Introduction

No Bake Turtle Lush is a luscious, layered dessert combining creamy cheesecake, rich chocolate pudding, gooey caramel, and crunchy pecans on a buttery Oreo crust. This no-bake treat is perfect for when you want an indulgent dessert without turning on the oven.

No Bake Turtle Lush Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

24 Oreo cookies (crushed)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
1 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
8 ounces Cool Whip or whipped cream
1 package chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz)
2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
1/2 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs and mix them with the melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan. Chill for about 15 minutes to set the crust.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until well combined, then spread this cream cheese layer evenly over the chilled crust.
Step 3: In another bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and milk according to the package instructions. Once thickened, spread the chocolate pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Step 4: Drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the chocolate pudding layer, allowing it to flow into the crevices.
Step 5: Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly on top of the caramel layer to add a delightful crunch.
Step 6: Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the dessert set properly.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or substitute with crushed graham crackers for extra texture.
Use homemade caramel sauce for a richer flavor, or try drizzling chocolate sauce instead for a twist.
If you prefer a lighter dessert, substitute Cool Whip with whipped coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
Adjust the powdered sugar in the cream cheese layer to suit your sweetness preference.

Storage

Store the Turtle Lush covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best texture and flavor, enjoy it within 2 days. When ready to serve, no need to thaw—just scoop directly from the fridge.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert is ideal for making ahead. Refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set perfectly.

Can I use another type of cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! Chocolate wafer cookies or graham crackers can be crushed and used as an alternative crust if you prefer a different flavor or texture.

No Bake Turtle Lush Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 143 reviews

No Bake Turtle Lush is a decadent layered dessert featuring a crushed Oreo cookie crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese filling, smooth chocolate pudding, rich caramel sauce, and crunchy chopped pecans. This easy-to-make, no-bake treat is perfect for any occasion, layering luscious flavors and textures in a 9×13 inch pan and chilling to set for a delicious crowd-pleaser.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

24 Oreo Cookies (Crushed)
1/2 cup unsalted Butter (Melted)

Cream Cheese Layer

8 ounces Cream Cheese (Softened)
1 cup Powdered Sugar (Adjust to taste)
8 ounces Cool Whip or Whipped Cream

Chocolate Pudding Layer

1 package Chocolate Pudding Mix (3.9 oz)
2 cups Milk (Dairy or non-dairy)

Toppings

1/2 cup Caramel Sauce (Store-bought or homemade)
1/2 cup Chopped Pecans (Or walnuts, optional)

Instructions

Prepare the crust: Crush the Oreo cookies into fine crumbs and mix them thoroughly with melted unsalted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch pan to form an even crust layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator and chill for about 15 minutes to set the crust firmly.
Make cream cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the Cool Whip or whipped cream until well combined. Spread this creamy layer evenly over the chilled Oreo crust in the pan.
Prepare chocolate pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and milk according to the package instructions until thickened. Carefully pour and spread this chocolate pudding layer evenly over the cream cheese filling, smoothing the surface for an even layer.
Add caramel layer: Drizzle a generous amount of caramel sauce evenly over the chocolate pudding layer, allowing it to flow into crevices to create a luscious, glossy finish.
Top with pecans: Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the caramel layer, adding a crunchy texture that complements the creamy layers below.
Chill: Cover the assembled dish securely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours, preferably overnight. This resting period allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and the layers to set perfectly before serving.

Notes

You can substitute walnuts for pecans based on preference or availability.
Use either dairy or non-dairy milk to accommodate dietary needs.
Adjust powdered sugar amount in the cream cheese layer to your preferred level of sweetness.
For a firmer crust, press the Oreo and butter mixture down tightly and chill thoroughly before adding layers.
This dessert is best served cold, straight from the refrigerator.

Keywords: No Bake Turtle Lush, Turtle Lush dessert, no bake dessert, layered pudding dessert, Oreo crust dessert, caramel dessert, chocolate pudding dessert, easy no bake dessert