These Mini Turtle Pudding Pies are the perfect bite-sized treat for any party, and they’re easily customizable! This simple recipe layers crunchy pecans, gooey caramel, and rich chocolate pudding in a tart shell, all topped with fluffy whipped cream.
The Perfect Bite-Sized Turtle Pudding Pies
It seems that every time I hold a vote in my Facebook group about your favorite dessert flavors, Turtle is right up there at #1. That combination of chocolate, caramel and pecans just gets to everyone, apparently.
I know it gets to me! I didn’t make my No Bake Turtle Cheesecake, No Bake Turtle Cookies and this No Churn Turtle Ice Cream for nothin’!
So this time, we’re doing turtle pudding pie! I made these using pre-made tart shells, but I did make my own chocolate pudding so you can still brag yourself up to your family and friends!
If you want to keep things even simpler, you can absolutely use instant chocolate pudding here. My homemade chocolate pudding recipe is sooooo easy (easier than most, thanks to my love of shortcuts!), but I totally understand if it’s an extra step you don’t have time for. You can take the easy way out and I won’t tell anyone!
Ingredients for Mini Turtle Pudding Pies
- Frozen tart shells: You can usually find these in the freezer aisle at your grocery store. I’m in Canada, so I can’t speak for my American friends.
- Toasted pecans: You can buy them pre-toasted or toast them yourself in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes. Walnuts are a great substitute if you’re not a fan of pecans!
- Dulce de leche: Or a thick caramel sauce. Look for it in the baking aisle or near the condensed milk.
- Sugar: Plain granulated sugar is all you need here.
- Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for the best rich, chocolatey flavor.
- Milk: Whole milk will give you the richest pudding, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
- Chocolate: A semi-sweet chocolate bar, chopped up, works best for melting into the pudding.
What if I can’t find frozen tart shells?
These little Turtle Pudding Pies would be just as good in one large pie shell, if that’s your thing. For the holidays, I love using tart shells because they’re great for potlucks — no slicing and serving!
My 3 Tips for Making Mini Turtle Pudding Pies
- Ensure the pudding is fully set before adding whipped cream to prevent it from melting or sliding off.
- To prevent a skin from forming on your pudding as it cools, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before refrigerating.
- If your caramel sauce is too thick to drizzle, gently warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
How to Store Mini Turtle Pudding Pies
You can store your pudding pies into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for 3-5 days. If you want to save them for later, wrap each pie individually in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. They’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before you’re ready to eat!
Mini Turtle Pudding Pies
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 12 Frozen tart shells
- ¼ cup chopped, toasted pecans
- ¼ cup dulce de leche or thick caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
Pudding
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons corn starch
- 1 Egg
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup chopped chocolate
Instructions
- Bake tart shells according to package directions. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
- Meanwhile, prepare your pudding. In a large skillet, whisk together sugar, cocoa and corn starch. Add the egg and milk and whisk until smooth.
- Place over medium heat and cook and stir until thickened (it will look like pudding!) about 6-8 minutes. Stir in chocolate until melted. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl.
- Add 1 teaspoon of pecans and 1 teaspoon of caramel into the bottom of each tart shell. Top with chocolate pudding and refrigerate at least 1-2 hours or until set.
- Garnish with whipped cream and additional caramel and pecans. Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Want to save this recipe?
Create an account easily save your favorite content, so you never forget a recipe again.
Tried this recipe?
Tag @thereciperebel or hashtag #thereciperebel — I love to see what you’re making!
Tag @thereciperebel
Cindy says
Ashley.Where did you get the mini tart shells?I messaged Erin.I told her that,my husband cousins got her in Georgia,at Harveys.
Cindy says
Erin.My husband cousins,make the miniature pecan pies.I asked her.She lives in Georgia.They have them.At Harvey’s.I brought home 2 boxes.I live in Florida.Someone said Winn Dixie.Also they said to ask the store manager.They might can order them
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Cindy! They are available in pretty much any grocery store here in Canada. Sorry, I’m not sure about the United States!
Nadean Dotson says
There was no way to put this through a sieve. Best was is to use a standup hand mixed. That worked quick and good.
Nadean Dotson says
Didn’t find the shells either, so I made my own.
Ashley Fehr says
Great tip!
Erin says
Where do you find mini pie or tart shells ive had no luck!
Ashley Fehr says
I’m in Canada and we can get them in the freezer section of any grocery store. Are you in the U.S.? I’m not sure I’d know where to direct you.
Cindy says
Erin.My husband cousins,make the miniature pecan pies.I asked her.She lives in Georgia.They have them.At Harvey’s.I brought home 2 boxes.I live in Florida.Someone said Winn Dixie.Also they said to ask the store manager.They might can order them.
Joyce says
This recipe looks delicious can’t wait to try it. But I have a suggestion, instead of straining the cooked pudding through a sieve, I would combine the egg and milk together and strain the mixture before adding it to the dry ingredients.
Ashley Fehr says
Yes, that should work too as long as your egg cooks evenly in your pudding!
Pita says
So I hate to sound stupid but why does the pudding get put through a strainer? This recipe sounds awesome but I like to know exactly what I’m getting into! Thanks for sharing so many great recipes.
Ashley Fehr says
Just to ensure it’s smooth! You can skip that step if you prefer
Jen K says
Shells were impossible to find so using graham shells instead…hope they turn out good!
Ashley Fehr says
Let me know how it goes!
Quin @ Butter Be Ready says
How cute and delicious!! I’m a sucker for anything turtle related 🙂
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
Oh my gosh, these little pies are TOO adorable, Ashley!! Since they’re so tiny I can totally have two right?? Drooling over here!
Ashley Fehr says
Um, yes, definitely! Thanks Sarah!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Anything in mini form AND with chocolate has to be the best! Love the turtle flavor, too! Such a fun dessert for the holidays!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Gayle!
Christin@SpicySouthernKitchen says
I love those cute little tart shells!! WHat a wonderful holiday dessert!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Christin!
Annie says
These look AMAZING! I do believe they are the perfect way to go for holiday parties this season!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Annie!
Dorothy Dunton says
Hi Ashley! I was just thinking about chocolate pie the other day! This version sounds delicious with the pecans and caramel and little pies are much more fun!
Ashley Fehr says
I think about chocolate pie often! Haha 🙂 It’s definitely one of my favorite versions!