesecake.

Decadent Turtle Brownie Cheesecake

This decadent Turtle Brownie Cheesecake features a dense dark chocolate brownie crust, a smooth pale yellow cheesecake layer, and a glossy golden caramel sauce topped with toasted pecans and chocolate ganache.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 680

Ingredients
  

All Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup butter melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 24 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream full-fat
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream for caramel
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 cup pecans toasted, whole and chopped
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream for ganache

Equipment

  • 1 9-inch springform pan Essential for baking and easily releasing the tall cheesecake.
  • 1 Electric mixer Used for beating the cream cheese until perfectly smooth.

Method
 

Baking & Assembly
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until well combined. Whisk in 2 large eggs and salt until glossy. Fold in the cocoa powder and all-purpose flour until just combined. Spread the batter evenly into the pan and bake for 15 minutes. Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C).
  2. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until perfectly smooth. Add the granulated sugar and beat for another 2 minutes. Add the 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed just until combined. Gently fold in the sour cream and vanilla extract. Pour gently over the slightly cooled brownie crust.
  3. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 55-60 minutes until the edges are puffed and set, but the center still has a slight jiggle. Turn the oven off, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours.
  4. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar. Pour in the heavy cream and salt. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes until glossy and amber-colored. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, and pour over the chilled cheesecake.
  5. Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, then pile them on top of the caramel. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the remaining heavy cream and pour over the dark chocolate chips. Stir until smooth. Drizzle the ganache in overlapping zigzags across the pecans.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients to prevent a lumpy cheesecake filling.
Do not overbake the brownie crust initially, as it will continue baking with the cheesecake.