Turtle Cheesecake (Carol's)

By

cake

Ingredients

  • Filling:
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 6 Tablespoons butter
  • 4 pkg. (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup plus 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour, divided
  • 2 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 4 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips, melted and cooked
  • 1/4 cup caramel ice cream topping
  • 1/3 cup chopped pecans
  • Ganache:
  • 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped pecans
  • Optional garnish: pecan halves and additional caramel topping

Preparation

Step 1

Place a greased 9" springform pan on a double thickness of heavy-duty foil (about 18" square). Securely wrap foil around pan.

In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar and pecans; cut in butter until crumbly. Press onto the bottom of prepared pan. Place pan on a baking sheet. Bake at 325 degrees for 12-15 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack.

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugars until smooth. Beat in 1/4 cup flour, cream and vanilla. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined. Remove 1 cup batter to a small bowl; stir in melted chocolate until blended. Spread over crust.

Combine caramel topping and remaining flour; stir in pecans. Drop by tablespoonfuls over chocolate batter. Top with remaining batter. Place springform pan in a large baking pan; add 1" of hot water to larger pan.

Bake at 325 degrees for 1 1/4- 1 1/2 hours or until center is just set and top appears dull. Remove springform pan from water bath. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to looses; cool 1 hour longer. Refrigerate overnight.

For ganache, place chips in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chips, whisk until smooth. Cool slightly, stirring occasionally. Spread over cheesecake. Sprinlke with chopped pecans. Refrigerate until set. Garnish with pecan halves and additional caramel topping, if desired.