No-Bake Turtle Lasagna Dessert Recipe

Introduction

This No-Bake Turtle Lasagna Dessert is a deliciously rich and easy-to-make treat that combines creamy chocolate pudding, sweet caramel, crunchy pecans, and layers of graham crackers. Perfect for gatherings or a special family dessert, it requires no oven time and comes together in just a few simple steps.

A close-up of a square dessert on a white plate with a thin gold rim, showing four visible layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly, light brown crust with bits of nuts, the second layer is a thick, dark caramel mixed with chopped nuts, the third layer is a thick white cream, and the top layer is a smooth golden caramel glaze covered with chopped milk and white chocolate pieces, all sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 package of graham crackers
  • 1 cup of chopped pecans
  • 1 cup of caramel sauce
  • 1 cup of chocolate pudding mix
  • 3 cups of milk
  • 8 oz of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup of powdered sugar
  • 1 container of whipped topping

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  2. Step 2: In another bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and milk until the mixture thickens.
  3. Step 3: In a 9×13 inch dish, arrange a layer of graham crackers to cover the bottom evenly.
  4. Step 4: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker layer.
  5. Step 5: Spread half of the chocolate pudding mixture on top of the cream cheese layer.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle half of the caramel sauce and sprinkle half of the chopped pecans over the pudding layer.
  7. Step 7: Repeat the layers with the remaining graham crackers, cream cheese mixture, pudding, caramel sauce, and pecans.
  8. Step 8: Finish the dessert with a generous layer of whipped topping on top.
  9. Step 9: Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the graham crackers to soften.

Tips & Variations

  • For an extra touch, sprinkle some sea salt over the caramel layer to balance the sweetness.
  • Use homemade caramel sauce to add a richer flavor.
  • Swap pecans for walnuts or crushed chocolate candies for different textures.
  • If you prefer a firmer dessert, refrigerate overnight before serving.

Storage

Store the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving again, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly. This dessert is best enjoyed chilled and should not be frozen, as the texture of the pudding and whipped topping will change.

How to Serve

A square slice of layered dessert sits on a white plate with a thin silver rim, resting on a white marbled surface. The dessert shows five visible layers: the bottom layer is dark brown with a rough, nutty texture; above this is a creamy white layer; next is a thick caramel layer with a smooth, shiny surface; followed by another white creamy layer; and finally a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top, covered with small, uneven chunks of nuts in light brown and off-white colors. The caramel sauce slowly drips down the sides, adding a glossy finish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, making it several hours or even a day ahead helps the flavors meld and the graham crackers soften, resulting in a more cohesive texture.

What can I use instead of graham crackers?

If graham crackers are unavailable, you can substitute with digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies for a similar layered effect.

Print

No-Bake Turtle Lasagna Dessert Recipe

This No-Bake Turtle Lasagna Dessert is a luscious layered treat combining creamy chocolate pudding, smooth cream cheese, buttery caramel, and crunchy pecans atop a graham cracker base. Perfect for an easy, show-stopping dessert that requires no baking and is ready after chilling for just a few hours.

  • Author: Rico
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 1 package of graham crackers

Nut & Sauce Layers

  • 1 cup of chopped pecans
  • 1 cup of caramel sauce

Chocolate Pudding Layer

  • 1 cup of chocolate pudding mix
  • 3 cups of milk

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 oz of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup of powdered sugar

Topping

  • 1 container of whipped topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps for a luscious layer.
  2. Make Chocolate Pudding: In another bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and milk until the pudding thickens according to the package instructions, usually about 5 minutes.
  3. Layer the Graham Crackers: In a 9×13 inch dish, arrange a layer of graham crackers evenly at the bottom to create a sturdy base for the dessert.
  4. First Cream Cheese Layer: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker layer to add a smooth, tangy contrast.
  5. First Chocolate Pudding Layer: Spoon half of the prepared chocolate pudding over the cream cheese layer, spreading carefully to maintain distinct layers.
  6. Add Caramel and Pecans: Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the pudding and sprinkle half of the chopped pecans on top to add sweetness and crunch.
  7. Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process by adding another layer of graham crackers, then the remaining cream cheese mixture, followed by the remaining chocolate pudding, caramel sauce, and pecans, maintaining the layered effect.
  8. Finish with Whipped Topping: Spread the container of whipped topping evenly on the very top layer to add lightness and creaminess.
  9. Chill: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours to allow layers to set and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

  • Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps and ensure smooth blending.
  • You can substitute store-bought caramel sauce with homemade for a more personalized flavor.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the pecans or replace with sunflower seeds.
  • Make sure to cover the dessert with plastic wrap while chilling to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
  • The dessert can be prepared a day in advance for convenience.

Keywords: No-Bake Dessert, Turtle Lasagna, Chocolate Pudding, Caramel Dessert, Easy Layered Dessert

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