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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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