Description
Chocoholics rejoice with this indulgent Turtle Lasagna dessert that layers rich chocolate, caramel, and pecans into a dreamy confection. Sweet chocolate lovers will savor each creamy, nutty bite of this irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Lasagna Base:
- 12 sheets lasagna noodles
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
Chocolate Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dark chocolate, melted
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Caramel and Turtle Topping:
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
Binding and Sweetening:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup milk
Garnish:
- 1/2 cup chocolate drizzle
- 1/4 cup whole pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing the surface with butter or cooking spray.
- Create a foundational layer by evenly spreading graham cracker crumbs across the bottom of the dish, pressing firmly to form a compact crust.
- In a large mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until smooth and creamy, gradually incorporating melted dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and heavy cream until a uniform chocolate mixture develops.
- Blend powdered sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk into the chocolate mixture, whisking thoroughly to ensure a silky, homogeneous texture.
- Carefully layer lasagna noodles over the graham cracker base, followed by a generous spread of the chocolate cream cheese mixture.
- Drizzle caramel sauce across the chocolate layer, creating intricate swirls and ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle a combination of chopped pecans, chocolate chips, and almonds over the caramel, providing textural contrast and nutty depth.
- Repeat the layering process: noodles, chocolate cream, caramel, and nut mixture, creating multiple delectable strata.
- Complete the final layer with remaining noodles and chocolate cream, ensuring complete coverage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges become slightly golden and the center sets.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 1 hour.
- Before serving, garnish with chocolate drizzle and whole pecans, creating an elegant and indulgent presentation.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to enhance flavor melding and facilitate clean, precise slicing.
Notes
- Swap graham crackers with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy this decadent dessert.
- Use dark chocolate with lower sugar content for a more refined, less sweet experience that highlights complex cocoa flavors.
- Consider toasting nuts before adding to enhance their natural oils and create a deeper, more intense nutty profile.
- Chill ingredients like cream cheese and eggs beforehand to ensure smoother blending and more consistent texture throughout the dessert.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg