Here’s a detailed recipe for Mini Turtle Cheesecake Bites – a rich little treat with chocolate, caramel, and pecans in every bite.
🧁 Mini Turtle Cheesecake Bites Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust:
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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 crackers)
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3 tbsp granulated sugar
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5 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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16 oz (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
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½ cup granulated sugar
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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¼ cup sour cream
For the Topping:
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½ cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
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½ cup semisweet chocolate chips (melted)
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½ cup chopped pecans, toasted
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Extra caramel & chocolate drizzle for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
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Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
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Line a mini muffin tin with paper liners (or use silicone molds).
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In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
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Press about 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the bottom of each liner, pressing firmly to form a crust.
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Bake for 5 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
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In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with a hand or stand mixer until smooth and creamy.
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Add sugar and beat again until combined.
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Mix in the eggs, one at a time, scraping down the sides.
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Add vanilla extract and sour cream, mix just until smooth (don’t overbeat).
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake Bites
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Spoon cheesecake batter into each mini crust, filling about ¾ full.
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Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15–18 minutes, or until centers are just set (they may jiggle slightly).
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Remove from oven and cool in the pan. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.
Step 4: Add the Turtle Topping
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Once chilled, spoon a little caramel sauce over each mini cheesecake.
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Sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans.
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Drizzle with melted chocolate and extra caramel.
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Chill another 20–30 minutes before serving so toppings set.
Tips & Variations
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✅ Use Oreo crumbs instead of graham crackers for a richer crust.
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✅ Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer.
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✅ For a festive touch, top with a tiny dollop of whipped cream before drizzling.
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✅ These freeze beautifully – just wrap individually and thaw before serving.