A few weeks ago while I was rummaging through my recipe box, I stumbled upon a recipe I’d tucked away years ago. I had completely forgotten about it. It was a recipe I thought I would make someday. Guess what? Today was the day that I made scrumptious Caramel Pecan Chocolate Cheesecake!!!! Wow! Am I glad I did!
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Decadent Cheesecake
Before we begin you should know that this decadent cheesecake can be created as either a single 9″ cheesecake or as individual mini cheesecakes. I decided to use six mini springform pans given to me as a gift.
Chocolate Fudge Brownie Bottom
The first step to creating Caramel Pecan Chocolate Cheesecake is to make a bottom layer of chocolate fudge brownie. *GF – use a gluten-free brownie mix such as a Betty Crocker Gluten Free Brownie Mix.
Layer of Caramel
The next layer is a yummy layer of softened caramel.
Pecans
Next, the layer of caramel is followed by a layer of chopped pecans. (I used organic pecans from my parent’s farm.)
Cheesecake Mixture
The final layer is a delicious chocolate cheesecake mixture.
Are you drooling yet??? I am because I know how good these are!!!
Bake & Cool
After baking, remove the Caramel Pecan Chocolate Cheesecakes from the oven and allow them to cool for about 10 minutes. Next, carefully run a table knife around the inside edges to loosen the cheesecake from the springform pan.
Allow the cheesecakes to cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator.
Topping
It didn’t concern me that there were a few cracks in the tops of my cheesecakes because I usually garnish my cheesecakes anyway. I topped my Caramel Pecan Chocolate Cheesecakes with a drizzle of caramel topping, more chopped pecans and shaved white chocolate curls. Hmm. Hmm. HMMMMM!
Caramel Pecan Chocolate Cheesecake
Ingredients
- 1 package (19 ounce) Ghirardelli Triple Fudge Brownie Mix (*GF version: use a gluten free brownie mix)
- 1 package (11 ounce) Kraft Caramel Bits (*GF version: use gluten free caramels)
- 1/4 cup evaporated milk
- 1 1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 ounces Ghirardelli Semisweet Chocolate, melted
- 2 ounces Ghirardelli 100% Cacao Unsweetened Chocolate, melted
- (*GF version: use gluten free semisweet and unsweetened chocolate baking bars)
- Drizzle with caramel sauce (GF Version: use a gluten-free brand).
- Chopped pecans
- Ghirardelli White Chocolate curls
Instructions
- Prepare brownie batter according to the package directions. Spread into a greased 9″ springform pan.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 20 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes on a wire rack.
- Meanwhile, in a microwave-safe bowl, melt caramels with milk. Pour over brownie crust; sprinkle with pecans.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and sugar; mix well. Add eggs, beating on low speed just until combined. Stir in melted chocolate. Pour over pecans.
- Bake at 350 degrees F for 35- 40 minutes or until the center is almost set.
- Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. Run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; cool completely.
- Chill overnight. remove sides of pan before serving.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Notes
For mini cheesecakes - bake the brownie crust at 325 degrees for 20 minutes. Removed from oven, top with melted caramel, pecans, and cheesecake mixture. Return to oven and continue baking at 325 degrees for 60 minutes, or until centers are set. Cool for 10 minutes. Run a table knife around the edge to loosen; cool completely. Top with a caramel sauce, pecans, and chocolate curls. One recipe will make 6 mini cheesecakes – (size 4.75 x 6.25 x 4.25 -length, width, height).
*GF version – click to find gluten-free caramels. Wondering if Kraft Caramel Bits are gluten-free? Read HERE.
*GF version: Hershey’s semisweet and unsweetened chocolate baking bars are listed on their website as being gluten-free. To read more click HERE.
*GF version: Smucker’s Simple Delight Caramel Topping is gluten-free, or try Coop’s Salted Caramel Sauce (No GMO’s, No Gluten, No Corn Syrup).
Caramel Pecan Chocolate Cheesecake is a fabulously, decadent dessert and one that’s not sickeningly sweet. It’s perfect for any holiday or special occasion or simply because you want a big slice of cheesecake!
Options
Feel free to add different toppings such as:
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream
- Dark chocolate curls
- Drizzles of Ghirardelli Caramel, Chocolate & White Chocolate Sauce
Fresh fruits – strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
- Ghirardelli Midnight Reverie Dark Chocolate Squares – one square per mini cheesecake
I hope that you enjoy this Caramel Pecan Chocolate Cheesecake recipe as much as my family does.
Here’s to happy taste buds!!!
Linda
Disclaimer: Manufacturer’s gluten-free formulations and policies may change at any time, therefore it’s important to always read product labels yourself and contact the manufacturer with concerns. We have found that most companies are eager to help answer your questions.
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