I grew up near an ice cream shop called Leatherby's that sold the most incredible ice cream creations! I even worked there as a teenager and had fun scooping ice cream for hours. My very favorite thing to order was the turtle pie. Their version was unique in that there was no chocolate involved, just a simple graham cracker crust, pralines and cream ice cream, and the most incredible caramel sauce around. I've missed it so much while living in the east but found a recipe for caramel sauce that is spot on to what I remember! This dessert is indulgent, and I could eat it every day.
Leatherby's Turtle Pie (Copycat)
Serves 8
1 gluten free graham cracker crust (I used a premade one by Mi-Del. If you would like to make your own, my favorite recipe for a homemade graham crust is HERE)
1-quart pralines and cream ice cream (It goes by different names, but the one that has candied pecans and caramel swirls in vanilla ice cream)
Caramel Sauce (The BEST recipe found HERE)
Whipped cream
Maraschino cherries
Soften the ice cream, then scoop into the pie crust and spread evenly with a spatula. Cover and freeze. Prepare the caramel sauce. Let cool slightly. Serve slices of pie drizzled with lots of caramel and topped with whip cream and a cherry.
Step-by-step tutorial:
The ingredients for this are pretty basic. You need a gluten free graham cracker crust and some pralines and cream ice cream. This premade brand worked well. It was slightly crumbly when I opened it and was spreading the ice cream, but after the crust is frozen, it's fantastic. You could even freeze the crust before putting in the ice cream to prevent it from being crumbly.
Leave the ice cream out on the counter for a bit until it is softened. You don't want it melted though, so check it and stir it. Once it is scoopable AND spreadable, fill the crust with ice cream and use a spatula to smooth the top. Cover and freeze for at least 2 hours.
Meanwhile, prepare the caramel sauce. This is a bit time consuming because you get to stand and stir until you reach the right thickness, but I promise it is so worth it!
Slice the pie with a sharp knife.
It comes out nice and clean if it's fully frozen.
Now take that caramel and drizzle all over the top!
For good measure, top with some whipped cream and a cherry. Just like they serve at Leatherby's! It is one of those desserts that everyone loves!
Recipe Source: Shanna's recipe box