Description
Turtle Lush is a decadent layered dessert featuring a buttery pecan crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese, rich chocolate and vanilla pudding, topped with whipped topping, caramel and chocolate sauces, and toasted pecans. This no-bake delight combines textures and flavors for an irresistible treat perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped pecans, divided
Filling
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping (like Cool Whip), divided
- 1 (3.9-ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
Topping
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- ½ cup chocolate sauce
- Remaining chopped pecans (about ½ cup)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, melted unsalted butter, and ½ cup chopped pecans. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and a crumbly dough forms.
- Bake the Crust: Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a uniform layer. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the crust is lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and allow it to cool completely to avoid melting the layers to come.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in half of the whipped topping to lighten the texture. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust as the first creamy layer.
- Prepare the Pudding Layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, and cold milk. Stir vigorously for 2 minutes until the mixture thickens and sets. Spread this pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Add the Whipped Topping: Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer, smoothing the surface for an even finish.
- Finish with Toppings: Drizzle the caramel sauce and chocolate sauce generously over the top layer. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans evenly across the dessert for added crunch and flavor.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld perfectly before serving.
Notes
- For convenience, use a store-bought graham cracker crust or pre-made shortbread crust as a shortcut.
- This dessert is best served well chilled and can be prepared a day in advance.
- Ensure the crust cools completely before layering to maintain the structure of the dessert.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and whipped topping for the best creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake (with baked crust)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 1/12th of recipe)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
