Loaded Turtle Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in Homemade Decadence: The Ultimate Turtle Cheesecake Cookie Bars Recipe

Forget the complexities of gourmet bakeries – these Turtle Cheesecake Cookie Bars are a truly impressive dessert that you can effortlessly create right in your own kitchen! Imagine a rich, dark chocolate cookie base, topped with a luscious caramel cheesecake center, and generously finished with a drizzle of melted chocolate, a swirl of gooey caramel, and a scattering of crunchy pecans. This harmonious blend of textures and flavors promises a dessert experience that is both sophisticated and incredibly satisfying. Perfect for gatherings or simply a delightful treat for yourself, these bars are destined to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection, offering a taste of luxury with every bite.

PIN IT FOR LATER!

Two decadently layered Turtle Cheesecake Cookie Bars, showcasing the rich chocolate base, creamy caramel cheesecake, and generous toppings of chocolate, caramel, and pecans.

A Sweet Revelation from ‘Cheesecake Love’ Cookbook

As an avid cheesecake enthusiast, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new cookbook dedicated entirely to this beloved dessert. So, when I finally got my hands on Cheesecake Love by Jocelyn Brubaker, my excitement was palpable. This isn’t just another cookbook; it’s a comprehensive guide and a true treasure trove for anyone who adores cheesecake in all its magnificent forms. Jocelyn Brubaker truly understands the art of cheesecake, and her passion shines through every page, making this book a fantastic resource for both novice and experienced bakers.

A comprehensive review of the 'Cheesecake Love' cookbook by Jocelyn Brubaker, featuring the highly recommended recipe for Turtle Cheesecake Cookie Bars.

‘Cheesecake Love’ goes far beyond traditional full-size cheesecakes, although it certainly offers a stellar selection of those. What truly sets this cookbook apart is its embrace of cheesecake-inspired creations, transforming the classic into an array of delightful treats. From individual cheesecake cupcakes to hassle-free no-bake versions, indulgent brownies, satisfying pies, and even an entire chapter dedicated to breakfast cheesecakes – this book truly covers all bases. Whether you’re looking for an impressive holiday dessert, a quick weeknight treat, or a creative breakfast option, you’ll find inspiration within these pages. It’s a cookbook that will undoubtedly remain a go-to in my kitchen throughout the year.

Key Features of ‘Cheesecake Love’

  • Abundant Photography: The book is generously illustrated with stunning photos, almost one for every recipe, many of which are full-page spreads. This visual feast makes browsing incredibly enjoyable and helps in visualizing the final product, which is always a huge plus for any recipe book.
  • Manageable Difficulty: While baking cheesecake inherently demands a bit more attention than, say, simple cookies, the recipes are thoughtfully written to be accessible. Jocelyn’s instructions are clear and concise, ensuring that even those new to cheesecake making can achieve fantastic results without feeling overwhelmed. The difficulty level is perfectly balanced for adventurous home bakers seeking a rewarding challenge.
  • Readily Available Ingredients: You won’t need to embark on a scavenger hunt for obscure items. All ingredients listed throughout the book are standard pantry staples or easily found at any local grocery store, making these delicious creations practical for everyday baking.

Other Irresistible Recipes to Explore from the Cookbook:

  • Marshmallow S’mores Cheesecake
  • Banana Caramel Cheesecakes
  • Pumpkin Oreo Cheesecakes
  • Snickerdoodle Cheesecake Cookie Bars
  • No-Bake Malt Cheesecake
  • No-Bake Raspberry Lemon Cream Cheesecake Parfaits
  • White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies
  • Apple Crumb Cheesecake Pie
  • Cherry Lime Cheesecake Braid

Ready to fall in love with cheesecake? You can purchase Cheesecake Love on Amazon and start your own sweet baking adventure today!

A close-up shot of a Turtle Cheesecake Cookie Bar, highlighting the rich caramel dripping down its side, emphasizing its decadent and gooey texture.

My Journey to Baking Perfection: Crafting These Turtle Cheesecake Cookie Bars

My adoration for cheesecakes runs deep; they easily rank among my top five favorite desserts. When ‘Cheesecake Love’ first arrived, my initial instinct was to dive into one of the stunning full-sized cheesecake recipes. However, the practicalities of a large cheesecake often present a challenge for my family – a whole one is simply too much for us to consume, and finding opportunities to share leftovers isn’t always straightforward. I kept waiting for the perfect occasion to bake a grand cheesecake, a moment to share it with a crowd of family or friends. But as weeks turned into months, that ideal scenario just wasn’t materializing.

Rather than letting this incredible cookbook gather dust, I decided to pivot. I returned to its pages, this time seeking a recipe that offered the luxurious flavors of cheesecake in a more manageable, shareable format. My eyes landed on the Turtle Cheesecake Cookie Bars, and I immediately knew I had found a winner. And indeed, I believe I ultimately “won” by choosing this recipe, because these bars are nothing short of spectacular. They deliver all the rich, complex flavors of a turtle cheesecake in a convenient, bar-shaped package that’s perfect for any occasion.

A Turtle Cheesecake Cookie Bar with a bite taken out, revealing the distinct layers of chocolate cookie, creamy caramel cheesecake, and decadent chocolate and caramel toppings.

Where does one even begin to describe such an exquisite creation? It starts with a wonderfully rich and chewy dark chocolate cookie layer, forming the perfect foundation. This is then generously topped with a velvety smooth caramel cheesecake layer, providing a creamy, tangy contrast. To complete the “sandwich,” more of that irresistible chocolate cookie dough is crumbled over the cheesecake. But the indulgence doesn’t stop there. After baking, the bars are crowned with a decadent layer of melted dark chocolate, followed by a luscious drizzle of caramel, and, of course, a sprinkle of toasted pecans. The combination is pure magic – a symphony of rich, decadent, and utterly delicious flavors and textures that dance on your palate.

During the baking process, I made a couple of slight adaptations. The original recipe suggests a homemade caramel sauce for the cheesecake layer, but I opted for a high-quality store-bought jar I had on hand. This convenient shortcut saved time without compromising on flavor, proving that sometimes, taking the easy way out can still yield fantastic results. Another minor deviation occurred during the finishing touches. The cookbook instructs you to cut the bars after the chocolate layer has set, and then individually drizzle with caramel and nuts. I, however, decided to apply all the toppings before slicing, and I was pleasantly surprised that they cut perfectly without any issues. This streamlined the process and delivered beautifully composed bars. These small modifications just go to show how adaptable and forgiving this recipe truly is.

The Unforgettable Taste: Serving and Enjoying Your Cookie Bars

From the very first bite, I was completely smitten. These Turtle Cheesecake Cookie Bars taste like a premium offering from an artisan bakery, yet they carry the heartwarming satisfaction of a homemade treat – arguably even better! I experimented with serving them both straight from the refrigerator, slightly chilled, and at room temperature. My distinct preference was for the latter. Allowing them to sit out for about 15 minutes before serving truly enhances their flavor profile and yields a more tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture where the caramel and chocolate are softer and more expressive. If you’re sharing these with guests, a brief moment on the counter will make all the difference.

Be warned: these bars are incredibly rich. Their intense flavor means a little goes a long way, and you could easily get away with cutting them into smaller portions. But let’s be honest, resisting the urge to devour a whole one is a challenge I’m happy to fail! (Yes, I absolutely ate one all by myself, and I have no regrets.) If these Turtle Cheesecake Cookie Bars are any indication of the quality and deliciousness found within ‘Cheesecake Love’, then I am incredibly excited to explore even more recipes from Jocelyn Brubaker’s fantastic collection. This book truly delivers on its promise of sweet, cheesecake-filled joy.

A precisely cut Turtle Cheesecake Cookie Bar, perfectly showcasing the intricate layers: the dark chocolate cookie crust, the creamy caramel cheesecake filling, and the luxurious chocolate, caramel, and pecan topping.

Craving More Cheesecake-Inspired Recipes?

If these decadent cookie bars have ignited your passion for all things cheesecake, then you’re in luck! Here are a few more delightful cheesecake-inspired creations to tempt your taste buds and expand your baking repertoire:

  • Sour Cream Cheesecake
  • Cherry Cheesecake Tarts
  • Cheesecake Pancakes
  • Reese’s Peanut Butter Cheesecake

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Turtle Cheesecake Cookie Bars

Author: Deborah Harroun

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 6 hours (including cooling time)

Servings: 24 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Forget the fancy bakery – these Turtle Cheesecake Cookie Bars are an impressive dessert you can make at home! A chocolate cookie base, a caramel cheesecake center, and lots of chocolate, caramel and pecans to top them off!

Ingredients

Cookies:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder

Cheesecake:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup caramel topping*
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg

Topping:

  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream divided
  • 18 caramel candies unwrapped
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a 13×9-inch baking dish with aluminum foil and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Make the cookie dough: Beat the butter, shortening, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and the vanilla and beat until creamy.
  3. In another bowl, stir the cornstarch, baking soda, salt, flour, and cocoa together. Start adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients slowly and beat until a soft dough forms.
  4. Press half of the cookie dough into the bottom of the prepared pan. Reserve the remaining dough.
  5. Make the cheesecake: Beat the cream cheese until it is smooth. Add the brown sugar, and continue to beat until creamy.
  6. Add the caramel and the flour to the cream cheese and beat to combine. Add the egg and beat the mixture gently but completely. Do not overheat the batter. Pour the cheesecake layer over the cookie layer.
  7. Take the reserved cookie dough and crumble over the top of the cheesecake layer.
  8. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes.
  9. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let the bars cool for 1 hour, then refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours, or until completely cooled.
  10. Make the topping: Place the chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of the cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 15-20 seconds, then stir until the chocolate is completely melted. If necessary, microwave for an additional 15 seconds.
  11. Spread the chocolate evenly over the top of the cooled cheesecake bars with an offset spatula. Let the chocolate set up.
  12. Place the caramel candies and the additional 1/4 cup cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the caramel is melted and creamy. Let the caramel cool for 7 to 8 minutes.
  13. Drizzle the caramel over the top of the bars, then sprinkle the chopped pecans over the top while the caramel is still wet.
  14. Cut into 24 bars to serve.

Recipe Notes:

Very slightly adapted from Cheesecake Love by Jocelyn Brubaker.

*The book calls for a homemade caramel sauce, but I had a jar of caramel sauce on hand already so I just used that.

Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts.

Nutrition Information

  • Serving: 1 serving
  • Calories: 332 kcal (17%)
  • Carbohydrates: 39g (13%)
  • Protein: 3g (6%)
  • Fat: 19g (29%)
  • Saturated Fat: 9g (56%)
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg (18%)
  • Sodium: 924mg (40%)
  • Fiber: 2g (8%)
  • Sugar: 23g (26%)

Keywords: caramel, cheesecake bars, chocolate, cookie bars

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