LAUREL'S TURTLE CHEESECAKE

Laurel's Turtle Cheesecake image

Provided by Ann Simmons

Time 1h25m

Number Of Ingredients 18

CRUST LAYER
2 c cookie crumbs (chocolate or vanilla wafer)
6 Tbsp butter or margerine
14 oz bag of caramels
1 can(s) evaporated milk (5 oz)
1 c chopped pecans
1/2 c semi-sweet chocolate chips
CHEESECAKE FILLING
2 pkg cream cheese, softened (8oz each)
1/2 c sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
GARNISH
1/2 c chocolate ice syrup for garnish (optional)
1/2 c caramel ice cream syrup for garnish (optional)
1/2 c chopped pecans for garnish. (optional)
1/2 c semi-sweet chocolate chips for garnish. (optional)
whipped cream for garnish (can use Cool Whip; optional)

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Mix crumbs and butter.
3. Press onto bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake 10 minutes.
4. Microwave caramels and milk in small bowl on high for 4 - 5 minutes or until melted. Stirring every minute.
5. Pour over crust.
6. Top with pecans and chocolate chips.
7. Beat cream cheese and sugar until well blended.
8. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
9. Blend in vanilla. Pour over pecans and chocolate chips.
10. Place pan on cookie sheet. Bake 45 minutes.
11. Loosen cake from rim of pan. Cool before removing rim of pan. Keep refrigerated.
12. Optional. Garnish with 1/2 cup each of chocolate & caramel syrups, 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, 1/2 cup chopped pecans and whipped cream.