If you love turtle candies, this no-bake Turtle Lasagna Dessert will become your new favorite indulgence. With layers of chocolate, caramel, pecans, and creamy filling stacked on a buttery Oreo crust, every bite delivers that irresistible turtle flavor in a rich, layered dessert.
The “lasagna” name comes from the beautiful stacked layers—cookie crust, sweet cream cheese filling, chocolate pudding, caramel, whipped topping, and crunchy pecans—all finished with a drizzle of caramel and chocolate sauce. It’s impressive enough for a holiday table but simple enough to make any time you’re craving something sweet.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
- No-bake recipe – quick and easy, no oven needed.
- Perfect make-ahead treat – tastes even better the next day.
- Crowd-pleasing flavors – chocolate, caramel, and pecans in every bite.
- Customizable – swap nuts, pudding flavors, or toppings to fit your taste.
Tips for Success
- Chill between layers – refrigeration helps each layer set, making cleaner slices.
- Use quality ingredients – rich chocolate pudding and smooth caramel sauce make all the difference.
- Spread evenly – use a spatula to smooth each layer for the best presentation.
- Patience pays off – letting it set overnight ensures the layers hold together perfectly.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip or homemade whipped cream)
Chocolate Pudding Layer
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 ¾ cups cold milk
Toppings
- 1 cup whipped topping
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup caramel sauce
- ¼ cup chocolate sauce
How to Make Turtle Lasagna Dessert
Step 1: Make the Crust
- Mix the cookie crumbs with melted butter until well combined.
- Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Refrigerate while preparing the next layer.
Step 2: Cream Cheese Layer
- Beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fold in whipped topping until light and creamy.
- Spread evenly over the chilled crust and return to the fridge.
Step 3: Chocolate Pudding Layer
- Whisk pudding mix and cold milk until thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Spread over the cream cheese layer.
- Chill again to set.
Step 4: Final Layers & Toppings
- Spread a layer of whipped topping over the pudding.
- Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
- Drizzle caramel sauce and chocolate sauce over the top.
Step 5: Chill & Serve
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Serving Ideas
- Top with extra pecans for crunch.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Drizzle more caramel or chocolate before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Variations
- Nut-Free: Replace pecans with pretzels or a sprinkle of sea salt for crunch.
- Peanut Butter Twist: Blend ½ cup peanut butter into the cream cheese layer.
- Dark Chocolate: Use dark chocolate pudding and add a pinch of espresso powder for a deeper flavor.
FAQ
Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Yes! Homemade caramel adds amazing depth. Just let it cool completely before layering.
What’s the best way to crush Oreos?
A food processor makes fine crumbs, but a rolling pin and zip-top bag works too.
Do I have to chill between layers?
Not required, but chilling creates sharper, cleaner layers.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Definitely—it actually tastes better when made the day before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Turtle Lasagna Dessert is creamy, crunchy, chocolatey, and absolutely decadent. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, special occasion, or just because, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The layered presentation looks stunning, but it’s surprisingly simple to put together—making it a dessert you’ll come back to again and again.
Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 4 hours