Indulge in the ultimate no-bake dessert that combines all the beloved flavors of turtle candy in one spectacular pie. This turtle pie features layers of rich chocolate cream cheese filling, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and fluffy whipped cream topping. Named after the famous turtle candy with its irresistible combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans, this impressive dessert requires no baking and can be made entirely ahead of time. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to create something extraordinary without turning on the oven.
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Table of Contents
What Is a Turtle Pie?
This turtle pie succeeds because it balances rich, complementary flavors through strategic layering. The cream cheese base creates a luxurious, cheesecake-like texture lighter than traditional cream pies but substantial enough to support the toppings. Melting chocolate chips with cream makes a silky ganache that integrates seamlessly with the cream cheese, while the caramel layer adds sweetness and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy. The contrast between creamy filling and crunchy pecans provides textural interest that makes every bite exciting.
What Makes This Turtle Pie Recipe One You Should Try?
Think of this recipe for chocolate Turtle Pie as a more decadent version of a Turtle Cream Pie.
This recipe starts with a pastry shell base, a departure from the more common crumb crust. It then opts for using cream cheese, an ingredient missing from most recipes for turtle pies. The cream cheese turns this recipe for Turtle Pie into more of a no-bake cheesecake than a cream pie.
Turtle Pie Ingredients
Pie Crust Foundation
- Pre-baked pastry shell – Provides sturdy base that won’t become soggy under rich filling
- Alternative option: Graham cracker crust – Offers complementary honey-sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate
Rich Chocolate Filling Base
- Cream cheese – Creates a luxurious, tangy base that lightens the overall richness.
- Powdered sugar – Sweetens filling while maintaining smooth texture without grittiness
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips – Provides deep chocolate flavor when melted into ganache
- Heavy whipping cream – Creates silky ganache and helps achieve perfect consistency
Caramel Layer Components
- Thick caramel topping – Forms a gooey layer that adds sweetness and prevents soggy bottom
- Chopped pecans – Delivers essential crunch and nutty flavor characteristic of turtle desserts
Whipped Cream Topping
- Heavy whipping cream – Whips to light, airy peaks for a beautiful presentation
- Optional: Cool Whip – Convenient alternative that maintains stability longer
Garnish Elements
- Additional chocolate chips – Provides visual appeal, and extra chocolate hits
- Extra chopped pecans – Reinforces turtle flavor theme and adds textural contrast
- Caramel syrup – Creates beautiful drizzle pattern and adds final caramel touch
How to Make Turtle Pie
To prepare a Turtle Pie:
- Spread a quarter of the chocolate chips and chopped pecans on the bottom of the pie crust.
- Pour the caramel topping to cover the chocolate chips and pecan pieces. You may have to heat the caramel topping for a few seconds in the microwave to allow the caramel to pour easier.
- Beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar with a mixer until it is light and airy.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler with the heavy cream. Stir or whisk until smooth.
- Use a rubber spatula to scrape the chocolate and cream into the beaten cream cheese mixture.
- Fold and combine gently. Try not to overwork the mixture.
- Spread over the caramel at the bottom of the pie shell. Do your best to maintain separate layers.
- Beat the whipped cream until you reach stiff peaks.
- Spread the whipped cream on top of the cake.
- Garnish with chocolate chips, broken pecans, and caramel syrup. For an extra chocolatey touch, you can also drizzle it with chocolate ganache or chocolate sauce.
- Chill the pie for at least an hour before serving.
- Slice and serve.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Crust Alternatives
- Chocolate Cookie Crust: Use crushed chocolate wafers for deeper chocolate flavor
- Pecan Shortbread Crust: Make homemade pecan crust for extra nutty richness
- Oreo Crust: Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies create complementary texture
Flavor Variations
- Pretzel Turtle Pie: Add crushed pretzels for sweet-salty combination.Â
- Salted Caramel Version: Use salted caramel throughout and add sea salt flakes on top
- Macadamia Turtle Pie: Replace pecans with macadamia nuts for Hawaiian twist
What To Serve With Turtle Pie
Serve with coffee and tea. Something hot with a bit of acidity cuts through this recipe’s richness and helps highlight the flavors of the pie.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare for stress-free entertaining up to 2 days in advance.
- Refrigerator Storage: Cover loosely with plastic wrap or store in a pie keeper. Properly stored, it keeps fresh for 4-5 days.
- Freezing Instructions: Wrap tightly in aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. Freezes well for up to 1 month.
- Thawing Method: Move frozen pie to refrigerator and thaw overnight for best texture.
Favorite Pie Recipes
- Black Bottom Pie
- Buttermilk Pie Recipe
- Chocolate Chip Pie
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
- German Chocolate Pie
- Instant Chocolate Pudding Pie
- Kool-Aid Pie
- Lemon Cream Cheese Pie
- Million Dollar Pie
- Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie
Popular Chocolate Desserts
Check out my easy pie recipes and the best Thanksgiving desserts on CopyKat!
Ultimate Turtle Pie Recipe
Ingredients
Pie
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips divided use
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1 baked pastry pie shell
- 1/4 cup caramel topping
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whipping cream
Topping
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons caramel syrup
Instructions
- To make the pie, sprinkle 1/4 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and the chopped pecans into a pie shell and pour the caramel topping on top.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- In a saucepan over low heat, cook and stir the cream and 3/4 cup of chocolate chips until smooth.
- Gradually add the chocolate mixture to the cream cheese mixture and mix well.
- Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the caramel, chocolate chips, and pecans in the pie shell.
- To make the topping, beat the whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the pie filling. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and pecans and drizzle the caramel syrup on top.
- Refrigerate the pie until ready to serve.
should you refrigerate before serving??
I don’t think it in absolutely necessary, but you can do it.
This is so good! I wonder how it would taste if you use dark chocolate?