It’s totally no‑bake (apart from setting), so no oven needed during assembly.
The layers balance creamy, crunchy, and gooey textures in every bite.
You can make it ahead of time, so it’s great for entertaining.
It features classic flavors: chocolate, caramel, pecans, and cream cheese—all crowd-pleasers.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Oreo cookie crumbs (about 3 cups)
Unsalted butter, melted
Cream cheese, softened
Powdered sugar
Whipped topping (thawed)
Instant chocolate pudding mix
Cold milk
Caramel sauce
Chocolate syrup
Chopped pecans
Directions
Prepare the crust In a bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it firmly into the bottom of a 13×9‑inch (or comparable) baking dish. Place it in the freezer for about 20 minutes to help it set.
Make the cream cheese layer In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and lump‑free. Gently fold in about half of the whipped topping, stirring until well incorporated. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
Prepare the chocolate pudding In another bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until it thickens. Let it rest for 2–3 minutes to fully set. Then spread the pudding over the cream cheese layer.
Top and garnish Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer. Drizzle the caramel sauce and chocolate syrup over the top, and sprinkle the chopped pecans throughout.
Chill Cover the dessert and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (overnight is ideal) so all layers can firm up.
Serve Use a sharp knife, wiping it between cuts, to slice into squares. Serve cold, optionally with extra drizzle or pecans.
Servings and timing
Yield: About 12 servings
Prep time: ~20–30 minutes
Chill time: Minimum 4 hours (or overnight for best results)
Total time: ~4 hours 30 minutes (or longer if chilled overnight)
Variations
Swap pecans for walnuts if desired.
Use gluten‑free sandwich cookies to make it gluten‑free.
Use homemade caramel sauce instead of store‑bought for a richer flavor.
Fold in a bit of vanilla extract into the cream cheese layer for added depth.
Add a layer of crushed chocolate candies or toffee bits for extra crunch.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Keep the dessert covered in the refrigerator, either with a lid or plastic wrap. It stays good for about 3 days.
Hint: Drizzle additional caramel or chocolate just before serving to keep those sauces glossy.
Freezing (not recommended): Because of the whipped and cream cheese layers, freezing may alter texture and cause separation. Best to avoid freezing.
FAQs
What kind of cookies should I use for the crust?
You can use sandwich cookies (like Oreos) with filling. For gluten-free, choose certified gluten-free cookies.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, but it’s better if the whipped cream is stabilized (for example by adding a bit of powdered sugar or gelatin) so it keeps its structure in the layers.
What if my pudding layer is a bit runny?
Ensure you use instant pudding mix and cold milk. Also, give it a few minutes after whisking to thicken before spreading.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — in fact, chilling overnight helps the layers set beautifully. Just drizzle final toppings before serving.
Will the crust get soggy over time?
The crust may soften slightly over time, but storing it cold helps minimize that. Pressing the crust firmly from the start also helps maintain structure.
Can I substitute a different nut for pecans?
Yes — walnuts or even toasted almonds can work nicely, depending on your preference.
Is this dessert safe to leave at room temperature?
No — because of dairy, cream cheese, and whipped topping, it should be kept refrigerated until serving.
Can I double or halve this recipe?
Yes. Just scale the ingredients proportionally and use an appropriately sized baking dish.
How do I get clean slices when cutting?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut. Chill thoroughly before slicing.
Can I reduce the sugar or make it less sweet?
You could slightly reduce powdered sugar or drizzle less caramel, but keep in mind that the dessert’s character is built on its sweetness; too much reduction can affect texture and flavor balance.
Conclusion
Turtle Lush is a decadent, no-bake dessert that layers creaminess, crunch, and rich chocolate and caramel flavors in a beautiful package. It’s perfect for preparing ahead, serving at gatherings, or simply indulging at home. With its simple assembly but impressive result, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Turtle Lush is a no-bake layered dessert featuring a buttery Oreo crust, creamy cheesecake filling, chocolate pudding, whipped topping, and drizzles of caramel and chocolate, finished with crunchy pecans. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or indulging at home.
Ingredients
3 cups Oreo cookie crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
16 oz whipped topping, thawed (divided)
2 (3.9 oz) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
1/2 cup caramel sauce (plus more for drizzling)
1/4 cup chocolate syrup (plus more for drizzling)
3/4 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
In a bowl, mix Oreo crumbs and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish. Freeze for 20 minutes to set.
In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping. Spread evenly over the chilled crust.
In another bowl, whisk together pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until thickened. Let sit for 2–3 minutes to fully set. Spread over the cream cheese layer.
Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
Drizzle caramel sauce and chocolate syrup over the top. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Slice with a sharp knife (cleaning between cuts) and serve cold. Optionally top with additional caramel or pecans.
Notes
Use stabilized whipped cream if substituting for whipped topping.Let pudding sit before layering to avoid a runny texture.Chilling overnight yields the best results.For gluten-free version, use gluten-free sandwich cookies.Crust may soften slightly over time; chilling helps maintain structure.
