Description
Sweet layers of chocolate and caramel dance through this turtle lasagna dessert, mimicking classic Italian pasta structure with delightful candy-inspired twists. Rich pecans, smooth chocolate ganache, and gooey caramel create an indulgent finale you cannot resist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 family-sized package of Oreos
- 2 (8 ounces) blocks of cream cheese
- 2 (3.4 ounces) packages instant vanilla pudding
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
Dairy and Sweet Components:
- ½ cup caramel sauce
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
Toppings and Garnish:
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup hot fudge sauce
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 15 turtle candies (optional)
Instructions
- Transform Oreo cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor, separating 1 1/2 cups for future layering.
- Combine remaining cookie crumbs with melted butter, pressing firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to create a compact base.
- Using a stand mixer, whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually incorporating pudding powder while maintaining a consistent texture.
- Slowly integrate milk into the cream cheese mixture, stirring carefully to prevent lumps from forming, then blend in caramel sauce until thoroughly combined.
- Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the Oreo crust, creating a uniform layer.
- Artfully distribute the reserved cookie crumbs across the filling surface.
- Strategically drizzle half the caramel and hot fudge sauces over the crumb layer, ensuring even coverage.
- Scatter half the chopped pecans across the sauced surface.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks develop, creating a light and airy topping.
- Gently spread the whipped cream over the layered dessert, covering it completely.
- Seal the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 6-8 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and texture to set.
- For optimal serving, consider freezing briefly to achieve clean, precise slices.
- Before presenting, embellish with remaining caramel sauce, hot fudge, chopped pecans, and turtle candies for an indulgent finish.
Notes
- Prepare this indulgent dessert ahead of time, as it requires at least 6-8 hours of chilling to set perfectly.
- Freezing overnight before serving helps create cleaner, more precise slices that look professionally prepared.
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends seamlessly.
- Save some cookie crumbs, caramel, and hot fudge for a stunning final garnish that adds texture and visual appeal.
- Keep the dessert refrigerated until just before serving to maintain its creamy, decadent consistency.
- Optional turtle candies or extra pecans make for an impressive and delicious final decorative touch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 487
- Sugar: 36 g
- Sodium: 278 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 69 mg