Irresistible Frozen Turtle Pie
With layers of gooey caramel, silky chocolate pudding, and crunchy pecans tucked into a chocolate cookie crust, this Frozen Turtle Pie is the kind of dessert you’ll want tucked in your freezer for surprise guests or those late-night cravings.
What Makes This No-Bake Pie a Must-Try
If you’re a fan of turtle candies, this Frozen Turtle Pie is about to become one of your favorite desserts. This recipe checks all the boxes for a crowd-pleasing, low-effort dessert. To start, there’s absolutely no baking involved! Just mix, layer, and freeze. It’s the perfect make-ahead treat to keep in your freezer for when company drops by or the sweet tooth kicks in.
And if you’re looking to cut back on sugar, all you gotta do is swap in sugar-free pudding and light whipped topping, and you’ve got a lighter version that still tastes every bit as rich and indulgent!
Now you might be wondering what other delicious treats you can make without having to turn on the oven. You’ll definitely want to check out our No-Bake Pumpkin Cheesecake!
What You’ll Need to Make Frozen Turtle Pie
- Caramel Topping
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Pudding (small box)
- Whipped Topping
- Milk
- Pecans
- Chocolate Shell
- Chocolate Pie Crust
Optional: For a homemade crunchy Oreo crust, crush Oreo cookies into a fine crumb using a rolling pin or food processor, then mix with melted butter and press into a pie plate or springform pan. Freeze to set. You can use the leftover Oreos to whip up some Oreo Brownies!
How to Make Frozen Turtle Pie
Step 1: Make the Pudding Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine your milk and chocolate pudding mix. Beat with a hand mixer or whisk until smooth and thickened, or about 2 minutes.
Add the tub of whipped topping and gently fold until it’s fully incorporated. You should have a smooth, fluffy chocolate filling that holds soft peaks.
Lighter Option: Try using sugar-free pudding and light Cool Whip. It will still have sugar, but it will have a whole lot less, and this Frozen Turtle Pie is no less decadent because of it!
Step 2: Layer the Pie
Pour the caramel sauce into your chocolate cookie crust. Tilt gently so the caramel coats the bottom evenly. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the caramel layer.
Spoon the pudding mixture over the top of the pie, smoothing it out into a tall, luscious mound.
Step 3: Freeze and Finish
Cover the whole pie with plastic wrap or use the handy lid from your store-bought crust. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until it is completely set.
When the pie is ready to serve, remove it from the freezer. Pipe or spoon whipped topping around the edges, then drizzle with Magic Shell or melted chocolate. Let it sit uncovered for about 5 minutes to allow the shell to harden.
Then, let the pie sit out for 5-10 minutes to make it easier to cut.
Top with more chopped or pecan halves, and serve cold!
Optional: Add a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce or caramel syrup.
Grab a slice and enjoy!
FAQs
Sure thing! Walnuts or almonds work well. Or leave the nuts off altogether if you’re making it nut-free.
Can I make this in a springform pie pan?
Yes! A springform pan makes for easy removal and prettier slices, especially if you want to serve it at a party or holiday gathering.
Is there a dairy-free version of this pie?
You can try dairy-free pudding mixes, coconut whipped topping, and a dairy-free chocolate crust—just note the texture may vary slightly.
Ingredients
- Small box instant chocolate pudding can use sugar-free 4 serving size
- 1 +1/2 cup milk
- 8- ounce container whipped topping. Can use light
- 1 cup caramel
- 6- ounce chocolate pie crust
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- Chocolate Magic Shell
- Squirt whipped cream canned for garnish
- Pecan halves to garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, place instant pudding and milk. Beat well, scraping down sides as needed, until pudding is dissolved, about 2 minutes. Add in whipped topping and mix until well blended, about a minute.
- Spread caramel in the bottom of the pie crust. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Spoon the Chocolate Pudding mixture over. Cover and place in freezer until firm.
- Before serving, squirt a border of canned whipped topping around the edges. Drizzle a zig-zag pattern of magic shell over the entire top of the pie and place it in the freezer, uncovered, for 5 minutes to help set.
- Press pecans into the border for decoration, if desired. Allow to sit out for 5-10 minutes before cutting. Enjoy!
Have to try this. But NUTS, because of nut allergies in my house will have to sub the nuts. Maybe I’ll try mini choc chips, or will try Wheat Nuts, which are nut free, Oh heck think I’ll add a little of each. Wish me luck. And as far as the carmel, I use Mrs Richards sugar free carmel, it is really good.
Let me know how it turns out and what you decided to substitute with. I am sure others with nut allergies would love to hear.
I wish I could make it right now. It looks so good. Thanks Christy for all that you do.
Thank you Deborah, I hope you get the chance to make it soon!
Love Friday Pie and the “lighten it up if you want to” tips! thank you Christy!
Thank you Kathy!!
Hi Christy~
Girl that Turtle Pie looks like…well all I can say is WOW! I am going to have to make that. I am going to have to make two, I have a big family and one pie ain’t gonna work! lol 🙂
Christy, i have not been feeling well, but just saw this great, beautiful, recipe and it perked me right up. I am going to make this!!!! Thank You, You are the greatest. Can’t wait for more pie days
I hope you feel better soon!! Enjoy the pie!
LOL, I hope you all enjoy it Grace!!
Heaven in a pie shell…thanks 🙂 No Aldi’s out west, so I’ll either do the sweetened condensed milk or punt with another brand of caramel. Love the way you make the whipped cream look so purty around the edge of the pie…how do you do that???
Do you freeze the whipped topping in the can?
I’m thinking about making this pie for an upcoming birthday dinner party for the desert table. How long should I leave the pie out before it needs to be frozen or refrigerated before I can set it out again on the buffet table.