Got a sweet tooth hankering? If so, then allow us to introduce you to the Turtle Lush – it’s not just any dessert, it’s a no-bake taste sensation!
And how could it not be? With layers of Oreo cookie crust, a heavenly (and decadent) cheesecake layer and wait for it… velvety chocolate pudding!
But that’s not all. High atop the rich and creamy bottom layers are caramel drizzles, crunchy pecans and a cloud-like, airy whipped topping. Talk about sealing the deal, yum!
This dessert is not only a breeze to whip up but it’s also perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s an intimate dinner or a family get-together, you can’t go wrong when serving this delectable no-bake delight.
After all, it’s chocolate, it’s caramel, it’s pure indulgence in edible form. So, let’s take care of those cravings today. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll be diving into this one no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Oreo Cookie Crumbs. Makes up the base layer of the dessert. The crunchiness of the cookies makes a perfect contrast to the creamy layers above it.
Melted Unsalted Butter. Needed to bind the cookie crumbs together so that they can form a solid crust. Butter also adds richness to the crust.
Softened Cream Cheese. The natural tangy flavor of cream cheese acts as a counter balance to the sweeter layers in the rest of the dessert.
Powdered Sugar. Contributes smoothness and sweetness to the cream cheese layer once fully mixed in.
Whipped Topping. Introduces an element of lightness to the dessert, giving it an airy texture on the palate.
Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix. Creates a rich and indulgent chocolatey layer making it a perfect complement to the caramel drizzle and chopped pecans to follow.
Cold Milk. Needed to get the consistency just right for the chocolate pudding.
Chopped Pecans. Adds a satisfying nutty crunch which complements the creamier and lighter layers of the rest of the dessert.
Caramel Sauce. Drizzled on top, it imparts a mix of sweet and slightly salty taste that simply can’t be matched.
Chocolate Syrup. Because why not? After all, you can never have enough chocolate!
| Ingredient | Description |
|---|---|
| Oreo Cookie Crumbs | Base layer providing crunchiness. |
| Melted Unsalted Butter | Binds cookie crumbs for a solid crust and adds richness. |
| Softened Cream Cheese | Tangy flavor counterbalancing the dessert’s sweetness. |
| Powdered Sugar | Adds smooth sweetness to the cream cheese layer. |
| Whipped Topping | Gives the dessert a light, airy texture. |
| Instant Chocolate Pudding | Provides a rich chocolate layer. |
| Cold Milk | Ensures the right consistency for pudding. |
| Chopped Pecans | Introduces a nutty crunch. |
| Caramel Sauce | Sweet and slightly salty drizzle on top. |
| Chocolate Syrup | Extra chocolatey goodness. |
How to Make a No-Bake Turtle Lush
Foundation First. Begin by making the cookie crust. Combine the Oreo crumbs with the melted butter and then firmly press the mixture into a 9×9 dish to make the crust. Put the crust in the freezer for about 25-30 minutes to set.
Creamy Layers. In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, cream cheese and powdered sugar. Blend everything until the mixture is smooth. Once it is, fold in 9 ounces of the whipped topping. Mix it in until it’s well combined.
Pudding Prep. In another bowl, mix the cold milk and chocolate pudding mix. Whisk them together until it thickens.
Layering Up. Take the crust layer out of the freezer. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust. Make sure that the layer you make is even. Sprinkle ¾ cup of the chopped pecans on top of the cream cheese layer.
Assembly Time. Spread the chocolate pudding on top of the cream cheese and pecans. You’ll want to do this as carefully as possible. Once you’re done, add the rest of the whipped topping and smooth it out.
Drizzle Dazzle. Time to let your inner artist shine! Drizzle the caramel sauce and chocolate syrup on top. Then, sprinkle the rest of the chopped pecans to give the dessert a satisfying crunch.
Time to Chill. Put the finished dessert in the fridge and keep it there for at least 4 hours – overnight would be even better so that the flavors can combine.
Slice and Serve. Remove it from the refrigerator, slice into squares and serve chilled!
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Foundation | Create Oreo and butter crust in a 9×9 dish; freeze for 25-30 minutes. |
| Creamy Layers | Blend butter, cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 9 ounces whipped topping. |
| Pudding Prep | Whisk cold milk with chocolate pudding mix until thick. |
| Layering | Spread cream cheese mix over crust; sprinkle with ¾ cup pecans. |
| Assembly | Carefully layer chocolate pudding, then add remaining whipped topping. |
| Drizzle Dazzle | Artfully drizzle caramel and chocolate syrup; sprinkle remaining pecans. |
| Chill | Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. |
| Serve | Slice into squares and serve chilled. |
No-Bake Turtle Lush
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups Oreos crumbled or crushed
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 10 ounce package of cream cheese softened
- ¾ cup powdered sugar
- 18 ounces whipped topping thawed, divided
- 4.5 ounce instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 ½ cups milk cold
- 1 ¼ cups pecans chopped, divided
- ¾ cup caramel sauce
- ⅓ cup chocolate syrup
Instructions
- Begin by making the cookie crust. Combine the Oreo crumbs with the melted butter and then firmly press the mixture into a 9×9 dish to make the crust.
- Put the crust in the freezer for about 25-30 minutes to set.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the butter, cream cheese and powdered sugar. Blend everything until the mixture is smooth. Once it is, fold in 9 ounces of the whipped topping. Mix it in until it's well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the cold milk and chocolate pudding mix. Whisk them together until it thickens.
- Take the crust layer out of the freezer. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust. Make sure that the layer you make is even. Sprinkle ¾ cup of the chopped pecans on top of the cream cheese layer.
- Spread the chocolate pudding on top of the cream cheese and pecans. You’ll want to do this as carefully as possible. Once you’re done, add the rest of the whipped topping and smooth it out.
- Time to let your inner artist shine! Drizzle the caramel sauce and chocolate syrup on top. Then, sprinkle the rest of the chopped pecans to give the dessert a satisfying crunch.
- Put the finished dessert in the fridge and keep it there for at least 4 hours – overnight would be even better so that the flavors can combine.
- Remove it from the refrigerator, slice into squares and serve chilled!
Nutrition
Hey there! I’m Hannah, a freelance writer with a passion for creating delicious, mouth-watering dessert recipes. I’m a self-taught baker who loves experimenting with flavors and textures. I believe that baking is a form of art and I love sharing my creations with the world. When I’m not baking or writing, I enjoy yoga, painting, and spending time with my two adorable cats.
