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Turtle Lasagna Dessert

Decadent no-bake layered dessert with chocolate, caramel, and pecans, perfect for special occasions and easy entertaining.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

Graham Cracker Crust
  • 2 sleeves graham crackers finely crushed
  • 0.5 cup melted butter
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.25 tsp salt
Cream Cheese Layer
  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.25 tsp salt
Caramel Pecan Layer
  • 1.5 cups caramel sauce
  • 1.5 cups chopped pecans toasted
  • 0.25 tsp sea salt
Chocolate Pudding Layer
  • 2 boxes instant chocolate pudding mix 3.9 oz each
  • 3 cups cold whole milk
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
Topping
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tbsp powdered sugar
  • 0.5 cup caramel sauce for drizzling
  • 0.5 cup chopped pecans
  • 0.25 cup mini chocolate chips

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Electric mixer
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing and lining with parchment paper if desired.
  2. Combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press firmly into bottom of dish. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
  3. Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until fluffy. Whip cream, vanilla, and salt separately to stiff peaks. Fold together and spread over crust.
  4. Drizzle half the caramel sauce over cream cheese layer, sprinkle with pecans and sea salt. Swirl gently if desired.
  5. Prepare chocolate pudding according to package directions, fold in heavy cream. Spread immediately over caramel layer.
  6. Whip remaining heavy cream and powdered sugar to soft peaks. Spread over chocolate layer.
  7. Top with remaining caramel drizzle, pecans, and chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
  8. Before serving, let stand 10 minutes at room temperature. Cut with warm knife for clean slices.

Notes

This dessert improves with overnight chilling. Can be made up to 3 days ahead. Use room temperature cream cheese for smoothest texture.