Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake

Just like the classic turtle candies, chocolate, caramel and pecans are the highlight of this scrumptious cheesecake.

Recipe Ingredients:

Crust:
2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
6 tablespoons butter, melted

Caramel Nut Layer:
1 (14-ounce) package soft caramel candies, melted
1 (5-ounce) can evaporated milk
1 cup pecans, chopped

Cheesecake Layer:
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips, melted

Sweetened Whipped Cream Accompaniment:
1 cup heavy cream, whipped
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Directions:

1. For Crust: In a medium bowl, combine together vanilla wafer crumbs and melted butter. Press onto the bottom of a 9 x 2-inch round baking dish. Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.
2. For Caramel Nut Layer: In a heavy saucepan, melt caramel candies and mix with evaporated milk. Stir until smooth then pour over the crust. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top.
3. In a medium bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix well, then beat in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in melted semisweet chocolate chips. Pour over the pecans.
4. Bake in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 40 minutes, cool, chill for about 3 hours.
5. For Sweetened Whipped Cream Accompaniment: In a small pre-chilled bowl, add cream, 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla, whipping until stiff peaks form. Serve on top of individual servings of cheesecake.

Makes 9 servings.