Description
Turtle Dessert is a rich, layered treat combining a buttery pecan crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese topping, luscious chocolate and vanilla pudding layers, fluffy whipped topping, and a decadent drizzle of caramel sauce. Perfect for those who love a blend of chocolate, caramel, and nutty flavors, this easy-to-make American dessert is chilled to perfection and ideal for parties or any special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping
Pudding Layer
- 1 (3.9 oz) box instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk
Topping
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- ½ cup chopped pecans (remaining)
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Remaining ¾ cup whipped topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, softened butter, and ½ cup chopped pecans until the mixture becomes crumbly. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form an even crust. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the crust turns lightly golden. Remove from oven and let it cool completely.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping gently until combined. Spread this creamy layer evenly over the cooled pecan crust.
- Prepare the Pudding Layer: In another mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, and cold milk. Continue whisking for 2–3 minutes until the pudding mixture thickens. Spread this pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer in the baking dish.
- Add Final Toppings: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer to create a fluffy finish. Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top. Sprinkle the remaining chopped pecans and optional mini chocolate chips evenly on top to add crunch and extra flavor.
- Chill to Set: Place the dessert in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set properly and the flavors to meld together before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute homemade caramel sauce for store-bought for a more personalized flavor.
- Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup over the top for extra richness and a chocolate boost.
- This dessert is best made ahead of time and chilled properly to ensure the layers are firm and flavors have melded.
- To make slicing easier, use a sharp knife warmed with hot water before cutting.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake + Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
