Butterscotch Lush is a delicious layered dessert that combines creamy butterscotch pudding, whipped topping, and a crunchy cookie base. It’s a sweet treat that everyone will love!
This dessert is perfect for parties or just a fun night at home. I whip it up quickly, and I can’t resist sneaking spoonfuls from the dish. Who can blame me? 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These are essential for the crust. If you can’t find them, try using crushed digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafers for a different flavor.
Unsalted Butter: I prefer unsalted to control the saltiness of the dessert. If you have only salted butter, it can work too; just reduce any additional salt in the recipe.
Instant Butterscotch Pudding Mix: This is a key flavor component. If you’re looking for a different taste, try vanilla or chocolate puddings instead, but the texture may slightly change.
Whipped Topping (Cool Whip): For a homemade version, you can whip heavy cream with a little sugar. This provides a fresh taste and can be healthier since you control the ingredients.
Toffee Bits: Heath Bar bits add a nice crunch. If you can’t find these, you can use chopped almonds or pecans, or even chocolate chips for a variation.
How Do I Make the Perfect Graham Cracker Crust?
The crust sets the foundation for your Butterscotch Lush, so it’s important to get it just right. Here’s how to do it:
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar together until well combined.
- Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your baking dish, ensuring it’s even. Use the bottom of a measuring cup for a tight pack.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes at 350°F (175°C). This helps firm it up, making it a sturdy base for your luscious layers.
- Let it cool completely before adding the filling, as this prevents any melting or sogginess.
How to Make Butterscotch Lush
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
For The Filling:
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant butterscotch pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip)
For The Topping:
- 1 cup toffee bits (such as Heath Bar), divided
- Additional whipped topping for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Butterscotch Lush will take about 20 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 2 hours (or overnight) to chill in the fridge. You’ll spend a bit of time mixing and layering, and then just let it set so all the flavors come together. Perfect for a sweet treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix everything together really well until it’s combined. Now, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish to form a nice crust. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, then take it out and let it cool completely.
2. Prepare the Pudding Layer:
In another bowl, whisk together the instant butterscotch pudding mix and the cold milk until it’s smooth. After mixing, let it sit for about 5 minutes to thicken up a bit while you move on to the next step.
3. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until it’s nice and smooth. Next, gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until everything is well combined and creamy.
4. Assemble the Layers:
Now it’s time to layer! Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over your cooled graham cracker crust. After that, pour the thickened butterscotch pudding over the cream cheese layer, spreading it out evenly. Finally, top everything off with the remaining whipped topping, and sprinkle the toffee bits on top for a tasty garnish.
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you can wait!). This chilling time helps the layers set and meld together wonderfully. When you’re ready to serve, you can add some extra whipped topping on top for decoration, slice into squares, and enjoy your delicious Butterscotch Lush!
Can I Use A Different Type of Crust?
Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute the graham cracker crumbs with crushed Oreo cookies for a chocolatey twist, or even try using vanilla wafer crumbs. Just melt the butter as usual and mix it with your chosen crumbs for a delicious alternative.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or need a dairy-free substitute, you can use mascarpone cheese or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just make sure it’s at room temperature for easy blending with the powdered sugar.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the layers intact, cover with plastic wrap without pressing directly onto the surface. Enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat!
Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can make this dessert gluten-free by using gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or a gluten-free cookie alternative for the crust. Just ensure that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free to enjoy this delicious treat safely!
