Turtle Lush is a decadent layered dessert combining a crunchy pecan-graham cracker crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, rich chocolate pudding, and a luscious caramel topping sprinkled with pecans. It’s an easy-to-make, no-bake treat that delivers the perfect blend of textures and flavors inspired by the classic turtle candy.
Ingredients
For the crust:
1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup chopped pecans
For the cream cheese layer:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade)
For the chocolate pudding layer:
1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups milk
For the caramel layer:
1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (for topping)
Extra chocolate chips or melted chocolate (optional, for drizzling)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the crust:
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and chopped pecans. I stir until everything is well mixed. Then I press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. I chill it in the fridge while I prepare the other layers.
Make the cream cheese layer:
In a separate bowl, I beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Then I gently fold in the whipped topping. I spread this creamy mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
Prepare the chocolate pudding layer:
I whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix and milk together in a medium bowl until it thickens, which takes about 2 minutes. Then I pour the pudding over the cream cheese layer and spread it out evenly.
Add the caramel layer:
I drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the chocolate pudding layer. Then I sprinkle the chopped pecans on top for that classic turtle crunch.
Chill and serve:
I cover the dessert and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the dessert set. Just before serving, I sometimes drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans on top for extra flair.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 12 people.
Preparation time is around 20 minutes, and chilling time is at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Variations
For a different nut option, I swap pecans with walnuts or almonds.
I sometimes use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for a fresher taste.
To add a little more texture, I sprinkle mini chocolate chips between the pudding and caramel layers.
For a richer dessert, I use dark chocolate pudding or add a layer of melted chocolate chips before chilling.
To make it gluten-free, I substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free ones or crushed nuts.
Storage/reheating
I keep Turtle Lush covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Because it’s a chilled dessert, I don’t reheat it. Instead, I serve it cold straight from the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make Turtle Lush ahead of time?
Yes, I usually prepare it the day before to let all the layers set and the flavors meld perfectly.
Can I use fresh whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping?
Absolutely! Fresh homemade whipped cream works wonderfully and adds a light, fresh touch.
What can I substitute for graham crackers?
You can use digestive biscuits, vanilla wafers, or gluten-free crackers depending on your preference or dietary needs.
How do I make homemade caramel sauce?
I make caramel sauce by melting sugar until golden, then carefully adding butter and cream, stirring until smooth. There are many easy recipes online if you want to try!
Is Turtle Lush suitable for freezing?
I haven’t frozen it myself because the texture of the cream cheese and pudding layers can change after freezing and thawing. I recommend keeping it refrigerated instead.
Conclusion
Turtle Lush is one of those desserts I turn to when I want something easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing. The layers come together quickly, and the flavors are rich and satisfying without being overly complicated. It’s a great dessert to have ready in the fridge for unexpected guests or special occasions. If you love the combination of chocolate, caramel, and nuts, this is definitely a recipe I suggest making soon.
Recipe:
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Turtle Lush
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Turtle Lush is a decadent no-bake layered dessert featuring a crunchy pecan-graham cracker crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese, rich chocolate pudding, and a luscious caramel topping with pecans, inspired by classic turtle candy.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup chopped pecans (for crust)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade)
1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
2 cups milk
1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup chopped pecans (for topping)
Extra chocolate chips or melted chocolate (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and 1/4 cup chopped pecans. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Chill in the fridge.
- Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping gently. Spread evenly over the chilled crust.
- Whisk instant chocolate pudding mix and milk until thickened (about 2 minutes). Pour over the cream cheese layer and spread evenly.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the pudding layer. Sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped pecans on top.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- Optional: Before serving, drizzle melted chocolate or sprinkle extra chopped pecans for garnish.
Notes
Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for variation.
Use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip for fresher taste.
Add mini chocolate chips between pudding and caramel layers for extra texture.
Use dark chocolate pudding or add melted chocolate layer for richer flavor.
Make gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers or crushed nuts.
Store covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days; serve chilled, do not reheat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no-bake)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Layered
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
