This No Bake Turtle Lush is a decadent, layered dessert that combines all the flavors I love in a classic turtle candy—rich chocolate, creamy caramel, and crunchy pecans—without ever turning on the oven. It’s creamy, crunchy, sweet, and indulgent, all in one no-fuss dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy this dessert is to put together. Since it’s no-bake, I don’t have to worry about heating up the kitchen. The layers come together with minimal effort, and it chills into a gorgeous, sliceable treat that always disappears fast. It’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just when I want something sweet and impressive with very little prep.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos)
- Butter (melted)
- Cream cheese
- Powdered sugar
- Whipped topping (like Cool Whip)
- Instant chocolate pudding mix
- Cold milk
- Caramel sauce
- Chopped pecans
- Mini chocolate chips or chocolate shavings (optional for garnish)
Directions
- I start by crushing the chocolate sandwich cookies into fine crumbs, then mix them with melted butter and press into the bottom of a 9×13 dish to form the crust.
- In a bowl, I beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth, then fold in some whipped topping to make it fluffy. I spread this over the crust.
- Next, I whisk the chocolate pudding mix with cold milk until it thickens, then spread it over the cream cheese layer.
- I drizzle caramel sauce over the pudding and sprinkle on chopped pecans.
- I top everything with the remaining whipped topping and finish with more caramel drizzle, extra pecans, and mini chocolate chips or shavings if I’m feeling fancy.
- I chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours—or overnight—for the best texture and flavor.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 12 to 16 people, depending on portion size. It takes about 25 minutes to prepare and needs at least 4 hours to chill before serving.
Variations
- I sometimes switch out the chocolate pudding for vanilla or caramel pudding for a twist.
- For extra crunch, I’ve added toffee bits or crushed pretzels to the topping.
- If I want to lighten it up, I use low-fat cream cheese and light whipped topping.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Since it’s a chilled dessert, I don’t reheat it—just slice and serve straight from the fridge. It also holds up well in the freezer for up to a month, though I thaw it in the fridge before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, I usually make it the day before. The layers set better and the flavors develop even more after a night in the fridge.
What can I use instead of chocolate sandwich cookies?
I’ve used graham crackers or chocolate graham crackers as a base, and they work really well too.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Definitely. I whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar until stiff peaks form and use it in place of store-bought whipped topping.
Is it okay to use jarred caramel sauce?
Yes, store-bought caramel sauce works perfectly. I just make sure it’s thick enough to drizzle and not too runny.
How do I get clean slices?
I use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts. Chilling it overnight also helps it slice more cleanly.
Conclusion
No Bake Turtle Lush is one of those desserts I keep coming back to. It’s creamy, crunchy, chocolatey, and caramelly—all the best things in one bite. I love how it impresses everyone at the table with hardly any effort. It’s my go-to for easy entertaining and satisfying my sweet tooth without turning on the oven.
