SIMPLY DELICIOUS CHEESECAKE

Ingredients

Crust

12 whole Honey Graham Crackers (sheets), crushed

2 tbsp. packed brown sugar

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter or margarine, melted

1/4 cup Pecans

Filling

16 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup dairy sour cream

1/3 cup sugar

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1 tbsp. lemon juice

1 can (21 oz) fruit pie filling

OR 2 cups fresh fruit

To make it turtle

Caramel topping:

3/4 cup sugar

3 tbsp salted butter (room temperature)

1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (room temperature)

Chocolate Drizzle:

1.5 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 tbsp heavy whipping cream

Pecans:

1/2 cup pecans

Directions

To prepare crust Preheat oven to 325°F. In medium bowl combine Graham Cracker crumbs and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Gradually add butter, stirring until all pieces are evenly coated. Press onto bottom and sides of ungreased 9-inch pie plate; set aside.

To prepare filling In large bowl beat cheese until smooth. Beat in sour cream, sugar, eggs and lemon juice. Pour mixture into crust. Bake 30 to 35 minutes. Cool completely. Store tightly covered in refrigerator until ready to serve. Top with fruit and serve.

To make turtle

Caramel topping:

1. Heat sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly. It will clump, then melt into a smooth amber liquid.

2. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until fully combined (it will bubble).

3. Slowly whisk in heavy cream until smooth.

4. Let cool 10–15 minutes until pourable but not hot.

Chocolate topping:

1. Heat cream until just simmering.

2. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit 1 minute.

3. Whisk until smooth and glossy.

Pecans:

Toast them lightly in a dry pan for 3–4 minutes if you want extra flavor (optional but great).

To assemble:

1. Make sure your cheesecake is fully chilled.

2. Pour caramel over the top, spreading gently with an offset spatula.

3. Drizzle chocolate sauce over the caramel.

4. Sprinkle pecans evenly on top.

5. Chill at least 30 minutes to set before slicing.