Cheesecake Filled Chocolate Turtles Recipe: A Delicious Twist on a Classic
You’ve likely enjoyed classic chocolate turtles, but prepare for a delightful surprise with these Cheesecake-Filled Chocolate Turtles. This recipe offers an unexpected twist – a creamy cheesecake filling encased in rich chocolate, adorned with flaky sea salt, and complemented by the nutty goodness of pecans. This easy-to-make homemade candy is sure to become a new favorite.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients
- How to Make Chocolate Turtles
- Recipe Tips for Perfect Turtles
- Storage Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Unique Holiday Chocolate Recipes
- Cheesecake-Filled Chocolate Turtles Recipe
The inspiration for these cheesecake-stuffed chocolate turtles came from a happy accident. After a DIY candy-making session, I had leftover chocolate and no-bake cheesecake mixture (similar to my chocolate cheesecake cups). Rather than let the ingredients go to waste, I decided to experiment, and the result was a truly unique and delicious treat.
Traditional chocolate turtles feature a caramel center surrounded by chocolate and pecan “arms and heads.” This recipe follows a similar concept, but replaces the caramel with a creamy cheesecake filling, offering a tangy and rich contrast to the sweet chocolate and nutty pecans.
Making homemade chocolate turtle candy is surprisingly simple. The process involves melting chocolate, arranging pecan halves, adding the cheesecake filling, and then topping it with more chocolate. The most challenging aspect is patiently waiting for each layer to harden properly. But the end result is well worth the wait!
If you’re looking for more easy candy recipes, be sure to check out my Oyster Cracker Toffee Bark and No-Bake Chocolate Cookie Pops. They are all guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake Filled Chocolate Turtles Recipe
- No-Bake: No oven required! This is perfect for a quick and easy dessert.
- Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe makes a large batch, perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Minimal Prep Time: The process is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
- Ideal for Gifting: These chocolate turtles make a wonderful homemade gift. And everyone appreciates edible gifts!
- Cheesecake and Chocolate: Need I say more? This combination is simply irresistible.
Ingredients for Chocolate Cheesecake Turtles
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is essential for the best flavor and creamy texture. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Sugar: A modest amount of granulated sugar (just 2 tablespoons) is all you need to sweeten the cheesecake filling. Avoid using brown sugar, which will affect the flavor and texture.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla adds a classic touch of flavor to the cheesecake filling, enhancing its overall taste.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest brighten the cheesecake filling without making it overly lemony. They add a subtle tanginess that complements the other flavors.
- Chocolate Chips: You can use semisweet, bittersweet, or dark chocolate chips. Avoid white chocolate, as it may make the turtles too sweet.
- Vegetable Oil: Adding vegetable oil to the chocolate chips prevents them from seizing during melting, ensuring a smooth and glossy chocolate coating.
- Pecan Halves: Pecans are a non-negotiable ingredient for traditional chocolate turtles. Their nutty flavor and crunchy texture are essential to the recipe.
- Flaky Sea Salt: A sprinkle of flaky sea salt (like Maldon) on top of the turtles enhances the sweetness of the chocolate and cheesecake, creating a balanced and sophisticated flavor profile.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients, quantities, and detailed instructions.
How to Make Cheesecake Filled Chocolate Turtles: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix until smooth and creamy. Transfer the cheesecake mixture to a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
- Melt the Chocolate: Place the chocolate chips and vegetable oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate. Alternatively, melt the chocolate and oil in a double boiler over simmering water.
- Create the Pecan Base: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the melted chocolate onto the parchment paper, spacing the portions about 2 inches apart. Immediately arrange 5 pecan halves (rounded side up) around each chocolate circle, resembling the shape of a turtle. Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, or until the chocolate base has hardened.
- Add the Cheesecake Filling: Remove the baking sheet and piping bag of cheesecake filling from the refrigerator. Pipe about 2 teaspoons of the cheesecake filling onto the center of each hardened chocolate circle.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a piping bag, you can easily use a gallon-sized zipper-lock bag. Simply snip off a small corner of the bag to create a makeshift piping tip.
- Finish with the Chocolate Shell: Cover the cheesecake filling with approximately 2 teaspoons of the remaining melted chocolate, ensuring the filling is completely covered. Sprinkle the tops of each turtle with flaky sea salt. Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill for at least 20 minutes, or until the chocolate shell is fully hardened. Once hardened, carefully remove the cheesecake filled chocolate turtles from the parchment paper.
Tips for Making the Best Cheesecake Filled Chocolate Turtles
- Chocolate Choice: For a perfectly balanced flavor profile, consider using a mix of half semisweet chocolate chips and half bittersweet chocolate chips. The bittersweet chocolate will help offset the tanginess of the cheesecake filling, creating a more complex and satisfying taste.
- Chocolate Quick Fix: If the melted chocolate begins to harden while you are working on the turtles, simply remicrowave it in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each interval, until it returns to a smooth and melted consistency.
- Piping Bag Hack: Piping bags can be floppy and challenging to fill. For an easy solution, place the piping bag inside a tall drinking glass. Fold the edges of the bag over the rim of the glass, creating a stable base for filling. This method will make it much easier to pour the cheesecake mixture into the bag without making a mess.
How to Store Cheesecake Filled Chocolate Turtles
These quick and delicious chocolate turtle candies can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For optimal flavor and texture, consume within this timeframe.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chocolate Turtles
Why are chocolate turtles called turtles?
Chocolate turtles get their name from their appearance. The pecan halves resemble the legs and head of a turtle, while the chocolate covering creates the “shell.”
Can I use dark chocolate for these turtles?
Absolutely! You can use any type of chocolate you prefer, including dark chocolate chips. The use of dark chocolate offers a slightly less sweet and more intense chocolate flavor.
What kind of nuts are used in chocolate turtles?
Traditional chocolate turtles are made with pecan halves, which provide a distinct flavor and texture.
More Unique Holiday Chocolate Recipes to Try
- Chocolate Christmas Tree Cupcakes
- Chocolate Gingerbread Bundt Cake
- Chocolate Sugar Cookies
- Chocolate Reindeer Marshmallow Pops
- Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pretzel Tart
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Cheesecake-Filled Chocolate Turtles
Kelly Senyei
