Preparation

• Preheat oven to 350°F if using a silver 9-inch springform pan (or to 325°F if using a dark nonstick 9-inch springform pan). Mix crumbs and margarine; press firmly onto bottom and 1 inch up side of pan. Bake 10 min.
• Microwave caramels and milk in small microwavable bowl on HIGH 4 minutes or until caramels are completely melted, stirring after 2 min. Pour over crust; sprinkle with pecans.
• Beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl with mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add chocolate and vanilla; mix well. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition just until blended; pour over pecans. Place springform pan on baking sheet.
• Bake 45 min. or until center is almost set. Run knife or metal spatula around rim of pan to loosen cake; cool before removing rim of pan. Refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Serve topped with whipped topping.