Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This no-bake turtle cheesecake is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves a combination of creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors. The Oreo crust adds a perfect crunch to balance out the smoothness of the filling. The caramel and hot fudge toppings provide an irresistible layer of richness, while the whipped cream adds a light, fluffy touch. This dessert is a true showstopper with minimal effort, making it perfect for both casual get-togethers and special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

1 family-sized package of Oreos
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

2 (8 ounce) blocks of cream cheese, softened
2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix (powder only)
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup prepared caramel sauce

For the Topping:

2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Assembly:

1 cup prepared caramel sauce
1 cup hot fudge sauce
1 cup chopped pecans
15 turtle candies (optional)

Directions

Make the Crust:
In a food processor, crush the Oreos into fine crumbs. In a medium bowl, combine the Oreo crumbs with the melted butter and mix until fully incorporated. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan or a deep dish pie pan, ensuring it’s evenly spread and compact. Place the pan in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the vanilla pudding mix and milk, and continue to beat until the mixture thickens and is well combined. Finally, mix in the caramel sauce until the filling is smooth and creamy.
Make the Whipped Topping:
In a separate mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
Assemble the Cheesecake:
Take the chilled crust out of the refrigerator. Pour the cream cheese filling over the crust and spread it evenly. Next, top with the whipped cream, smoothing it over the filling.
Add the Toppings:
Drizzle the caramel sauce and hot fudge sauce over the whipped cream. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and place the turtle candies on top, if using. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or until fully set.

Servings and Timing

Servings: This recipe serves 10-12 people.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours
Total time: 4 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Nut-Free: Omit the pecans and turtle candies for a nut-free version.
Chocolate Crust: Swap the Oreo crust for a chocolate cookie crust for extra chocolate flavor.
Other Sauces: If you’re not a fan of caramel or fudge, you can try other sauces such as butterscotch, chocolate hazelnut, or raspberry for a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze this cheesecake if you want to keep it longer. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Reheating: Since this is a no-bake cheesecake, there’s no need to reheat it. Simply serve chilled.

FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the filling?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but keep in mind that the texture and richness may be slightly different.

2. Can I make the crust ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the Oreo crust up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the cheesecake.

3. Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Yes, you can use graham crackers, Nilla wafers, or even chocolate chip cookies as a crust base, though Oreos give the best flavor for a turtle-inspired dessert.

4. How can I make the filling thicker?

If the filling doesn’t set as firm as you’d like, you can add more instant pudding mix or let it chill longer in the fridge to thicken.

5. Can I skip the whipped topping?

You can skip the whipped topping if you prefer, but it adds a light, fluffy contrast to the rich filling. You could also use store-bought whipped topping as an alternative.

6. How do I make sure the cheesecake sets properly?

Allow the cheesecake to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results. This will help the filling firm up and set properly.

7. Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free Oreos and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free, this cheesecake can easily be made gluten-free.

8. How do I know when the cheesecake is ready to serve?

The cheesecake is ready when the filling is firm to the touch, and the whipped cream topping is set. The cheesecake should be fully chilled before serving.

9. Can I use homemade caramel sauce instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce works just as well as store-bought. Make sure it’s cooled before using it in the recipe.

10. Can I make this cheesecake in advance?

Yes! This cheesecake can be made up to 2 days ahead of time. It’s actually even better when it has had more time to chill and set.

Conclusion

This No-Bake Turtle Cheesecake is a crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the irresistible flavors of caramel, chocolate, and nuts with a creamy, no-bake cheesecake filling. It’s perfect for any occasion, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a delicious treat, this cheesecake is sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth!

Turtle Lasagna

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 10-12 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy, nutty, and chocolatey goodness of this No-Bake Turtle Cheesecake. With a rich Oreo crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and decadent caramel and hot fudge topping, this easy-to-make dessert combines the flavors of your favorite turtle candy into a show-stopping cheesecake. Perfect for any occasion, no baking required!

Instructions

Make the Crust: Crush the Oreos into fine crumbs using a food processor. Combine with melted butter and press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Chill in the refrigerator.
Prepare the Filling: Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add instant vanilla pudding mix and milk, and beat until thickened. Mix in caramel sauce.
Make the Whipped Topping: Whisk heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Assemble the Cheesecake: Pour the cream cheese filling onto the chilled crust, smoothing it out. Top with whipped cream.
Add the Toppings: Drizzle with caramel and hot fudge sauces. Sprinkle with chopped pecans and place turtle candies on top. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Notes

Nut-Free Version: Skip the pecans and turtle candies.
Storage: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage. Let thaw in the fridge before serving.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American