Description
Instant Pot Mini Turtle Cheesecake Bites combine rich, creamy cheesecake with the indulgent flavors of caramel, chocolate, and toasted pecans, all served in bite-sized portions. Made with the Instant Pot, these cheesecakes are easy to prepare and deliver the perfect creamy texture in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
2 tablespoons sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Pinch of salt
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
Instructions
Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture is well combined and the crumbs are evenly coated with butter. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the crust mixture into each silicone mini cheesecake mold or muffin liner (make sure the molds fit inside the Instant Pot’s trivet). Press the mixture down firmly to create an even base for the cheesecake. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
- Prepare the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and creamy. Add the sugar and vanilla extract, and continue beating until fully combined. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the heavy cream and mix until the filling is smooth and fluffy.
- Assemble the cheesecakes: Spoon the cheesecake filling into each mini mold, filling them about 3/4 full. Tap the molds gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
- Cook in the Instant Pot: Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the Instant Pot. Place the trivet in the pot and carefully arrange the molds on top of the trivet. Seal the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 8 minutes. Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick release. Remove the molds from the Instant Pot and let them cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes before transferring them to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the toppings: While the cheesecakes are chilling, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-5 minutes until they’re fragrant and golden. Set aside to cool. Heat the caramel sauce slightly to make it easier to drizzle. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
- Assemble the turtle toppings: Once the mini cheesecakes have fully chilled, drizzle each with caramel sauce and melted chocolate. Sprinkle toasted pecans on top of each cheesecake for that signature turtle candy crunch.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the mini turtle cheesecakes chilled, and enjoy the combination of creamy cheesecake, rich caramel, smooth chocolate, and crunchy pecans!
Notes
- For a nut-free version, skip the pecans or substitute with other nuts like walnuts or almonds.
- These cheesecakes can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just chill them in the fridge until ready to serve.
- If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can bake these mini cheesecakes in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 20-25 minutes, using a water bath for even cooking.
- Store-bought caramel sauce works great for convenience, but you can easily make your own by simmering sugar, butter, and cream until thickened.
- These mini cheesecakes are best served chilled and should not be frozen due to the texture change in the filling after thawing.
- Prep Time: 20-30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheesecake
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 80mg