This Easy Turtle Lush Dessert is a yummy treat with layers of creamy goodness, chocolate, and caramel. It’s like a sweet hug in a dish – perfect for any occasion!
You can’t go wrong with chocolate and caramel! I love making this dessert ahead of time. Just pop it in the fridge, and let it chill while I wait to satisfy my sweet tooth!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Oreo cookies: These create a tasty and crunchy crust. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free chocolate sandwich cookies instead!
Cream cheese: Provides a rich, tangy flavor. You can substitute with Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter version, or use a non-dairy cream cheese for a vegan option.
Cool Whip: This adds lightness and creaminess. If you prefer homemade, you can whip your own heavy cream with a little sugar and vanilla. You could also use coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Instant chocolate pudding: This is quick and easy, but you could make your own from scratch if you have the time! Just use cocoa powder, sugar, cornstarch, and milk to create a similar flavor!
How Do I Get the Oreo Crust Just Right?
The crust is a crucial part of the Turtle Lush Dessert! To get it perfect:
- Make sure the Oreo cookies are finely crushed for an even texture.
- Mix the crushed cookies with melted butter until it resembles wet sand. This helps it stick together.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the dish using your fingers or the bottom of a glass for an even layer.
- Baking the crust for just a few minutes helps solidify it but don’t overdo it to avoid a hard crust.
Let it cool completely before adding layers. This will prevent your creamy filling from getting soggy!
How to Make Easy Turtle Lush Dessert
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 24 Oreo cookies (about 1 package)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tub (8 oz) Cool Whip or whipped topping, divided
For The Pudding Layer:
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
For The Topping:
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
- Chocolate syrup, for drizzling
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, plus extra for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Turtle Lush Dessert requires about 20 minutes of active preparation time, plus at least 4 hours to chill in the fridge (or overnight for best results). It’s a simple process of layering, so you can create this treat with minimal effort before it sets up nicely!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the Oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse them until they are finely crushed. Alternatively, you can put them in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin if you don’t have a processor.
Transfer the crushed Oreos to a medium bowl, add the melted butter, and mix until everything is well combined. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to form the crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is going to be delicious! Now, fold in half of the Cool Whip gently until everything is well combined. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled Oreo crust.
3. Add the Pudding Layer:
In another bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and the cold milk until it thickens, which should take about 2 minutes. Once it’s thick, spread the chocolate pudding layer evenly over the cream cheese layer.
4. Finish It Off:
Spread the remaining Cool Whip over the chocolate pudding layer for a light topping. Now, it’s time to make it pretty! Drizzle the caramel sauce and chocolate syrup over the top, then sprinkle with the chopped pecans.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the dessert and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to let the layers set perfectly. When you’re ready to serve, slice it up and enjoy this rich and creamy Turtle Lush Dessert! The blend of chocolate, caramel, and pecans is sure to be a hit!
FAQ for Easy Turtle Lush Dessert
Can I Use a Different Type of Cookie for the Crust?
Absolutely! If you’re not an Oreo fan or want a different flavor, you can use any chocolate cookie, such as chocolate wafer cookies or even gluten-free chocolate cookies for a variation.
Can I Make This Dessert Dairy-Free?
Yes! For a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut whipped cream instead of Cool Whip. Just make sure your pudding mix is also dairy-free!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. However, the crust may get a little softer over time, so it’s best enjoyed within a day or two!
Can I Freeze the Turtle Lush Dessert?
While you can freeze it, it’s best to freeze the dessert without the toppings to maintain the quality. To serve, let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before adding the caramel, chocolate syrup, and pecans right before enjoying!
