No-Bake Turtle Lush is a decadent dessert that captures the essence of classic turtle candies in a luxurious layered treat. Inspired by the beloved chocolate turtle confection originally created in 1918 by the DeMets Candy Company, this dessert transforms the iconic combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans into an irresistible no-bake experience.
The recipe represents a modern culinary innovation, blending the nostalgic flavors of turtle candies with the convenience of a layered dessert. Each bite offers a perfect harmony of textures – a crumbly Oreo cookie crust, smooth cream cheese layer, rich chocolate pudding, and a generous topping of caramel, chocolate, and crunchy pecans.
What makes No-Bake Turtle Lush truly exceptional is its remarkable simplicity. Home cooks can create this impressive dessert without ever turning on an oven, making it ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, or spontaneous sweet cravings. The dessert’s versatility allows for easy customization, with options to adjust ingredients or experiment with different Oreo cookie flavors.
The name “turtle” pays homage to the original candy’s appearance, where pecan pieces resembled a turtle’s head and feet, covered in caramel and chocolate. This dessert continues that tradition, offering a playful and indulgent twist on a classic confection.
Whether served at family gatherings or as a special treat, No-Bake Turtle Lush promises to delight chocolate and caramel lovers with its rich, multi-layered approach to dessert-making.
No-Bake Turtle Lush Recipe
Ingredients
For the Crust:
• 3 cups Oreo cookie crumbs
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 8 oz whipped topping (divided)
For the Chocolate Layer:
• 1 (5.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
• 3 cups cold milk
Topping:
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce
• 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
Instructions
1. Prepare Crust
• Mix Oreo crumbs with melted butter
• Press into a 9×13 inch baking dish
• Refrigerate for 15 minutes
2. Cream Cheese Layer
• Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth
• Fold in half of the whipped topping
• Spread evenly over crust
3. Chocolate Layer
• Whisk pudding mix and milk until thickened
• Spread over cream cheese layer
• Refrigerate for 15 minutes
4. Final Assembly
• Top with remaining whipped topping
• Sprinkle with chopped pecans
• Drizzle caramel and chocolate sauces
• Chill for 2-3 hours before serving
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 3 hours
Servings: 12-15
Pro Tips:
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing
• Ensure pudding is completely set before adding final layer
• Can be made 1 day in advance