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.

A close-up view of a square slice of multi-layered dessert on a white plate, resting on a white marbled surface. The dessert has several layers, starting at the bottom with a crunchy nut and chocolate crumb base in dark brown. Above this is a smooth, white creamy layer, followed by a thicker chewy caramel layer in light brown. The next layer is another thin white cream, then a nutty and crispy mixture layer in golden brown with visible pieces of nuts. The top is covered with a sticky golden caramel layer, sprinkled evenly with chopped mixed nuts, creating a textured surface. The dessert looks rich and dense with a mix of smooth, crispy, and gooey textures. 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 until smooth and creamy.
  2. Step 2: In another bowl, whisk together the chocolate pudding mix and milk until the pudding thickens.
  3. Step 3: In a 9×13 inch dish, arrange a layer of graham crackers evenly on the bottom.
  4. Step 4: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker layer.
  5. Step 5: Layer half of the chocolate pudding evenly on top of the cream cheese mixture.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the pudding layer, then sprinkle half of the chopped pecans on top.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

The image shows a square piece of layered dessert placed on a white plate, sitting on a white marbled surface. The dessert has multiple layers starting from the bottom with a thick base of crushed nuts mixed with a sticky caramel-like substance, giving it a rough brown and light tan texture. Above this base, there is a smooth layer of white cream, followed by another thin layer of nutty caramel. The next layer is thicker white cream, topped with a shiny, golden caramel layer. The top is sprinkled generously with chopped nuts of varying sizes, adding a crunchy look to the smooth caramel shine. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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.

Print
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No-Bake Turtle Lasagna Dessert Recipe


  • Author: Ella
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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

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