Butterscotch Lush is a creamy, dreamy dessert that layers flavors of butterscotch, cream cheese, and whipped topping. It’s super easy to make and always a hit at parties!
This dish is like a sweet hug in a pan! I love serving it chilled on warm days—perfect for sharing and definitely a crowd-pleaser. What’s not to love about that? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Crackers: They form the base of this dessert. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers for a unique twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the saltiness of the crust. You can substitute it with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, but it may alter the flavor slightly!
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds richness. For a lighter version, use Neufchâtel cheese. If you want a vegan option, silken tofu blended until smooth works well.
Instant Butterscotch Pudding Mix: This is key for flavor and texture. If unavailable, vanilla pudding mix combined with a bit of brown sugar can work as a substitute.
Whipped Topping: Cool Whip is great for convenience. You can make homemade whipped cream or use coconut whipped cream for a dairy-free alternative.
How Do I Make Sure My Butterscotch Lush Layers Stay Defined?
Creating distinct layers is all about careful spreading and gentle handling. After mixing each layer, take your time to apply them without disturbing the previous layer. Here’s how you can do it:
- When spreading the cream cheese layer, use a spatula and gently press it into place.
- For the butterscotch pudding layer, pour it slowly over the cream cheese, then gently spread it outwards with the spatula.
- Finally, when adding the whipped topping, dollop it in sections and gently spread to avoid mixing.
Chilling the dessert for at least 4 hours really helps the layers set, making cutting and serving easier.
How to Make Butterscotch Lush
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip)
For the Butterscotch Layer:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant butterscotch pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
For the Topping:
- 1 cup whipped topping (for topping)
- 1/2 cup crushed toffee pieces or Butterfinger candy (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Butterscotch Lush will take about 20 minutes to prepare. After that, you’ll need to refrigerate it for at least 4 hours to let it set. So, make sure to plan ahead a bit if you want to enjoy it at the end of the day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Crust:
Start by grabbing a medium bowl. In it, combine the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix these ingredients until everything is well combined. Once mixed, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking dish. This forms your tasty crust!
2. Preparing the Cream Cheese Layer:
Next, take another bowl and beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s nice and smooth. Then, fold in 1 cup of whipped topping carefully until everything is nicely mixed. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker crust in your baking dish.
3. Making the Butterscotch Layer:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant butterscotch pudding mix and the cold milk for about 2 minutes. You want it to start thickening up. Once it’s ready, pour this butterscotch pudding over the cream cheese layer, making sure to spread it out evenly.
4. Adding the Topping:
Now it’s time for the final touch! Carefully spread the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping over the butterscotch layer. Make sure it covers everything completely for a smooth finish.
5. Garnishing and Refrigerating:
For some added crunch and flavor, sprinkle crushed toffee pieces or Butterfinger candy on top. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until it’s nicely set up and chilled.
6. Serving:
When you’re ready to enjoy, cut the Butterscotch Lush into squares and serve chilled. Each bite is creamy, sweet, and absolutely delightful. Enjoy your delicious dessert!
Can I Substitute the Graham Crackers?
Absolutely! If you want a different flavor, you can use crushed digestive biscuits or even Oreos for a chocolatey twist. Just make sure the texture is similar so the crust holds together well!
Is There a Dairy-Free Option for This Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut whipped topping instead of Cool Whip. For the pudding, make sure to select a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the texture may soften a bit over time, but the flavors will still be delicious!
Can I Freeze Butterscotch Lush?
Yes, you can freeze it! Before freezing, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
