No-Bake Turtle Lasagna Dessert Recipe
Introduction
This No-Bake Turtle Lasagna Dessert is a rich and creamy treat that combines the flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans in easy layered slices. Perfect for a crowd, this dessert requires no oven time and comes together quickly for a decadent, make-ahead sweet.

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
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2: In another bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and milk until the pudding thickens.
- Step 3: In a 9×13 inch dish, arrange a layer of graham crackers evenly on the bottom.
- Step 4: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker layer.
- Step 5: Layer half of the chocolate pudding evenly on top of the cream cheese mixture.
- Step 6: Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the pudding layer, then sprinkle half of the chopped pecans on top.
- Step 7: Repeat the layers with the remaining graham crackers, cream cheese mixture, chocolate pudding, caramel sauce, and pecans. Finish with a layer of whipped topping on the very top.
- Step 8: Cover and chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the layers to set and flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- Use store-bought caramel sauce for convenience or make a homemade version for extra richness.
- Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred, or add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty contrast.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat pudding mix and reduced-fat cream cheese.
- Allow extra chilling time if you want firmer layers that cut more cleanly.
Storage
Store the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes for easier slicing. Leftovers can be reheated slightly in the microwave, but it is best enjoyed chilled.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use gluten-free graham crackers?
Yes, gluten-free graham crackers work well in this recipe and make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
How long does the dessert need to chill?
Chilling for at least 4 hours is recommended to allow the layers to set properly, but overnight chilling will improve the flavors and texture even more.
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No-Bake Turtle Lasagna Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
No-Bake Turtle Lasagna is a decadent, layered dessert combining creamy chocolate pudding, rich caramel sauce, crunchy pecans, and sweet graham crackers to create a luscious treat that requires no oven time. Perfectly chilled and topped with whipped topping, it’s an easy-to-make indulgence reminiscent of turtle candies.
Ingredients
Base
- 1 package of graham crackers
Nutty Caramel Layer
- 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 (approximately 8 oz)
Instructions
- Prepare cream cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar. Beat thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps, ensuring a sweet and velvety texture for layering.
- Make chocolate pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and 3 cups of milk. Continue whisking until the pudding thickens, which usually takes a few minutes, forming a rich chocolate layer for the dessert.
- First layer of graham crackers: Arrange a single layer of graham crackers evenly at the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish, creating the sturdy base for the lasagna dessert.
- Layer cream cheese mixture: Spread half of the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham crackers, smoothening it out to cover all crackers completely.
- Layer chocolate pudding: Carefully spoon half of the thickened chocolate pudding over the cream cheese layer, spreading it gently to maintain even coverage without disturbing the layers below.
- Add caramel and pecans: Drizzle half of the caramel sauce evenly over the chocolate pudding layer and then sprinkle half of the chopped pecans on top to add sweetness and a crunchy texture.
- Repeat layering: Repeat the layering process by placing another layer of graham crackers, followed by the remaining cream cheese mixture, the rest of the chocolate pudding, the remaining caramel sauce, and chopped pecans, building up the lasagna dessert.
- Top with whipped topping: Finish the lasagna by spreading the entire container of whipped topping over the final layer, creating a light and creamy topping.
- Chill before serving: Cover the dish and refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours to allow all the layers to set and flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use full-fat cream cheese for a richer texture.
- Chilling the dessert overnight intensifies the flavors and improves sliceability.
- Substitute caramel sauce with homemade caramel for a personalized touch.
- To make the dessert nut-free, omit pecans or substitute with seeds like sunflower seeds.
- Use low-fat milk and sugar-free pudding mix for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: No-Bake dessert, Turtle dessert, Graham cracker dessert, Chocolate pudding dessert, Easy layered dessert

