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Turtle Lasagna Dessert Recipe
Ben Carraoli

Turtle Lasagna Dessert Recipe

I have to tell you, the first time I made this Turtle Lasagna Dessert, I was completely blown away. The layers of chocolate, caramel, and nuts all coming together reminded me of my favorite candy, but in a dessert form that’s perfect for sharing. It’s creamy, rich, and surprisingly easy to make.
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Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Salted sweet cream butter – helps bind the crust and adds rich flavor.
  • Chocolate sandwich cookies with cream filling – Oreo cookies work best but any chocolate cream-filled cookie will do. Crush them finely for a smooth crust.
  • Cream cheese – use full-fat for the creamiest texture.
  • Pure vanilla extract – enhances the sweetness and adds depth.
  • Powdered sugar – dissolves easily for a silky cream layer.
  • Whipped topping – gives lightness to both the cream and pudding layers.
  • Whole milk – necessary for the pudding to set properly.
  • Instant vanilla pudding mix – adds firmness and flavor to the pudding layer.
  • Caramel flavoring – boosts the turtle candy theme.
  • Dry roasted peanuts – add crunch; you can substitute pecans or cashews if preferred.
  • Turtle candies – chopped for a sweet and gooey candy layer.
  • Chocolate sauce optional garnish – for a beautiful finish.
  • Caramel sundae syrup optional garnish – for extra gooey caramel flavor.

Method
 

  1. Start by combining crushed chocolate cookies and melted butter. Press this mixture into the bottom and slightly up the sides of your baking dish. Chill in the refrigerator to help it firm up.
  2. Beat cream cheese with vanilla until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and whipped topping, mixing until creamy and silky. Spread this layer evenly over the chilled cookie crust and return to the fridge.
  3. Combine the instant pudding mix with milk and caramel flavoring. Mix until it begins to thicken, then fold in whipped topping until the mixture is thick and smooth.
  4. Sprinkle chopped peanuts and turtle candies over the cream cheese layer. Drizzle chocolate and caramel syrup on top for extra indulgence. Spread the pudding mixture over this candy layer and chill for 2 hours to set.
  5. Top the dessert with more whipped topping, peanuts, turtle candies, and drizzles of chocolate and caramel syrup. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

  • I always crush the cookies finely so the crust is smooth and holds together perfectly.
  • Adding a little extra caramel flavoring makes the turtle layer pop.
  • Chill each layer for at least 30 minutes before adding the next to keep the layers distinct.
  • I like to drizzle chocolate syrup in a zigzag pattern for a professional-looking finish.