Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake

This was inspired by a recipe on a package of Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Don’t chill the caramel sauce; it may become too firm and chewy.

Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake

Cheesecake:

2 cups (500 mL) pecan halves, toasted, finely chopped

2 tbsp (30 mL) + 3/4 cup (185 mL) granulated sugar

2 tbsp (30 mL) unsalted butter, melted

1/2 lb (225 g) semisweet chocolate, broken in small chunks

Three 250-g packages block cream cheese, at room temperature

3 large eggs

Topping:

50 caramels, quartered

1/4 cup (60 mL) milk

1/2 cup (125 mL) pecan halves, toasted

For cheesecake, line bottom of 9-inch (23-cm) springform pan with parchment.