If you have a sweet tooth but want to keep it low-carb, you’re going to love this Keto Turtle Cheesecake Recipe. It perfectly balances the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the indulgent flavors of caramel, chocolate, and toasted pecans—classic turtle candy elements all wrapped up in a delicious keto-friendly dessert. This recipe truly brings a crowd-pleasing dessert to your kitchen that’s both decadent and satisfying without all the sugar guilt.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Keto Turtle Cheesecake Recipe plays a vital role, from the almond flour giving the crust a nutty crunch to the cream cheese creating that luscious, creamy filling. The sweeteners keep the dessert low-carb while delivering just the right touch of sweetness, and the pecans and chocolate complete the flavor story perfectly.
- 1 cup almond flour: This gives the crust a nutty base and keeps it keto-friendly.
- ¼ cup Allulose or Lakanto Baking Sweetener: A low-carb sweetener that adds sweetness without the extra carbs.
- ¼ cup butter, room temperature: Helps bind the crust and adds richness.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors in the crust.
- 32 oz cream cheese, room temperature: The creamy foundation of the cheesecake filling.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tang and smooth texture to the filling.
- ¾ cup Lakanto Baking Sweetener: Keeps the filling sweet without spikes.
- 3 eggs: Binds the filling for that perfect cheesecake texture.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavor.
- â…“ cup Allulose: Used in the rich caramel sauce for sweetness.
- 4 tbsp butter: Adds richness to the caramel sauce.
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream: Vital for both the caramel and chocolate sauces for creaminess.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweet caramel sauce perfectly.
- ¼ tsp molasses: A touch for depth of flavor in the caramel.
- ½ cup toasted pecan pieces: Adds crunch and classic turtle candy flavor.
- ½ cup Lily’s Chocolate Chips: Keto-friendly chocolate for a luscious sauce.
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream: For the smooth chocolate sauce.
How to Make Keto Turtle Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Make the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, blend together the almond flour, sweetener, and a pinch of salt. Add softened butter and mix until the crust comes together. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for about 8 to 10 minutes, just until lightly golden, then set it aside to cool completely. This almond crust is the perfect low-carb substitute for traditional graham crackers, providing a crumbly yet sturdy base.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese alongside the sour cream until the texture is smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed! Then add the Lakanto sweetener, eggs, and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until everything blends into a silky, consistent filling. Pour this luscious mixture atop your cooled crust, spreading it evenly for a flawless cheesecake layer.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and bake the cheesecake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center is just set but still jiggles slightly when nudged. Turning off the oven and letting the cheesecake sit inside for an hour helps prevent cracking and ensures the texture stays creamy and perfect. Afterward, let it cool completely at room temperature before chilling it in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Make the Caramel Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine Allulose, butter, and heavy cream over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the butter melts and the mixture starts to simmer. Add salt and molasses, letting it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens into that indulgent caramel you crave. Stir in the toasted pecan pieces, then remove from heat and let this divine sauce cool to room temperature.
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Sauce
Warm the heavy whipping cream over low heat until it just begins to simmer, then add Lily’s Chocolate Chips. Stir continuously until the chocolate melts completely into a smooth, glossy sauce. Set this aside to cool slightly but keep it pourable—it will turn your cheesecake into the ultimate turtle dessert.
Step 6: Assemble the Cheesecake
Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, drizzle the caramel sauce gently over the top. Follow with the chocolate sauce in decorative swirls to create a beautiful, irresistible pattern. Finish by sprinkling the toasted pecans on top to add that satisfying crunch and authentic turtle candy look. Now, you’re ready to dig into this heavenly Keto Turtle Cheesecake Recipe!
How to Serve Keto Turtle Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
A few extra toasted pecans scattered on each slice add crunch and visual appeal, while a light dusting of powdered erythritol can give a snowy touch without the carbs. You can also add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a simple cup of coffee or herbal tea to balance the richness perfectly. A scoop of keto-friendly vanilla ice cream on the side is another fabulous way to elevate the experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in mini springform pans or mason jars for a stunning presentation at your next gathering. You can also drizzle sauces in creative patterns or layer the caramel and chocolate sauces between cheesecake layers for a playful twist on this Keto Turtle Cheesecake Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover slices should be kept refrigerated in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture. This cheesecake stays delicious for up to 5 days, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert for busy weeks.
Freezing
You can freeze the Keto Turtle Cheesecake Recipe by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its creamy consistency.
Reheating
Since this is a cheesecake, it’s best served chilled. However, if you prefer a slightly softer texture after refrigeration, allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before enjoying, but avoid microwaving to maintain that perfect creamy mouthfeel.
FAQs
Is this Keto Turtle Cheesecake Recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find. With clear instructions, even those new to keto baking can create this stunning dessert.
Can I substitute almond flour with coconut flour?
Coconut flour behaves differently and absorbs more moisture, so it’s not recommended as a direct substitute. Stick to almond flour for the best crust texture.
What sweetener alternatives can I use?
Allulose and Lakanto are excellent low-carb sweeteners here, but erythritol or stevia blends can also work. Just be mindful of their sweetness levels and adjust accordingly.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This particular recipe relies heavily on cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream, so it’s challenging to make dairy-free without altering the texture and flavor significantly.
How can I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
Allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually in the turned-off oven and not overbaking are key. Also, avoid opening the oven door during baking to maintain a stable temperature.
Final Thoughts
This Keto Turtle Cheesecake Recipe is a delightful, guilt-free indulgence that proves keto desserts can be just as rich and exciting as traditional ones. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, this cheesecake brings all the best turtle candy flavors into a sophisticated, creamy dessert. Give it a try—you may just find your new favorite low-carb sweet treat!
Print
Keto Turtle Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Keto Turtle Cheesecake is a rich, creamy, and low-carb dessert combining a buttery almond flour crust with a smooth cream cheese filling. Topped with homemade keto-friendly caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, and toasted pecans, it delivers the classic turtle flavor in a keto-approved format, perfect for indulging without the carb overload.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 cup almond flour
- ¼ cup Allulose or Lakanto Baking Sweetener
- ¼ cup butter, room temperature
- Pinch of salt
Filling
- 32 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¾ cup Lakanto Baking Sweetener
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Caramel Sauce
- â…“ cup Allulose
- 4 tbsp butter
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp molasses
- ½ cup toasted pecan pieces
Chocolate Sauce
- ½ cup Lily’s Chocolate Chips
- ¼ cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Make the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, sweetener, and a pinch of salt. Add softened butter and mix until the crust mixture comes together. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form the crust.
- Bake the Crust: Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes or until it is lightly golden. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and creamy. Add Lakanto Baking Sweetener, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Assemble and Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is just set and slightly jiggles.
- Cool the Cheesecake: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool gradually. Then remove and let cool completely at room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Make the Caramel Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine Allulose, butter, and heavy whipping cream. Stir occasionally until butter melts and mixture simmers. Add salt and molasses and cook for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in toasted pecan pieces, and let cool to room temperature.
- Make the Chocolate Sauce: In another small saucepan, heat heavy whipping cream over low heat until it starts to simmer. Add Lily’s Chocolate Chips and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Assemble the Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is chilled, drizzle the caramel sauce over the top, followed by the chocolate sauce in a decorative swirl pattern. Sprinkle additional toasted pecans on top.
- Serve: Slice the cheesecake and serve chilled. Enjoy your keto-friendly turtle cheesecake!
Notes
- Use a springform pan for easy removal of the cheesecake.
- Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Let the caramel sauce cool before pouring on the cheesecake to prevent melting the topping.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight for the best texture and flavor.
- Lakanto and Allulose are keto-friendly sweeteners that substitute well for sugar.
