Turtle pie is a rich and decadent dessert that has been enjoyed by many for decades. But where does the name come from and what is the history behind this delicious treat?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the origins of turtle pie and explore the fascinating history behind this beloved dessert.
What is Turtle Pie?
Turtle pie is a dessert that typically consists of a graham cracker crust filled with a mixture of chocolate, caramel, and pecans. The name “turtle” refers to the combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans, which is said to resemble the shape of a turtle.
The pie is often topped with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or additional pecans for added flavor and texture.
Origins of Turtle Pie
The origins of turtle pie are somewhat murky, with several different stories circulating about how the dessert came to be.
One popular theory is that turtle pie was created by the Drake Hotel in Chicago in the early 1900s. According to this story, the dessert was named after the hotel’s executive chef, Ernest Arbogast, who was known for his love of turtles.
Another theory is that the dessert was first made in the South, where turtles are a common ingredient in cooking. This theory suggests that the dessert was inspired by the traditional Southern pecan pie, which often includes caramel and chocolate in addition to pecans.
Regardless of its origins, turtle pie quickly became a popular dessert in the United States and has since been adapted and modified in many ways to suit different tastes and preferences.
Variations on Turtle Pie
While the classic turtle pie recipe includes chocolate, caramel, and pecans, there are many variations of the dessert that feature different ingredients and flavor combinations.
Some variations of turtle pie include:
- Peanut Butter Turtle Pie: This version includes a layer of peanut butter in addition to the chocolate, caramel, and pecans.
- Coconut Turtle Pie: This substitutes a coconut crust for the graham cracker crust and includes shredded coconut in the filling.
- Pumpkin Turtle Pie: This variation adds pumpkin puree and spices to the filling for a festive twist on the classic dessert.
- White Chocolate Turtle Pie: This version replaces the milk or dark chocolate with white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier flavor.
Nutritional Information for Turtle Pie
Here’s a table of the approximate nutritional information for a 1/8 slice of turtle pie (77g):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 |
| Total Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 60 mg |
| Sodium | 230 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Total Sugars | 29 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Vitamin D | 0 IU |
| Calcium | 66 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
| Potassium | 128 mg |
| Vitamin A | 300 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0 mg |
| Vitamin E | 1 mg |
| Vitamin K | 1 mcg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.1 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.1 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 0.5 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0 mg |
| Folate (B9) | 9 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 | 0.2 mcg |
| Pantothenic acid (B5) | 0.3 mg |
| Phosphorus | 96 mg |
| Magnesium | 28 mg |
| Zinc | 0.5 mg |
| Copper | 0.1 mg |
| Manganese | 0.2 mg |
| Selenium | 6 mcg |
Please note that nutritional information may vary slightly depending on the recipe and ingredients used.
It is important to note that turtle pie is a high-calorie dessert and should be consumed in moderation. If you are watching your weight or have health concerns, you may want to consider making a healthier version of the pie by using lower fat ingredients or reducing the amount of sugar.
The Bottom Line
Turtle pie is a delicious and popular dessert with a fascinating history. While its origins may be somewhat obscure, the dessert has become a staple of American cuisine and has been enjoyed by countless people over the years.
Whether you prefer the classic combination of chocolate, caramel, and pecans or like to experiment with different variations, turtle pie is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you feeling satisfied and pampered.
FAQs
Where did the name Turtle Pie come from?
The name “Turtle Pie” comes from the popular “Turtle” candy, which is made of chocolate, caramel, and pecans. The toppings used in Turtle Pie, such as caramel, chocolate, and pecans, are similar to those found in the candy. It is believed that the name originated in the United States, but the exact origin of the dessert is unclear.
What is the turtle pie called?
Smooth caramel filling infused with rich caramel, topped with chocolate, pecans, and whipped crème rosettes on a fresh-from-the-oven chocolate cookie crumb crust. A real show-stopper.
What does turtle mean in dessert?
“Turtles” are chocolate and caramel candies with pecans. The pecans tend to stick out of the sides of the candies, making them look like turtle legs. That’s how turtles got their name. Desserts with chocolate, caramel and pecans often get that “turtle” name attached to them (like my Chocolate Turtle Cookies).
Why is chocolate caramel called turtle?
Turtles candies are bite-sized candies made up of pecan halves, caramel, and chocolate. They are named as such because when you pile the chocolate and caramel on top of the pecans, it kind of looks like the shell of a little turtle!
Why is it called a turtle sundae?
The combination of vanilla ice cream, hot fudge and hot caramel sauces, and toasted pecans is known as a turtle sundae. The name derives from the turtle candy, which consists of pecans covered with caramel and then dipped in chocolate.
Who makes turtle pie?
Marie Callender’s Turtle Pie contains zero trans fat and no artificial flavors or preservatives. Enjoy the combination of fine ingredients and the love and care baked into Marie Callender’s recipes for the comforting taste of delicious, homemade goodness.