Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake

Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake (Adapted from Kraft)

For the cheesecake

1 1/2 cups crushed vanilla wafers
1/2 cup toasted chopped walnuts
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon salt
32 unwrapped caramel cubes
3 tablespoons milk
4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup sour cream
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 large eggs, at room temperature
7 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder

For the topping

1/4 cup toasted chopped walnuts
1 ounce chopped bittersweet chocolate, melted

To prepare the cheesecake

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In a medium bowl, mix together crushed vanilla wafers, walnuts, butter and salt until well combined. Scoop mixture into a 9" x 13" baking pan coating with nonstick spray - evenly press the mixture down to form a crust over the bottom.

In a microwave-safe bowl, add caramels and milk - heat on medium power until caramels are melted and mixture is well blended, about 4 to 5 minutes, stopping to stir every 2 minutes. Pour caramel over the crust and spread to within 1" of the edge. Set aside to cool.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese and sugar until combined and smooth. Mix in sour cream and vanilla. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing just until combined after each. Stir together melted chocolate and instant espresso - pour into cheesecake batter and stir to blend. Pour batter over the caramel layer.

Place pan into the oven and bake until the center is almost set, about 45 to 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and place pan on a wire rack to cool completely. Place into the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours.

To add the topping

Before slicing, top with remaining nuts and drizzle with melted ounce of chocolate.

Makes about 24 servings.

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