Description
These easy no-bake turtle mini cheesecakes are a rich blend of creamy cheesecake, chocolate, caramel, and pecans. They come together quickly without the need for an oven, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert for parties, holidays, or anytime you need a sweet treat that impresses with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Crust:
¾ cup chocolate graham cracker crumbs
⅓ cup finely chopped pecans
2 tablespoons brown sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Cheesecake Filling:
8 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese
4 oz full-fat cream cheese
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
½ cup vanilla yogurt
Chocolate Ganache Topping:
½ cup semisweet chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
¼ cup heavy cream
Caramel Topping:
¼ cup unsalted butter
½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
Caramel sauce for drizzling
Additional Topping:
½ cup chopped pecans (toasted, for garnish)
Instructions
Make the Crust:
Mix chocolate graham cracker crumbs, chopped pecans, brown sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press into the base of lined mini muffin tins or silicone molds. Chill while preparing the filling.Prepare the Filling:
In a bowl, beat both cream cheeses until smooth. Add sugar, salt, and vanilla. Mix in eggs one at a time, then fold in yogurt until creamy. Spoon filling over crusts. Chill for at least 2–4 hours, preferably overnight.Prepare Chocolate Ganache:
Heat heavy cream until warm. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit 1 minute. Stir until smooth and glossy.Make the Caramel Topping:
Melt butter in a saucepan. Add brown sugar and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 4–5 minutes). Let cool slightly.Assemble:
Once cheesecakes are chilled and set, top each with chocolate ganache, a drizzle of caramel, and chopped pecans.Serve:
Remove from molds. Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use silicone molds for easy removal.
Can be made 3–4 days in advance; add toppings just before serving.
Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free graham crackers.
For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake, only chilling required)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: no-bake turtle cheesecake, mini cheesecakes, caramel pecan dessert, chocolate caramel cheesecake, bite-sized cheesecake, no oven dessert, turtle dessert, chocolate pecan cheesecake, make-ahead dessert, party sweets