Keto Turtle Cheesecake is a delicious, low-carb twist on the classic turtle dessert. With a rich, creamy cheesecake filling, a buttery almond flour crust, and decadent layers of caramel, chocolate, and toasted pecans, this cheesecake satisfies all your cravings without the carbs. Perfect for anyone following a keto lifestyle or those just looking for a sugar-free indulgence, this dessert combines the sweetness of caramel, the richness of chocolate, and the crunch of nuts into a velvety, low-carb cheesecake that is sure to impress. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight treat, this keto-friendly cheesecake is a crowd-pleaser for both keto and non-keto eaters alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly
This cheesecake is made with low-carb ingredients, making it perfect for those following a keto diet. It allows you to indulge in a rich, delicious dessert without compromising your diet.
2. Rich and Creamy
The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and sweetener creates a velvety smooth filling that’s rich and satisfying, giving you all the indulgence without the guilt.
3. Perfect Balance of Flavors
The layered caramel, chocolate, and toasted pecans on top of the cheesecake add depth of flavor and texture, creating the perfect balance of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy.
4. Sugar-Free Sweetener
Using Lakanto Baking Sweetener and Allulose ensures that this cheesecake is sugar-free, so you can enjoy the sweet flavors without worrying about blood sugar spikes or added carbs.
5. Make-Ahead Dessert
This cheesecake is ideal for making ahead of time. It requires some chilling to set properly, so it’s perfect for preparing a day or two before you need it.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- Almond flour
- Allulose or Lakanto Baking Sweetener
- Butter, room temperature
- Pinch of salt
For the Filling:
- Cream cheese, room temperature
- Sour cream
- Lakanto Baking Sweetener
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
For the Caramel Sauce:
- Allulose
- Butter
- Heavy whipping cream
- Salt
- Molasses
- Toasted pecan pieces
For the Chocolate Sauce:
- Lily’s Chocolate Chips
- Heavy whipping cream
Variations
- Nut-Free Option: If you’re allergic to nuts or prefer a nut-free crust, you can substitute the almond flour with a keto-friendly coconut flour crust.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add more Lily’s Chocolate Chips to the cheesecake filling or top the cake with extra chocolate sauce for a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Coconut Topping: If you enjoy coconut, consider sprinkling shredded unsweetened coconut on top of the cheesecake along with the pecans for an extra layer of flavor.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free option, use non-dairy cream cheese and sour cream, and make sure to choose a plant-based butter for the crust and sauces.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Make the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the almond flour, Allulose or Lakanto Baking Sweetener, butter, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring the crust is evenly distributed. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth. Add the Lakanto Baking Sweetener and mix until well incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
Bake the cheesecake at 325°F (160°C) for about 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door ajar for 1 hour. After that, remove it from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Make the Caramel Sauce
While the cheesecake chills, prepare the caramel sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the Allulose, butter, heavy whipping cream, salt, and molasses. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and turns golden brown. Remove from heat and stir in the toasted pecan pieces. Allow the caramel to cool to room temperature.
Step 5: Make the Chocolate Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the Lily’s chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally until the chocolate chips are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 6: Assemble the Cheesecake
Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, spread the caramel sauce evenly over the top. Drizzle the chocolate sauce over the caramel and top with additional toasted pecans if desired. For an extra special touch, you can add more pecans or drizzle more chocolate sauce over the top before serving.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the cheesecake into wedges and serve chilled. You can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Prevent Cracks: To prevent cracks in your cheesecake, bake it at a lower temperature and avoid opening the oven door too often while it’s baking.
- Chill Properly: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before transferring it to the fridge. The cheesecake needs plenty of time to set for the best texture and flavor.
- Caramel Consistency: If the caramel sauce becomes too thick while cooling, simply warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove until it reaches a pourable consistency.
How to Serve
Serve this Keto Turtle Cheesecake as an elegant dessert for family gatherings, dinner parties, or any occasion that calls for a delicious and impressive treat. Pair it with a cup of coffee or a sugar-free vanilla latte for a perfect finishing touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store the cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The cheesecake keeps its flavor and texture well when refrigerated.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cheesecake. Slice it into individual servings, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator for several hours before serving.
Reheating
This cheesecake is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat it. However, if you prefer to serve it at room temperature, let it sit on the counter for about 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different sweetener for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the Lakanto Baking Sweetener with another keto-friendly sweetener like Stevia or Erythritol. Just ensure that you adjust the quantity according to the sweetness level of the alternative sweetener.
2. Can I make this cheesecake without a springform pan?
If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a regular pie dish or an 8×8-inch square pan. Just make sure to line the pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
3. How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?
Bake the cheesecake at a lower temperature and avoid opening the oven door too often. Let it cool gradually by turning off the oven and leaving the cheesecake inside with the door ajar for an hour.
4. Can I use a pre-made crust for this cheesecake?
Yes, you can use a pre-made keto-friendly crust, but making your own almond flour crust adds a fresher, homemade touch and better texture.
5. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Yes, this cheesecake can be made up to 2-3 days in advance. In fact, it tastes even better after being chilled for a day or two, as the flavors have time to meld together.
6. Can I make this cheesecake dairy-free?
For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the cream cheese and sour cream with non-dairy alternatives. However, ensure the substitutes are thick and rich to maintain the creamy texture of the cheesecake.
7. How can I make the caramel sauce thicker?
If your caramel sauce is too thin, continue to simmer it over low heat for a longer period to thicken. You can also add more Allulose to help it set up.
8. Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Yes, you can substitute the pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, depending on your preference.
9. Can I make this cheesecake without the caramel and chocolate sauces?
Yes, you can omit the sauces and still have a delicious, simple keto cheesecake. You can top it with fresh berries or whipped cream instead.
10. How do I make sure the cheesecake filling is smooth?
Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it. Beat the filling until it’s smooth and there are no lumps before adding the eggs.
Conclusion
Keto Turtle Cheesecake is a rich, indulgent, and low-carb dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your diet. With its creamy filling, buttery almond crust, and layers of caramel, chocolate, and toasted pecans, this dessert is a must-try for anyone following a keto lifestyle or anyone looking for a healthier indulgence. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this guilt-free treat and indulge in the rich flavors of a classic turtle dessert!
PrintKeto Turtle Cheesecake
- Total Time: 5 hours 35 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Keto Turtle Cheesecake is a rich and creamy dessert that satisfies your sweet cravings while keeping it low-carb. With a buttery almond flour crust, a velvety cream cheese filling, and a decadent homemade caramel and chocolate sauce, this cheesecake is topped with crunchy toasted pecans for that signature turtle flavor.
Ingredients
-
For the Crust:
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup Allulose or Lakanto Baking Sweetener
- 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
- Pinch of salt
-
For the Filling:
- 32 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup Lakanto Baking Sweetener
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
-
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1/3 cup Allulose
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp molasses
- 1/2 cup toasted pecan pieces
-
For the Chocolate Sauce:
- 1/2 cup Lily’s chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
-
Prepare the crust:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium-sized bowl, combine the almond flour, sweetener, butter, and a pinch of salt. Stir until the mixture forms a dough-like consistency. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until lightly golden. Let the crust cool while you prepare the filling. -
Make the filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the sour cream, Lakanto sweetener, eggs, and vanilla extract. Continue to beat until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. -
Bake the cheesecake:
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust in the springform pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set (it will firm up as it cools). Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake sit in the oven for 1 hour. Then, remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely on the counter. After cooling, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. -
Make the caramel sauce:
In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the Allulose and stir until it dissolves. Add the heavy whipping cream, salt, and molasses, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the toasted pecan pieces. Let the sauce cool. -
Make the chocolate sauce:
In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the Lily’s chocolate chips and heavy whipping cream in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. -
Assemble the cheesecake:
Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, drizzle the caramel sauce and chocolate sauce over the top. Sprinkle with additional toasted pecans if desired. -
Serve:
Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese and sour cream are softened before using to ensure a smooth filling.
- For a more intense caramel flavor, you can add a touch more molasses.
- The cheesecake can be made a day ahead to allow the flavors to develop.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding chilling time)
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (baking and caramel preparation)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Keto cheesecake, turtle cheesecake, low-carb dessert, sugar-free dessert, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, toasted pecans