Desserts · 3 min read
Baskin Robbins Turtle Ice Cream Pie (Copycat)
Layers of pralines and cream ice cream, hot fudge, caramel, and pecans in a chocolate crust. An easy no bake copycat dessert.
★ 5.0 (6)
This Baskin Robbins turtle ice cream pie copycat brings the freezer case favorite home with just five ingredients and no baking. The combination of pralines and cream ice cream, hot fudge, caramel, and toasted pecans over a chocolate cookie crust hits every note of the original. It's the kind of dessert that looks like you spent hours on it, but it comes together in minutes. The no-bake method means you can have it ready for a party without turning on the oven.
Why you’ll love this easy turtle pie recipe
- It tastes just like the Baskin Robbins original, but you control the quality of the ingredients.
- There's no baking involved, so it's a great project for hot summer days or when you want a quick dessert.
- The layers of creamy ice cream, gooey caramel, rich fudge, and crunchy pecans give you a little of everything in every bite.
Key ingredients for an authentic turtle pie
- Pralines and cream ice cream: This is the heart of the pie. The vanilla base with caramel ribbons and praline pieces gives you the classic turtle flavor. If you can't find it, use vanilla ice cream and stir in some caramel sauce and chopped pecans.
- Hot fudge sauce: Choose a thick, rich hot fudge that sets up slightly when cold. A thin syrup will soak into the crust and lose its distinct layer. You can use homemade or store-bought.
- Pecans: Toasting the pecans brings out their nutty flavor and gives them a crisp texture. Use raw pecan halves or pieces, and toast them in a dry skillet until fragrant.
Tools for assembling this turtle pie
- A skillet for toasting the pecans
- A rubber spatula for spreading the ice cream and sauces
- Measuring cups for the sauces and pecans
- A sharp knife for slicing the pie cleanly
Tips for making the best turtle pie copycat
- Let the ice cream soften on the counter until it's spreadable, usually 10 to 15 minutes. If it gets too soft, it will melt into the fudge layer and lose its shape.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until they smell nutty. Let them cool completely before sprinkling on top so they stay crunchy.
- Use a thick hot fudge sauce, not a thin syrup. A thick sauce will hold its layer without soaking into the crust.
- Spread the ice cream evenly to the edges of the crust so every slice has a full layer.
Turtle pie copycat variations to try
- Swap the pralines and cream ice cream for butter pecan or vanilla bean with a caramel swirl. The flavor will be close, but the texture of the pralines will be missing.
- Use a graham cracker crust instead of chocolate cookie crumbs for a lighter, sweeter base.
- Add a layer of chocolate chips or toffee bits between the ice cream and the caramel for extra crunch.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk ice cream and dairy-free caramel and fudge sauces. The pie will still set up beautifully.
Serving suggestions for turtle pie
- Drizzle extra caramel and hot fudge over each slice before serving.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry for a classic sundae feel.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side if you want extra creaminess.
- Pair with a cup of hot coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness.
Storing leftover turtle pie slices
Leftover slices of this turtle pie keep well in the freezer. Place them in an airtight container or wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap. They'll stay fresh for up to a week. To serve, let a slice sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly, or eat it straight from the freezer if you like it firm.
How to freeze this turtle pie for later
You can assemble this pie a day or two before you plan to serve it. After you finish layering, cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm. For longer storage, wrap the entire pie in a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you're ready to serve, let the pie sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes to make slicing easier.
Source recipe: Baskin Robbins Turtle Ice Cream Pie (Copycat) (SnapChef ID 57f6a4ae-b955-4f89-a769-18ca1d2a01da). Nutrition is estimated per serving.
Ingredients
Directions
- Allow ice cream to sit out long enough to soften, but do not let it melt!
- Line the bottom of the crust with the hot fudge sauce.
- Spread the ice cream on top of the fudge sauce. Top with caramel topping and pecans.
Tap a step number to check it off as you cook.
Nutrition Facts per serving · estimated
Amount per serving
% Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet (FDA).
Good to know
Questions, answered
Can I use a different ice cream flavor?
Yes, you can substitute butter pecan, vanilla bean, or even chocolate chip. The pralines and cream adds a caramel swirl and crunchy praline pieces, so if you swap it, you might want to add a little extra caramel sauce to compensate.
How long does the pie need to freeze before serving?
The pie needs to be fully firm before slicing. If you try to slice it too soon, the layers will smear. Freeze it until it's solid, which usually takes several hours. Overnight is best for clean slices.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the pie up to 2 days ahead and keep it covered in the freezer. For longer storage, wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months. Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing.
What if I don't have a chocolate cookie crust?
You can use a graham cracker crust or even a shortbread crust. The chocolate flavor is part of the turtle profile, but a graham cracker crust will still taste great. You can also make your own crust with chocolate wafer cookies and butter.
How do I soften the ice cream without melting it?
The key is to check it frequently. You want it soft enough to spread but not liquid. If it starts to melt, return it to the freezer for a few minutes. A thick, spreadable consistency is what you're after.
