Turtle Lasagna Dessert

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Turtle Lasagna Dessert is a luscious, layered treat inspired by the classic turtle candy, combining rich chocolate, creamy cheesecake, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans. This no-bake dessert is perfect for potlucks, holidays, or any time you crave a decadent, indulgent sweet. Its layers of textures and flavors make each bite unforgettable.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)buttercream cheeseconfectioners’ sugarwhipped topping (like Cool Whip)instant chocolate puddingcold milkcaramels or caramel saucechopped pecanschocolate chips

directions

Crush the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs and mix with melted butter to form the crust. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish and refrigerate to set.

In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping and spread this layer over the chilled crust.

Prepare chocolate pudding with cold milk according to package instructions. Let it thicken, then layer over the cream cheese mixture.

Warm the caramel until smooth and pourable, then drizzle over the pudding layer.

Sprinkle chopped pecans and chocolate chips generously over the top.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set fully.

Slice and serve chilled.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12-16 servings.Preparation time: 25 minutesChilling time: 4 hoursTotal time: 4 hours 25 minutes

Variations

Use a graham cracker or shortbread crust for a different base flavor.

Add a layer of banana slices or chopped toffee between the cheesecake and pudding layers.

Use dark chocolate pudding for a richer cocoa taste.

Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired.

Drizzle additional caramel or chocolate sauce on top before serving for extra flair.

storage/reheating

Store Turtle Lasagna Dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.Best served cold—no reheating necessary.Freezing is not recommended as it may alter the creamy texture.

FAQs

What makes this dessert a “turtle” lasagna?

The term “turtle” refers to the classic combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans, while “lasagna” describes the layered construction.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead dessert. Prepare it the night before for best results.

Is it really no-bake?

Yes, there’s no oven time required—just mix, layer, and chill.

Can I use homemade whipped cream?

Absolutely. Substitute equal amounts of freshly whipped cream for the store-bought whipped topping.

Is it very sweet?

It’s rich and sweet, but the layers balance each other out nicely.

What kind of chocolate pudding works best?

Instant chocolate pudding mix is recommended for quick prep and smooth texture.

Can I use caramel bits instead of sauce?

Yes, melt them with a splash of cream or milk for a pourable consistency.

How long does it need to chill?

At least 4 hours, but overnight is ideal for firm layers.

Can I add a crust on top too?

You can sprinkle extra cookie crumbs or chopped nuts on top for crunch.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Use gluten-free sandwich cookies and verify other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Turtle Lasagna Dessert is a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing treat that layers classic turtle flavors in a chilled, creamy delight. Whether you’re hosting a celebration or simply treating yourself, this dessert is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth with its irresistible combination of textures and indulgent ingredients.

Print