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Turtle Lush

Turtle lush is a layered American dessert with a buttery pecan shortbread crust and creamy cream cheese layer, finished with chocolate pudding and whipped topping. It’s chilled for a clean, sliceable texture, then crowned with caramel and chocolate drizzles, pecan halves, and toffee bits.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
chilling 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 15 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

pecan shortbread crust
  • 1.5 cup flour
  • 0.75 cup powdered sugar
  • 0.75 cup cold butter
  • 0.75 cup pecans, chopped
cream cheese layer
  • 8 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 cup whipped topping
chocolate pudding layer
  • 2 can (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding
  • 3 cup milk
topping
  • 8 oz whipped topping
  • 1 caramel sauce
  • 1 chocolate sauce
  • 1 pecan halves
  • 1 toffee bits

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Make and bake the crust
  1. Press the pecan shortbread crust mixture into an even layer and bake at 350F for 15 minutes, until set. Cool completely before layering.
Build the layers
  1. Beat the cream cheese layer until smooth, then fold in 1 cup whipped topping and spread it over the cooled crust.
  2. Whisk the instant chocolate pudding with 3 cups milk until thick, then spread it over the cream cheese layer.
  3. Spread the remaining 8 oz whipped topping over the pudding in an even layer.
Finish and chill
  1. Drizzle caramel sauce and chocolate sauce over the top, then scatter pecan halves and toffee bits.
  2. Refrigerate for 4 hours, then cut into squares to serve.

Notes

For the cleanest slices, chill until fully firm (4 hours) and use a sharp knife wiped between cuts. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; freezing is not recommended because the whipped topping can soften when thawed. If you want a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat whipped topping.