Turtle Lush Dessert
A creamy, decadent dessert layering chocolate, caramel, and nuts, perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1.5 cups Chocolate cookies (or graham crackers), crushed Substituting with graham crackers is an option.
- 0.5 cups Butter, melted Allow to cool slightly before mixing.
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz Cream cheese, softened Best at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- 1 cups Powdered sugar To sweeten the cream cheese.
- 8 oz Cool Whip (or whipped cream), divided Use half in the cream cheese layer.
Pudding Layer
- 1 package Chocolate pudding mix (about 3.9 oz) We recommend using instant pudding for best results.
- 2 cups Milk Use cold milk for mixing.
Topping
- 0.5 cups Pecans, chopped Provides a crunchy texture on top.
- to taste Caramel sauce For drizzling over the top.
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients.
- Crush the chocolate cookies or graham crackers until fine.
Cook the Base
- Combine the crushed cookies with melted butter and mix until coated.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan and refrigerate to set.
Make the Cream Cheese Layer
- In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fold in 1 cup of Cool Whip gently.
Assemble the Layers
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the crust.
Prepare the Pudding
- Mix the chocolate pudding with 2 cups of cold milk as per package instructions.
Add the Pudding Layer
- Pour the pudding over the cream cheese layer and spread it evenly.
Drizzle with Caramel
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the pudding layer and sprinkle with chopped pecans.
Top with Whipped Topping
- Spread remaining Cool Whip over the top, smoothing it for a nice finish.
Chill the Dessert
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Serve and Enjoy
- Slice into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
Best served chilled. Pairs well with coffee or ice cream. Can last up to a week in the refrigerator.