These No Bake Turtle Dream Bars will excite your taste buds with an Oreo cookie crust, cheesecake layer, chocolate pudding, caramel, pecans and Cool Whip! It’s one of the easiest and most delicious no bake desserts much like my original Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars.
Today is a special day.
We are celebrating the upcoming birth of a baby boy!!
Julianne, creator of the blog Beyond Frosting and her husband, Kevin are expecting their first baby in just a few weeks and a whole bunch of her blogger friends are surprising her today with a virtual baby shower.
Julianne makes THE best and most beautiful desserts on her blog and if you haven’t visited yet, you absolutely MUST!
I know you’ll be drooling when you look at her pictures.
She’s a very talented recipe creator, and photographer, and is often inspired when she is high up in the mountains shredding powder since she ad Kevin are avid snowboarders.
I am beyond excited for them both because over the years, Julianne has become a really good friend. We’ve been on a couple of retreats together, and have always been in touch online, but our deep connection lies in our mutual love of New England. She spent many years growing up in Vermont and I in Rhode Island.
Julianne and Kevin, congratulations on the upcoming addition of your bouncing baby snowboarder!
I couldn’t be happier for both of you!!
Here’s to a safe, healthy, uneventful delivery and healthy, beautiful baby boy!
I cant wait to follow his snowboarding adventures.
SAVE THIS TURTLE DREAM BAR RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!
My contribution to Julianne’s baby shower are these Turtle Dream Bars.
If you like chocolate, caramel and pecans, you’re going to fall in love with this super easy dessert.
It’s based on the other Dream Bar recipes I have here on the site.
This type of dessert is also known as a lush dessert or as a dessert lasagna because of the layers.
These dream bar desserts have seriously become a personal favorite.
They are so easy to make, have lots of flavor in each bite, are a favorite dessert among many and I absolutely LOVE coming up with new ideas for them!
The Original Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bar
The Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars way back in 2014 was the one that started it all. The original recipe had a cookie crust that was baked, but I’ve adapted it and have since transformed them into a no bake dessert as well and people love it.
They have been so popular throughout the years that I knew I just had to create more versions.
Dream Bar Recipes
If you like bananas, you’ll love the Banana Pudding Dream Bars. Want to feel like a kid again? Make these Circus Animal Cookie Dream Bars. They’re so colorful and fun that you might just want to stare at them instead of eat them!
Remember buying the Creamsicles off the ice cream truck as a kid? I made these Orange Creamsicle Dream Bars and they transported me to my childhood with every bite! I loved them.
Mint lovers go nuts for my Chocolate Mint Dream Bars. You’ll taste just the right amount of chocolate and mint in every fork or spoonful. You might just end up licking your plate, too!
Got a thing for Speculoos cookies or cookie butter? Well, I’ve got you covered there, too with these Biscoff White Chocolate Dream Bars. I’m surprised I even had enough cookie butter for that recipe since I eat it right out of the jar so often.
I’m a big strawberry fan, so I couldn’t resist making these Strawberry Cheesecake Dream Bars. They’re perfect for a bridal or baby shower or even for mom on Mother’s Day!
And of course, I’ve got you Oreo lovers covered as well with my Oreo Pudding Dream Bars. These bars are seriously stuff that dreams are made of and will surely put a smile on your face.
Dream Bars | Lush Dessert | Dessert Lasagna for the Holidays
Last Thanksgiving, the No Bake Pumpkin Dream Bars were a huge hit. They are like a pumpkin pie, but better! Kurt and I are not on the pumpkin pie team and always opt for a slice of apple pie at Thanksgiving, but from now on, these will be my go to Thanksgiving dessert for sure!
Speaking of holidays, these Cranberry Orange Dream Bars are made with less sugar, so you can enjoy dessert when you’re trying to cut back on your sweets.
Or if you want to really splurge, then these Red Velvet Cherry Dream Bars have your name all over them. With a red velvet cookie crust and cherry pie filling, you’ll be oohing and ahhing with each bite.
Be sure to look for more Dream Bar recipes in the future! I’ve got plenty more in the works.
Even those this dessert looks nothing like the “Turtle” candy it’s supposed to resemble, it is just as delicious.
Believe me.
Why is Turtle candy called Turtle?
Originally created in 1918 by the DeMets Candy Company, pecan pieces were covered in caramel and then encased in chocolate.
The pecans resembled the head and feet of a turtle while the chocolate covering looked like the shell.
Hence the name for this dream bar dessert.
Every bite, you’ll enjoy a taste of chocolate, some sweet caramel and some tasty pecans.
The whole family has fallen in love with this dessert and I think you will, too!
What Ingredients do I need to make this no bake dessert recipe?
- Oreo Cookies – with the filling inside. No need to separate the cookies!
Oreos are one of my favorite cookies to use in desserts. I’ve used them in this Oreo Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe , this Oreo Cake, Cookies and Cream Cheesecake Bars, and even in these Chocolate Cookies and Cream Cheesecakes! - butter
- cream cheese at room temperature
- confectioners’ sugar
- pure vanilla extract
- instant chocolate pudding
- milk
- caramel sauce
- chocolate sauce
- pecan pieces
- Cool Whip or my Stabilized Whipped Cream
How do I make these Turtle Dream Bars?
- If you chose, line an 8 X 8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. This will make it easier to cut into even squares, but uneven squares are fine, too! haha 😉
- Place the Oreo cookies into a blender or food processor to break down into fine crumbs.
- Mix the cookie crumbs with melted butter and pat down into the prepared baking dish.
- Place into the freezer to set for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- In the meantime, mix the chocolate pudding mix with just 1 ½ cups of milk, not the 2 cups of milk as is called for on the package. We want the pudding to be a bit thicker, so you can slice through it. Place into the fridge to set.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until soft. Scrape down the sides of the bowl, and add the pure vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar.
- With a rubber spatula, mix in one cup of the Cool Whip.
Assembly
- Remove the crust from the freezer and place dollops of the cream cheese mixture on top of the crust and spread to all the sides.
- Spread the pudding on top of the cream cheese.
- Drizzle the caramel sauce over the pudding, trying to completely cover because it will be difficult to spread.
- Sprinkle the pecan pieces over the caramel.
- Cover with the remaining Cool Whip.
- Place into the the freezer to chill for a minimum of two hours before serving. The caramel sauce may be runny, but that’s ok.
- Remove the bars from the pan by lifting up the sides of the parchment and drizzle with additional caramel and chocolate sauces, and sprinkle with remaining pecan pieces either before or after slicing into individual servings.
Take a look at the delicious recipes my blogger friends have made to celebrate the birth of Julianne and Kevin’s baby boy!
Banana Fritters from Grandbaby Cakes
Mama’s Best Banana Pudding from The Novice Chef
Snowy Mountain Baby Shower Cake from Life, Love and Sugar
Fruity Pebbles Muffins from Crazy for Crust
Mountain Baby Shower Cookies from Glorious Treats
Instant Pot Cheesecake from Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
No Bake Turtle Dream Bars from 365 Days of Baking and More
Churro Cupcakes from Spoonful of Flavor
Classic Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust from A Classic Twist
Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake from The First Year Blog
Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake from A Dash of Sanity
Potato Chip and Pecan Sandies from Simple Joy
No Bake Turtle Dream Bars
Equipment
- 8 X 8-inch baking dish
- parchment paper
- Mixer
- Offset spatula
Ingredients
- 20 Chocolate Oreos with filling
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
- 3.9 ounces instant chocolate pudding
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 6 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- ½ cup confectioners' sugar
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 8 ounces Cool Whip or 1 recipe of my Stabilized Whipped Cream divided
- 1 cup pecan pieces divided
- ⅓ cup, plus 2 tablespoons caramel sauce divided
- chocolate sauce for drizzling
Instructions
- Prepare an 8 X 8-inch baking dish by lining it with parchment, if desired. This will allow you to lift the bars out of the pan and cut them evenly into squares.
- Melt the butter in a medium microwavable bowl, and place the Oreo cookies with filling into a blender or food processor to crush into fine crumbs. Add the crumbs to the butter and mix well.
- Place the cookie mixture into the pan and spread to the sides, patting down to even it out. Place into the freezer to set for a minimum of 30 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, mix the chocolate pudding with the 1 ½ cups of milk. DO NOT use 2 cups of milk as is called for on the package. We want the consistency of the pudding to be thicker and not runny. Place into the fridge to set.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Scrape down the bowl and add the confectioners' sugar and vanilla extract. Beat again until completely mixed. With a rubber spatula, mix in 1 cup of the Cool Whip or Stabilized Whipped Cream, and mix well.
- Remove the crust from the freezer and place dollops of the cheesecake filling onto the crust. Using an offset spatula, spread the cream evenly to all sides of the pan.
- Place dollops of pudding on top of the cheesecake and gently spread to the edges of the pan.
- Drizzle the 1/3 cup of caramel sauce all over the pudding as it will be difficult to spread.
- Sprinkle 3/4 cup of the pecan pieces over the caramel sauce.
- Place dollops of remaining Cool Whip or Stabilized Whipped Cream on top and completely cover. Place into the freezer for a minimum of two hours before serving. The caramel sauce may be runny upon removal, but that's ok.
- Remove the bars from the pan by lifting up the sides of the parchment and drizzle with additional caramel and chocolate sauces, and sprinkle with remaining pecan pieces either before or after slicing into individual servings.
Comments & Reviews
Turtles are my favorite – this is one of the best no bake recipes!
They are pretty darn delicious, Dorothy! And no bake is always so easy. Thanks, girl!
Oh this looks beyond perfect! I could eat this for dessert everyday!
You two are just the cutest!
Oh, stahhhhp, you’re making me blush, girl! 😘
Well this looks totally incredible!! Wishing I could reach through my screen and grab a slice right now!
Thanks, Glory! I’d love to share some with you, too!
OMG yes!!! I love your dream bars and this flavor is insane – love that melty caramel!
This looks completely amazing! I love that we got to celebrate our friend Julianne today, I can’t wait to try this recipe. Jojo said we are making it this weekend. xo
Thanks, Sandra! So wonderful that we were able to do this for Julianne. Hope you all enjoy it!
Those layers are perfection!! I want to try this for our pool parties this Summer!
Thanks, Jessica! These will be perfect poolside. I can’t wait for warmer weather and summer!
First of all, you know I love no-bake dessert, but you always make the BEST Dream bars!! Thank you so so much for the sweet surprise and thoughtful words. It’s so crazy how much has happened these last few years, I am lucky to have you as a friend! Also I am not sure there’s a better picture of us out there! XO
You are way too kind, girl, and I’m so flattered that you think so seeing as how you’re desserts are totally the BOMB! It really has been an amazing ride these past few years for you, and I’m so happy that I’ve been able to witness it. So proud and happy for you and extremely excited for what’s to come, too! I’m blessed that we’re friends and looking forward to when I get to meet that little snowboarder in person. Love you, Julianne!
These are a dream for sure! Love the flavor of turtles in cake form.
Thanks, Ashley! Definitely what dreams are made of.
I’m all about turtle desserts! This is the perfect summer party dessert!
Thanks, Beth! No bake recipes just scream summer, don’t they?
Love this flavor! They sound delicious!
This looks AMAZING! Anything with chocolate and caramel sauce has be excited. In love with these dream bars.
Zainab, I couldn’t agree more, such a great flavor combination for sure!
This looks so good! Thank you for the recipe, I will definitely try it.
NICE POST!
THANK YOU FOR SHARING…
I can’t get the recipe for Turtle bars, it comes up as Strawberry bars
Kathleen, I am SO sorry about that. I used that recipe to create a new Dream Bar recipe, and when I did I accidentally deleted the Turtle Bars. It’s all fixed now and you can be sure I won’t be doing that again! Thanks so much for letting me know!
Hope you like them!
I don’t know how you hit such a thick layer of the cream cheese mix with 6 ounces of cream cheese and 1 1/2 cups of cool whip and 1/2 cup of confectionary sugar. I put a very thin layer on top of the crust and there was barely enough for a corner of the top. What did I did wrong?
Margie, I’m sorry it didn’t turn out as you expected.
Could your pan have been a 9 X 9 instead of an 8 X 8? I used one that size without realizing it when I made some dream bars a few weeks ago and had the hardest time covering the crust. Those extra inches can make a big difference. That’s the only thing I can think of that would have been the issue. Otherwise, it sounds as you followed the recipe as directed. I hope you enjoyed the taste even though you weren’t please with the appearance.
Cream cheese comes in a 8oz bar, Philadelphia Cream Cheese. I’m from the USA. Maybe it sells differently where you are from. Just found recipe and making it now. The recipe does say 6oz. Have a great day..
This might be a silly question, but can they be froze over night and are they meant to be eaten frozen? So excited for my fiance to bring these to work tomorrow!! 🙂
Hi Jenny! Not a silly question. They’re not intended to be eaten frozen.
If you haven’t yet placed them into the freezer, I would just refrigerate them overnight. If they are in the freezer, just have your fiancee place them into the refrigerator for the day.
Hope everyone likes them!
Hello! If I follow the recipe and put them in the freezer for two hours, how long do they need to set out before serving after freezing for two hours. Thanks!
Debbie, if frozen, I would let them sit out for about 30 minutes before serving.
Hope everyone loves them!
These are absolutely delicious! I was scared it would be too sweet, but it is the perfect combinations of flavors!!! I will definitely be making these again!❤️
I know you have to make a living, but the ads on your recipes are just ridiculous. There are so many things moving and flashing you should post a seizure warning.
Everyone raves about this dessert. It will be in my fridge when family comes to visit this month.
Michelle, thank you so much! I am thrilled to hear that. You keep making it and I’m sure your family will keep returning! 😉
Thanks so much for letting me know and enjoy your visit with them. ❤️
Thank you. Next I’m going to make the no bake peanut butter bars. I did want to add that I used the whole 8 ounces of cream cheese. It was still delicious