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Turtle Lush Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.9 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Turtle Lush is a decadent no-bake layered dessert featuring a crunchy Oreo crumb crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer topped with chopped pecans, followed by rich chocolate pudding and fluffy whipped topping. Finished with drizzles of caramel and chocolate sauce and a pecan garnish, this crowd-pleasing treat is chilled for several hours to achieve a luscious, indulgent texture ideal for gatherings and celebrations.


Ingredients

Crust

  • 3 cups Oreo crumbs
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 8 ounces whipped topping (half of a 16-ounce container)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Chocolate Pudding Layer

  • 1 5.9-ounce box instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 3 cups cold milk

Topping

  • 8 ounces whipped topping (remaining half)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (remaining half)
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce
  • 1/4 cup chocolate syrup


Instructions

  1. Prepare Crust: In a small bowl, mix the Oreo crumbs with the melted butter until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 13×9-inch dish, creating an even crust. Place the crust in the freezer to set for about 20 minutes.
  2. Make Cream Cheese Mixture: While the crust chills, use an electric hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a large bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  3. Add Whipped Topping to Cream Cheese: Fold in 8 ounces of the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture at low speed, mixing gently until just combined.
  4. Prepare Chocolate Pudding: In a separate large bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk vigorously for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Let the pudding rest for 2 to 3 minutes to fully set.
  5. Assemble Layers – Cream Cheese and Pecans: Remove the crust from the freezer. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the Oreo crust. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of chopped pecans over the cream cheese layer and gently press them in so they adhere.
  6. Add Pudding and Whipped Topping Layers: Spread the thickened chocolate pudding over the pecan and cream cheese layers. Follow by spreading the remaining 8 ounces of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer.
  7. Chill Dessert: Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle caramel sauce and chocolate syrup over the top layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of chopped pecans as a garnish. Slice into pieces and serve chilled.

Notes

  • For best results, chill the dessert overnight to allow the layers to fully set and develop flavor.
  • You can substitute whipped topping with homemade whipped cream if preferred for a fresher taste.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to ensure a smooth mixture.
  • Use a 13×9-inch pan for proper layering and serving size.
  • This dessert is ideal for potlucks, parties, and family gatherings due to its easy preparation and delicious layers.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American