Mini Turtle Trifles Recipe
These Mini Turtle Trifles Recipe layers marry rich brownies, gooey caramel, crunchy pecans, and fluffy whipped cream into an indulgent treat.
Like most easy dessert recipes at 3 Boys and a Dog, these trifles come together in minutes!
The combination of chocolate and caramel creates an irresistible flavor profile that reminds me of classic turtle candies.
I choose to serve these trifles in mason jars because they showcase the stunning layers through the transparent glass and make portion control a breeze!

The smooth caramel drizzle cascading down the sides and the perfectly toasted pecan on top make these trifles mouthwatering. You’ll want to lick the jar clean!
Mini Turtle Trifles Recipe
When I first made these trifles, my kids couldn’t believe how fancy they looked. My oldest son even asked if I had bought them from a bakery! So I told him the secret to their appearance.
It lies in the patience and effort put into layering. When I do it, I take my time to make each layer distinct and visible through the glass.
These homemade trifles are even extra special because you can customize the sweetness to everyone’s taste. My sweet-toothed boy gets an additional drizzle of caramel, while my husband’s portion always includes a generous handful of pecans.
It’s become our perfect Sunday dessert tradition, bringing the whole family together in the kitchen. Everyone gets to assemble their jars, and we always have fun seeing who creates the prettiest layers!

How do I prevent my whipped cream from deflating in trifles?
If you are experiencing this, do not worry! It is a very common issue, and I’ve faced and solved it through trial and error.
The solution is to slightly overwhip your cream—not until it’s butter, but just past the soft peak stage. This gives it more stability when layered.
Adding powdered sugar helps stabilize the whipped cream, too. The cornstarch in powdered sugar acts as a natural stabilizer. Also, make your bowls and beaters cold before whipping. I swear, it makes a huge difference!
Specialty Ingredients:
The following ingredients are affiliate links on Amazon because they may be a bit hard to find in your normal store. I wanted you to be able to see exactly which things we are using.
- Premium caramel sauce (thick consistency for drizzling)
- High-quality toasted pecans
- Triple chocolate brownie mix
Reminder, not all ingredients in the Turtle Brownie Trifle Dessert Recipe are linked above, just the ones that may be a bit difficult to find or that you might be unsure of what to look for.
Must Have Resources:
When making these Layered Turtle Desserts at home, you really need to have the following Amazon affiliate tools on hand.
- Pint-sized mason jars
- Long-handled spoons for layering
Make it a Meal:
Meal planning used to appear complicated and time-consuming to me. Now I know how much time it can save!
Would you like to save this?
My family loves knowing what’s for dinner, and I love having a plan. Speaking of plans, check out our meal plans for more organized cooking!
Here’s a perfect dinner menu to serve before these trifles:
Main Dish: Delicious Apple Roasted Pork Tenderloin
Vegetable Side: Keto Creamy Brussels Sprouts Bake Recipe
Starch Side: Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash Recipe
Refreshing Drink: Cherry Vanilla Soda Fountain Drink Recipe

Best Layered Dessert Recipes:
After mastering these decadent caramel-pecan trifles, you’ll want to try more amazing layered treats. These desserts are perfect for showing off your assembly skills!
My Pumpkin Praline Trifle brings fall flavors to life in every spoonful!
The holiday season is only complete with a festive Gingerbread Layered Cake Recipe!
It’s Tiramisu Cheesecake time for coffee lovers!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission when anything is bought. This is at no additional cost to you.Werther’s Original Chewy Caramel Candy, 5 Oz Bags (Pack of 12)Torani Puremade Sauce, Caramel, 16.5 Ounces(Pack of 4)
Ghirardelli Caramel Flavored Sauce 16 oz. Squeeze Bottle (Pack of 2)
The Blueberry Berry Trifle Recipe bursts with fresh fruit flavor and is perfect for summer gatherings!
Get festive with this adorable St. Patrick’s Day Parfait!
This Easy Strawberry Trifle Recipe is a crowd favorite at potlucks!
Four Layer Delight lives up to its name with every heavenly bite!

Did you know turtle desserts got their name from actual candy?
The original turtle candies were created in 1918 by Johnson’s Candy Company (later DeMet’s Candy Company). They named them “turtles” because the pecan-studded chocolate caramel patties looked like tiny turtles!
This classic flavor combination became so popular that it inspired countless dessert variations. I love how these trifles capture all those beloved turtle candy flavors in elegant, individual portions.
Shop My Printables
These printables are great for meal planning and organizing! Simply click the image to check out my shop products!



More Pecan Dessert Recipes:
- Maple Pecan Fudge Recipe
- Butter Pecan Sticky Buns Recipe
- Pecan Pumpkin Cobbler Recipe
- Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
- Cranberry Pecan Coffee Cake Recipe

Mini Turtle Trifles Recipe
You'll love the flavor of this Mini Turtle Trifles Recipe! It's the perfect dessert for feeling like a fancy treat at home that anyone can make.
Ingredients
- 1 (18 ounce) box brownie mix with the ingredients needed to make brownies
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Bake the brownies according to the directions on the brownie box. Let the baked brownies cool completely, then cut them into small squares.
- Add the heavy cream and powdered sugar into a cold mixing bowl and whisk until stiff peaks form. Set the mixture aside.
- Press the squares of brownie into the bottom of the jars, then add the pecans, drizzle with about 2 teaspoons or so of caramel sauce, and then add a bit of whipped cream. Repeat for more layers.
- Put the jar in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Add more pecans, caramel, and mini chocolate chips if you want!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 782Total Fat: 56gSaturated Fat: 23gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 30gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 366mgCarbohydrates: 71gFiber: 3gSugar: 57gProtein: 7g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix on 12/13/2024
These little jars of happiness are perfect for making ahead. They taste even better after the flavors meld in the fridge. Just add the final garnishes right before serving!