Description
Rich chocolate turtle pie celebrates classic caramel and pecan flavors that delight dessert enthusiasts. Chocolate graham cracker crust, creamy caramel filling, and toasted pecans create an irresistible southern-style treat you’ll want to savor slowly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups (255 g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup (240 mL) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (60 mL) heavy cream
- 1 cup (170 g) soft caramels (about 20 caramels, like Kraft)
- 24 Oreo cookies, crushed into fine crumbs
- 6 tbsps (90 mL) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (85 g) chopped pecans, toasted
- ¼ cup (60 mL) caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup (35 g) chopped pecans
- ¼ cup (45 g) mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Whipped cream (optional)
Instructions
- Crust Preparation: Pulverize Oreo cookies into fine crumbs and blend thoroughly with melted butter, creating a uniform mixture that will form the pie’s foundational layer.
- Crust Molding: Firmly compress the crumb mixture into the pie dish, ensuring an even, compact base that extends up the sides, then chill in the refrigerator to solidify its structure.
- Caramel Infusion: Gently melt caramels with heavy cream, stirring continuously until achieving a silky, glossy texture, then fold in toasted pecans for a nutty dimension.
- Caramel Layer: Cascade the pecan-studded caramel over the chilled crust, distributing evenly and allowing it to set briefly in the refrigerator.
- Chocolate Ganache: Position chocolate chips in a heat-resistant vessel, pour scalding heavy cream over them, and let rest momentarily before whisking into a velvety ganache, incorporating vanilla extract for enhanced aromatic complexity.
- Final Assembly: Pour the chocolate ganache smoothly over the caramel layer, creating an indulgent surface, then refrigerate for several hours to allow layers to solidify and harmonize.
- Garnishing: Before serving, adorn the pie with a delicate caramel sauce drizzle, scattered chopped pecans, miniature chocolate chips, and optional billowy whipped cream, then slice to reveal the tantalizing layers of flavor and texture.
Notes
- Achieve Cookie Crumb Perfection: Use a food processor or zip-lock bag with rolling pin to create ultra-fine, uniform Oreo crumbs for a smoother, more cohesive crust.
- Prevent Caramel Seizing: Melt caramels on low heat and stir constantly to maintain a smooth, glossy texture without burning or becoming grainy.
- Control Ganache Consistency: Let hot cream sit on chocolate for exactly 2-3 minutes before whisking to ensure silky, lump-free ganache with maximum flavor integration.
- Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute regular Oreos with gluten-free versions, use dairy-free chocolate and cream alternatives, and replace pecans with sunflower seeds for nut-free adaptation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 13
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg