Description
No Bake Turtle Lush is an indulgent, layered dessert featuring a crunchy Oreo cookie crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese filling, smooth chocolate pudding, and decadent caramel and pecan toppings. This easy-to-make treat requires no baking and can be customized with various add-ons like whipped cream or mini chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 24 Oreo cookies (regular or gluten-free), crushed
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip)
Chocolate Layer
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Toppings
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Optional Additions
- Whipped cream for garnish
- Mini chocolate chips for texture
- Sea salt to sprinkle for flavor contrast
Instructions
- Prepare the Oreo Crust: Using a food processor, crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs to a bowl and mix with melted butter until thoroughly combined. Press this mixture firmly into the base of a 9×13-inch dish to form an even crust. Chill in the refrigerator to set while preparing the other layers.
- Make the Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the whipped topping to create a light, airy texture. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled Oreo crust.
- Whisk Up the Chocolate Pudding: In a separate bowl, combine the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold milk. Whisk continuously until the pudding thickens (usually within a few minutes). Spread the thickened chocolate pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer in the dish.
- Top with Caramel and Pecans: Generously drizzle caramel sauce and chocolate syrup over the chocolate pudding layer. Sprinkle chopped pecans evenly on top for a crunchy finish. Optionally, add whipped cream or mini chocolate chips for extra indulgence and texture.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow all the layers to set properly. When ready, slice into squares and serve chilled for a delightful treat.
Notes
- This dessert is best when refrigerated overnight to fully set.
- For a nut-free version, replace pecans with crushed pretzels or candy pieces.
- Gluten-free options can be made by using gluten-free Oreo cookies.
- Add fruit toppings like sliced strawberries or bananas to enhance freshness.
- You can add mini chocolate chips or a ganache layer for extra chocolate flavor.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top for a delicious sweet-salty contrast.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: No Bake Dessert, Turtle Lush, Oreo Crust, Chocolate Pudding, Cream Cheese Layer, Caramel, Pecan Topping, Easy Dessert, Layered Dessert
