Butterscotch Lush is a lovely layered dessert that combines creamy pudding with a crunch from a delicious crust. It’s sweet, smooth, and oh-so-comforting!
This tasty treat is perfect for sharing, but fair warning—once you start, it’s hard to stop at just one bite! I love making it for special gatherings because it always impresses everyone.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These create a delicious crust. If you’re out of graham crackers, try using digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers for a different flavor.
Unsalted Butter: This binds the crust together. If you want a healthier option, coconut oil or a dairy-free spread can work as a good substitute.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives a rich texture. For a lighter version, you can use Neufchâtel cheese or even a plant-based cream cheese if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Instant Butterscotch Pudding Mix: This gives the dish its signature flavor. Vanilla pudding mix works if butterscotch is unavailable, but the flavor will differ slightly.
Whipped Topping: Cool Whip adds creaminess. If you’re avoiding store-bought options, you can whip your own cream using heavy cream and sugar.
How Do You Achieve a Smooth Cream Cheese Mixture?
Getting that creamy, smooth layer is key to a great Butterscotch Lush. If you don’t mix it well, you might end up with lumps, which isn’t ideal.
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This is crucial for easy blending.
- Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until there are no lumps. A hand mixer or stand mixer works best for this.
- When folding in the whipped topping, use a gentle motion to keep the mixture light and airy.
How to Make Butterscotch Lush
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip)
For The Butterscotch Layer:
- 2 (3.4 oz) packages instant butterscotch pudding mix
- 3 cups milk
For The Topping:
- 1 cup additional whipped topping for topping
- ½ cup toffee bits or crushed Butterfinger candy for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Butterscotch Lush takes about 30 minutes to prepare and needs to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before serving. So, you can whip it up in no time and then let it get nice and cool while you wait to enjoy it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter until it looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish to create a nice crust. Bake it in the oven for 10 minutes, then let it cool.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until it’s well combined. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust.
3. Prepare the Butterscotch Layer:
In a new bowl, whisk together the instant butterscotch pudding mix and 3 cups of milk. Keep stirring for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Pour this butterscotch pudding over the cream cheese layer and spread it evenly.
4. Add Topping and Chill:
Spread the remaining 1 cup of whipped topping over the butterscotch pudding layer, smoothing it out nicely. Finally, sprinkle the top with toffee bits or crushed Butterfinger candy for that extra crunch and sweetness. Cover your dish and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until it’s fully set. Once ready, slice and enjoy your delicious Butterscotch Lush!
Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of graham cracker crust, you can substitute with a cookie crust made from crushed Oreos or another type of cookie. Just mix the crushed cookies with melted butter and press into the dish as you would with the graham cracker crumbs.
What if I Don’t Have Whipped Topping?
You can make your own whipped topping by whipping heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Use about 1 cup of heavy cream to yield approximately 1 cup of whipped topping, and fold it into the cream cheese mixture and for the topping as well.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Butterscotch Lush can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer slices to an airtight container to keep it fresh and delicious.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers or an alternative gluten-free cookie crust. Just ensure that any other ingredients you use are also certified gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the recipe!
