Caramel Turtle Pie is a rich, decadent dessert featuring layers of chocolate, caramel, and pecans, reminiscent of the flavors of a turtle candy. This no-bake pie is easy to make, with a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy caramel filling, and smooth chocolate ganache. Topped with pecans and drizzled with more caramel and chocolate, this dessert is sure to impress at any gathering!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 crackers)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Caramel Layer:

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup pecan halves or pieces

For the Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra shine)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ¼ teaspoon sea salt for a salted caramel flavor
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in the chocolate ganache for added richness

For Garnishing:

• Extra pecan halves or pieces
• Drizzle of caramel sauce
• Chocolate drizzle

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
2. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan.
3. Refrigerate the crust for at least 30 minutes to firm up while you prepare the caramel layer.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Layer

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the sweetened condensed milk, butter, brown sugar, and corn syrup.
2. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the caramel thickens and darkens slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let it cool for a few minutes before pouring the caramel into the chilled pie crust.
4. Sprinkle the pecan halves or pieces evenly over the caramel layer.
5. Place the pie back in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the chocolate ganache.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Ganache

1. Place the chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer (do not boil). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes.
3. Stir the mixture until smooth and the chocolate is fully melted. If using, add the butter for extra shine.
4. Pour the ganache over the chilled caramel and pecan layer, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
5. Return the pie to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2-3 hours or until fully set.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Before serving, garnish the pie with extra pecan halves, a drizzle of caramel sauce, and a chocolate drizzle for a decorative touch.
2. Slice and enjoy this rich and decadent dessert!

Cooking Notes

• Crust: You can use a chocolate cookie crust or Oreo crust instead of graham crackers for a deeper chocolate flavor.
• Caramel: For a shortcut, you can use store-bought caramel sauce in place of making the homemade caramel.

Variations

1. Salted Caramel Turtle Pie

Add ¼ teaspoon of sea salt to the caramel layer or sprinkle sea salt on top of the finished pie for a delicious salted caramel twist.

2. Chocolate Turtle Pie

Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the chocolate ganache for a richer flavor, or use a combination of dark chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate chips for a deeper chocolate flavor.

3. No-Bake Turtle Pie

Use store-bought caramel and a pre-made graham cracker crust to make this recipe completely no-bake. Just layer and chill!

4. Peanut Turtle Pie

Swap the pecans for chopped peanuts to create a peanut turtle pie that’s just as delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Caramel Turtle Pie ahead of time?
Yes! This pie is great for making ahead. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover Caramel Turtle Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pie for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I freeze Caramel Turtle Pie?
Yes! Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Q: Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making the homemade caramel layer.

Q: Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! You can add toppings like whipped cream, chopped nuts, or even a drizzle of peanut butter for extra indulgence.

This Caramel Turtle Pie is a decadent, no-bake dessert that combines the rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and pecans into a delicious treat. With its creamy caramel layer, smooth chocolate ganache, and crunchy pecans, this pie is perfect for any occasion and sure to impress your family and friends.