No Bake Turtle Lush Recipe

Introduction

No Bake Turtle Lush is a layered dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans with a creamy, no-bake filling. Easy to assemble and perfect for any occasion, this treat is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without turning on the oven.

A close-up of a square dessert bar with five visible layers on a clear plate on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a dark brown crumbly crust with embedded chunks. Above that is a light brown creamy layer, then a thin dark chocolate layer with small nut pieces. Next is a thick white creamy layer with scattered nut bits inside. The topmost layer is a glossy dark chocolate ganache, sprinkled with chopped nuts and caramel pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 24 Oreo Cookies (crushed)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted Butter (melted)
  • 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup Powdered Sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip or whipped cream
  • 1 package Chocolate Pudding Mix (3.9 oz)
  • 2 cups Milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1/2 cup Caramel Sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Pecans (or walnuts, optional)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the crust by crushing the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. Mix the crumbs with melted butter, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan. Chill for about 15 minutes to set.
  2. Step 2: Make the cream cheese filling by beating the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until well combined. Spread this layer evenly over the chilled crust.
  3. Step 3: Prepare the chocolate pudding according to package instructions by whisking the pudding mix with milk. Once thickened, spread the pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle caramel sauce generously over the chocolate pudding layer, allowing it to flow into the crevices.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the caramel layer for added crunch.
  6. Step 6: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and the dessert set properly.

Tips & Variations

  • For a different nutty flavor, substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds.
  • Use homemade caramel sauce for a richer taste or opt for a salted caramel to add a sweet-salty contrast.
  • To make this vegan, select dairy-free cream cheese, whipped topping, and milk alternatives.
  • Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the filling.

Storage

Store the No Bake Turtle Lush covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled, so reheat is not necessary. If you need to serve it later, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before slicing to soften slightly.

How to Serve

A square slice of layered dessert rests on a clear glass plate atop a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is crumbly and dark brown with bits of nuts mixed in. Above that is a smooth caramel tan layer, followed by a thick dark chocolate layer. A layer of creamy white filling with chunks of nuts embedded in it sits next. The top layer is a glossy, rich dark chocolate coated with chopped nuts and chunks of caramel and chocolate pieces, adding texture and color contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cookie for the crust?

Yes, any chocolate or chocolate-based cookie crumbs work well. You can try chocolate graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies for a similar texture and flavor.

Do I have to refrigerate this dessert?

Yes, refrigeration is important to set the layers properly, especially the cream cheese filling and pudding. Serving it cold also enhances the flavors and texture.

Print
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No Bake Turtle Lush Recipe


  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

No Bake Turtle Lush is a decadent, layered dessert featuring a crunchy Oreo cookie crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, rich chocolate pudding, luscious caramel sauce, and crunchy pecans. This no-bake dessert is easy to assemble, making it perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without turning on the oven. The combination of flavors and textures mimics the classic turtle candy experience in a luscious, chilled bar form.


Ingredients

Scale

Crust

  • 24 Oreo Cookies, crushed into fine crumbs
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
  • 8 ounces Cool Whip or whipped cream

Chocolate Pudding Layer

  • 1 package (3.9 oz) chocolate pudding mix
  • 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the crust: Crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs and mix thoroughly with melted unsalted butter. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes to allow the crust to set.
  2. Make the cream cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip or whipped cream until fully combined. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the chilled Oreo crust.
  3. Prepare the chocolate pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk the chocolate pudding mix with 2 cups of milk according to the package instructions until it thickens. Spread this thickened chocolate pudding layer evenly over the cream cheese layer, smoothing the surface carefully.
  4. Add the caramel layer: Generously drizzle caramel sauce over the top of the chocolate pudding layer, ensuring it seeps into any crevices to create a luscious, gooey top layer.
  5. Top with nuts: Sprinkle the chopped pecans or walnuts evenly over the caramel layer to add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor.
  6. Chill to set: Cover the assembling pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time allows all layers to meld together beautifully and enhance the overall texture and flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute Cool Whip with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste.
  • Use dairy or non-dairy milk according to your preference or dietary restrictions.
  • Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or omit nuts altogether if you prefer.
  • For a stronger caramel flavor, consider using homemade caramel sauce or drizzle extra caramel before serving.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and a smooth filling.
  • Keep the dessert refrigerated until serving to maintain its structure and freshness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: No Bake Turtle Lush, no bake dessert, layered dessert, turtle dessert, Oreo crust dessert, chocolate pudding dessert, caramel dessert, pecan dessert

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