Turtle Cheesecake

Ingredients

  • 2 c graham crackers, processed in a food processor (about 1 ½ sleeves)
  • 2 packets artificial sweetener
  • 6 T butter (melted)
  • 1 c sugar
  • 4 – 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 T vanilla
  • 1 – 16 oz sour cream
  • 4 eggs
  • caramel ice cream sauce
  • mini milk chocolate chips
  • toasted pecans, chopped
  • Directions

    1. Preheat over to 325F.
    2. Wrap foil around bottom of springform pan to seal from water (2 sheets at 90 degree angles).
    3. Mix graham crackers and melted butter in a bowl.
    4. Pour graham cracker mixture into pan.
    5. With hands, pat down firmly to bottom of pan.
    6. Bake in oven for 10 minutes to set crust (no need for roasting pan with water yet).
    7. Remove and allow to cool.
    8. In a mixer, combine cream cheese and sugar.
    9. Beat on medium JUST until combined.
    10. Beat eggs in a separate bowl.
    11. Add eggs, all at once, and beat on low JUST until combined.
    12. Add sour cream and vanilla.
    13. Mix to combine.
    14. Pour topping over graham crackers.
    15. Place springform pan in a roasting pan.
    16. Pad ½ inch of water to pan (do not go over foil).
    17. Place roasting pan and cheesecake in oven.
    18. Bake for 1 ½ hour (or longer if center is not set).
    19. Place on a cooling rake for 1 hour.
    20. Cover and chill for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator.
    21. Remove springform from cheesecake (leave it on the bottom for serving).
    22. Drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with chocolate chips (use ganache if desired) and pecans.
    23. Serve.

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