Turtle Dessertrn

Name: Turtle Dessert
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 140 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter, (softened); 36 crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with cream center filling, (I used Oreo cookies); 6 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter, (melted and cooled); 16 ounces cream cheese, (room temperature); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; ¾ cup powdered sugar; 16 ounces whipped topping, (thawed); 2 cups cold whole milk; 6.8 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix; 1½ teaspoons caramel flavoring; 1 cup chopped dry roasted peanuts, (divided); 2½ cups chopped turtle candies, (divided); Chocolate syrup, (optional garnish); Caramel sundae syrup, (optional garnish)

a close up shot of a slice of Turtle Dessert on a plate

This turtle dessert is a creamy and decadent layered dessert with all the fantastic flavors of the classic candy.

Jump to Recipe

Table of Contents

Let’s Dish: About This Dessert
Turtle Dessert Ingredients
Substitutions And Additions
How To Make This Turtle Dessert Recipe
How To Serve
Storage
Why We Love This Recipe
More Recipes You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE
Even More Recipes You’ll Love

Our Turtle Dessert uses the classic Turtle candy flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans to create a no bake treat. The rich, creamy filling perfectly balances the sweetness of caramel and the crunch of toasted pecans. The Oreo cookie crust provides a decadent base that other desserts simply can’t match. Perfect for any occasion, this is a dessert that promises to wow your guests.

a close up shot of a slice of Turtle Dessert with a fork grabbing a piece

Let’s Dish: About This Dessert

Main Ingredients: Oreos, cream cheese, vanilla pudding, turtles, caramel, whipped topping, peanuts.
Quick Steps: Make crust, layer cream cheese, pudding, toppings, and chill.
Total Time & Yield: 2 hours 20 minutes, yields 9 servings.

Why This Recipe

Our recipe focuses on simplicity without compromising flavor. By using pre-made turtle candies, this recipe saves time while still delivering that signature combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans that makes turtle desserts so beloved.

The instant chocolate pudding provides a silky, luscious layer, perfectly complemented by the creamy cheesecake layer.

Plus, this no-bake recipe is perfect for those seeking an easy, fuss-free dessert that can still impress at any gathering.

Turtle Dessert Ingredients

Turtle Dessert raw ingredients that are labeled

Rich layers of chocolate, caramel, and pecan flavors combine with the creamy layer of cream cheese and vanilla pudding, creating an explosion of textures and tastes.

Perfect for those craving something extra special for their next dessert experience, turtle dessert will leave you absolutely satisfied yet still wanting more.

To make this amazing dessert, you’ll need:

2 tablespoons of salted sweet cream butter, softened
36 crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with cream center filling (I used Oreo cookies)
6 tablespoons of salted sweet cream butter, melted and cooled
2 (8-ounce) packages of cream cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
¾ cup of powdered sugar
2 (8-ounce) containers of Cool Whip whipped topping, thawed
2 cups of cold whole milk
2 (3.4-ounce) boxes of instant vanilla pudding mix
1½ teaspoons of caramel flavoring
1 cup of chopped dry roasted peanuts, divided
2½ cups of chopped turtle candies, divided
Chocolate syrup (optional garnish)
Caramel sundae syrup (optional garnish)

Substitutions And Additions

COOKIE CRUMBS: You can substitute crushed chocolate graham crackers for the crushed chocolate sandwich cookies in these no-bake turtle dream bars.

Be sure to add two tablespoons of granulated sugar if you make the substitution.

NUTS: In this chocolate turtle dessert, you can substitute chopped pecans for chopped peanuts.

PUDDING: You can substitute instant caramel-flavored pudding mix for the vanilla mix if you can find it.

If you are able to use the caramel pudding, be sure to omit the caramel flavoring.

CARAMEL SAUCE: While store-bought caramel sauce is convenient, you can elevate your dessert by making your own homemade caramel sauce.

How To Make This Turtle Dessert Recipe

This delicious recipe will have you creating layers of decadence that start with a chocolate cookie crust.

Next, create the cream cheese layer, followed by the creamy pudding layer. Between each addition, you will want to chill the dish to make sure each layer sets properly.

Top the pudding with all the gooey caramel, peanuts, and chocolate syrup that make this a turtle treat.

STEP ONE: Use either a pastry brush or your hands to butter a 9×9-inch baking dish with the two tablespoons of butter. Set it aside.

STEP TWO: Add the crushed cookies and the melted butter to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Stir to combine.

Press the buttered cookie mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the baking dish.

Chill the chocolate cookie crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the cream cheese layer.

cookies and butter stirred and pressed into the bottom of the baking dish

STEP THREE: Beat the softened cream cheese and vanilla for 1 to 1½ minutes until smooth.

Use a stand mixer or a medium-sized mixing bowl and a handheld mixer on medium-high speed.

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature, so you don’t have any lumps in your creamy dessert.

cream cheese and vanilla blended in a bowl

STEP FOUR: Add the powdered sugar and one cup of whipped topping. Continue mixing for another 1 to 1½ minutes until smooth.

powdered sugar and whipped topping blended in a bowl

STEP FIVE: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture on top of the cookie crust, and return the baking dish to the refrigerator.

cream cheese layers spread on top of the cookie crust in a baking dish

STEP SIX: Add the cold milk to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Sprinkle the pudding mixes and caramel flavoring over the cold milk.

Use a handheld mixer on medium-low speed and mix just until the mixture begins to thicken. This usually only takes about one minute.

PRO TIP:

You can whisk the pudding mixture by hand; the handheld mixer is just a time saver.

milk, pudding mixes and caramel mixed in a bowl

STEP SEVEN: Add one cup of the whipped topping and continue mixing until the pudding mixture thickens.

whipped topping added to the milk mixture in a bowl

STEP EIGHT: Evenly sprinkle a half cup of the chopped peanuts and one cup of the chopped turtle candies over the cream cheese layer.

peanuts and turtle candies sprinkled over the cream cheese layer

STEP NINE: Drizzle one to two tablespoons of the chocolate syrup and caramel syrup over the candy layer.

peanuts sprinkled and chocolate syrup and caramel syrup drizzled on top

STEP TEN: Spread the pudding mixture in an even layer over the candy layer. Cover and chill for two hours.

PRO TIP:

Don’t skip the chilling stage. You want to give your dessert plenty of time to chill and set before serving it.

pudding mixture spread over the candy layer in a baking dish

STEP ELEVEN: Just before serving, spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.

whipped topping spread over the pudding layer in a baking dish

STEP TWELVE: Sprinkle the remaining half cup of chopped peanuts and the remaining 1½ cups of chopped turtle candies over the whipped topping.

STEP THIRTEEN: Drizzle the chocolate syrup and caramel syrup over the candies. Slice into 3-inch x 3-inch pieces.

How To Serve

Serve up a taste of luxury with the decadent indulgence that is our turtle dessert. Your guests will love the unforgettable combination of chocolate, pecans, and caramel.

Serve a slice of this heavenly dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to delight your taste buds.

For even more decadence, add a warm mug of homemade hot chocolate or a pumpkin spice latte to wash it down.

Our chocolate turtle candies are the inspiration for this delicious dessert, while our turtle pie is another spin on these fantastic flavors.

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Storage

Let’s make sure you know how to store this delectable treat if you have any leftovers, that is.

MAKE AHEAD: After assembling all the layers, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving.

Making it ahead not only saves you time but also allows the flavors to meld together for an even more luscious treat.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to five days.

IN THE FREEZER: This yummy dessert can be frozen for up to a month.

Store in an airtight container or well-wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.

Make sure to label your container so that you remember to enjoy your dessert while it is at its best.

Why We Love This Recipe

DECADENT LAYERS OF FLAVOR: This dessert is a combination of tastes and textures, with a cracker crust, caramel, and cream cheese layer, and the crunch from pecans and chocolate.

NO-BAKE EASE: It’s a hassle-free, no-bake dessert that’s perfect for those who want a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

IMPRESSIVE PRESENTATION: The turtle dessert not only tastes incredible but also looks stunning. With its layers and drizzles of caramel and chocolate, it’s a showstopper at gatherings, potlucks, or as a special treat for yourself.

a close up shot of a slice of Turtle Dessert on a plate with a cup of caramel sauce being poured on top

All the tasty parts of turtle candy are found in this amazing turtle dessert lasagna. The combination of crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and silky chocolate is sure to be a huge hit with anyone you serve this turtle dessert to.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I make this ahead of time?

This wonderful recipe is actually best if you make it ahead of time and let it chill to make sure all of the layers are set.

Can I use a different type of crust for this recipe?

You could use graham crackers or chocolate graham crackers for your cookie crust.

Can I freeze this no-bake layered turtle dessert?

This tasty dessert can be kept in the freezer for up to one month.

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Turtle Dessert

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This turtle dessert is a creamy and decadent layered dessert with all the fantastic flavors of the classic candy.

Prep Time 20

Total Time 2 20

Servings

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter, softened
36 crushed chocolate sandwich cookies with cream center filling, I used Oreo cookies
6 tablespoons salted sweet cream butter, melted and cooled
16 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
¾ cup powdered sugar
16 ounces whipped topping, thawed
2 cups cold whole milk
6.8 ounces instant vanilla pudding mix
1½ teaspoons caramel flavoring
1 cup chopped dry roasted peanuts, divided
2½ cups chopped turtle candies, divided
Chocolate syrup, optional garnish
Caramel sundae syrup, optional garnish

Instructions

Use either a pastry brush or your hands to butter a 9×9-inch baking dish with the 2 tablespoons of butter. Set it aside.
Add the crushed cookies and the melted butter to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Stir to combine. Press the buttered cookie mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the baking dish. Chill the cookie crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the cream cheese layer.
Using either a stand mixer or a medium-sized mixing bowl and a handheld mixer on medium-high speed, beat the cream cheese and vanilla for 1 to 1½ minutes until smooth.
Add the powdered sugar and 1 cup of whipped topping. Continue mixing for another 1 to 1½ minutes until smooth.
Evenly spread the cream cheese layer on top of the cookie crust, and return the baking dish to the refrigerator.
Add the cold milk to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Sprinkle the pudding mixes and caramel flavoring over the cold milk. Use a handheld mixer on medium-low speed and mix just until the mixture begins to thicken (this usually only takes about 1 minute).
Add 1 cup of the whipped topping and continue mixing until the pudding mixture thickens.
Evenly sprinkle ½ cup of the chopped peanuts and 1 cup of the chopped turtle candies over the cream cheese layer.
Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of the chocolate syrup and caramel syrup over the candy layer.
Spread the pudding mixture over the candy layer. Cover and chill for 2 hours.
Just before serving, spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer.
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of chopped peanuts and the remaining 1½ cups of the chopped turtle candies over the whipped topping.
Drizzle the chocolate syrup and caramel syrup over the candies. Slice into 3-inch x 3-inch pieces.

Video

Notes

Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature, so you don’t have any lumps in your creamy dessert.
You can whisk the pudding mixture by hand; the handheld mixer is just a time saver.
Don’t skip the chilling stage. You want to give your dessert plenty of time to chill and set before serving it.

Nutrition

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

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Turtle Dessert