Gluten Free Turtle Pie

Published on Nov 11, 2023

  by   Kristina Stosek

4 reviews

Prep Time: 25 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Serves: 8
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Classic Turtle Pie…my new favorite Thanksgiving gluten free pie that rivals traditional gluten free pumpkin or pecan pie. The almond flour, cocoa powder, and hint of cinnamon buttery crust are the perfect base for the caramel filling, pecans, and smooth chocolate topping.

Extra decadent when just before serving, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and an extra dusting of cocoa powder. It’s the perfect Thanksgiving pie. Every bite is sweet and heavy on chocolate.

slice of turtle pie topped with whipped cream on a plate

WHAT IS A TURTLE PIE

Turtle pie is a combination of caramel, pecans, and chocolate nestled in a pie crust and is one of the southern festive desserts. The term “turtle” originates from turtle candy, a confection made with caramel, pecans, and chocolate, which is said to resemble a turtle’s shell. Over time, this flavor combination found its way into various desserts, including pies.

WHAT ARE THE THREE LAYERS IN GLUTEN FREE TURTLE PIE

The first layer is an almond crust. The crust is made with almond flour, butter, sugar, cocoa powder, and a hint of cinnamon. 

The second layer is rich caramel sauce topped with pecans. The caramel sauce is made with condensed milk, butter, sugar, maple syrup, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.

The third layer is a smooth, creamy chocolate layer. You will need gluten free chocolate chips and heavy cream. 

overview of turtle pie in a pie dish

INGREDIENTS FOR GLUTEN FREE TURTLE PIE RECIPE

  • Almond flour
  • Unsalted butter
  • Sweet condensed milk
  • Sugar (brown or white), brown sugar will give you more butterscotch flavor
  • Cocoa powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Heavy cream (whipping cream)
  • Pecans
  • Chocolate chips
  • Vanilla
  • Sea salt

a slice on a dessert serving spoon

HOW TO MAKE GLUTEN FREE TURTLE PIE?

For the almond crust, mix the ingredients and firmly press the mixture into a pie dish. Bake for 10 minutes and cool.

The caramel sauce is made by simmering condensed milk, butter, and sugar. Then, add vanilla at the end. The sauce is poured into a cooled pie crust and topped with chopped pecans.

The final topping is rich, smooth chocolate. It is best to use a double boiler, but you can use a bowl over a pot of simmering water to make the chocolate layer. Simply heat chocolate chips with cream until the chocolate is melted and mixed with the cream. Pour the sauce over the caramel and pecan layer.

Chill the pie for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight

slice of turtle pie on a dessert plate

SERVING 

Chill Well: Turtle pie is typically served chilled, so make sure it has had enough time to set in the refrigerator. This helps maintain the integrity of the layers

Use a Sharp Knife: When cutting and serving the pie, use a sharp knife that has been run under hot water. This makes it easier to achieve clean and neat slices without the layers sticking to the knife.

Garnish: Garnishing each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a dusting of cocoa powder

close up of a turtle pie with whipped cream

STORING

Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days. If you need to store the turtle pie for an extended period, you can freeze it. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy a frozen turtle pie, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw overnight.

 

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE GLUTE FREE PIE RECIPES

Gluten Free Peach And Frangipane Pie

Gluten Free Chocolate Walnut Pie

Gluten-Free Easy Berry Pie

Gourmet Lemon Meringue Pie – Gluten Free

Gluten Free Chocolate Pecan Pie

 

This gluten free turtle pie is an indulgence, a small portion is all you need to enjoy this rich, decadent dessert. And what better time than a festive occasion such as Thanksgiving to introduce this irresistible turtle pie?

Let’s Connect!

Meet Kristina. Passionate about creating delicious, innovative gluten free recipes, and author of two gluten free cookbooks, “Entertaining The Gluten Free Way” and “Small Bites The Gluten Free Way”.

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Many thanks!

Kristina x

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