Fudgy, creamy & party-perfect
Get ready to impress with these Mini Turtle Brownie Cheesecake Bites a rich, fudgy, bite-sized dream come true! Each mini cheesecake has a chewy brownie base, a silky cheesecake center, and a topping of gooey caramel, melted chocolate, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any celebration, these handheld treats deliver all the decadence of a full-size turtle cheesecake — but in an adorable, pop-in-your-mouth form. From Emma’s Cake Studio, these little showstoppers are everything you love about turtles creamy, nutty, and perfectly portioned!
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Bake Time: 25 minutes
- Cooling & Chilling: 2–3 hours
- Total Time: ~3 hours 45 minutes
- Servings: 18–20 mini bites
Ingredients List
Brownie Layer
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cheesecake Layer
- 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sour cream
Turtle Topping
- ½ cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips (melted)
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- 2 mini muffin pans (24-cup size)
- Paper or silicone liners
- Hand or stand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C). Line mini muffin tins with paper liners.
- Make brownie base: In a bowl, whisk melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth. 🍫
- Fill & bake: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of brownie batter into each muffin cup. Bake 8–10 minutes, just until edges are set.
- Prepare cheesecake filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in sour cream and vanilla. 🧁
- Layer & bake again: Spoon cheesecake mixture over brownie base, filling each cup nearly full. Bake 15 minutes, or until centers are just set.
- Cool: Let cool in pan, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Top it off: Once chilled, drizzle each bite with caramel and melted chocolate. Sprinkle chopped pecans (and sea salt, if desired). 🐢✨
- Serve & enjoy: Peel off liners and serve cold or room temp they’re rich, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth perfect! 💛
Pro Tips
- Prevent cracks: Don’t overbake the cheesecake layer it should still jiggle slightly when done.
- Make ahead: Chill overnight and decorate just before serving for best results.
- Mini but mighty: Use a piping bag for neat caramel and chocolate drizzles. 🍫
- Freeze-friendly: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months thaw in the fridge before serving.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bite | 180 | 3g | 18g | 10g | 1g | 15g |