Description
Butterscotch Lush is a decadent no-bake layered dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake filling, luscious butterscotch pudding, and a fluffy whipped topping. Perfect for gatherings and special occasions, this sweet treat combines smooth textures with rich butterscotch flavor and optional crunchy toppings for added indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 10 tablespoons butter, melted
Cheesecake Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
Butterscotch Pudding Layer
- 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant butterscotch pudding mix
- 3 cups half and half (whole milk can be used as a substitute)
Final Topping
- 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
Optional Garnishes
- Butterscotch morsels
- Chopped pecans
- Chopped Heath candy bars
- Butterscotch sauce drizzle
Instructions
- Prep: Prepare a 9×13 inch baking pan by setting it aside for constructing the dessert.
- Make the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, light brown sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form a crust. Freeze for 20 minutes to set while making the other layers.
- Prepare the Cheesecake Layer: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip using a wooden spoon or spatula until fully combined.
- Prepare Butterscotch Pudding Layer: In a separate bowl, whisk the instant butterscotch pudding mix with half and half for 1-2 minutes until it begins to thicken. Allow it to rest for about 3 minutes to let it firm up further.
- Assemble the Layers: Remove the crust from the freezer. Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the crust, reaching edge to edge to create a smooth base layer. Next, spread the thickened butterscotch pudding evenly on top of the cheesecake layer. Finally, spread the remaining Cool Whip over the pudding layer as the top layer.
- Chill: Cover the pan with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight to allow the dessert to fully set and flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the top with butterscotch chips, chopped Heath candy bars, chopped pecans, or a drizzle of butterscotch sauce as desired. Cut into squares and serve chilled.
Notes
- For a firmer crust, pressing the graham cracker crumb mixture firmly and chilling well is key.
- The dessert requires several hours of refrigeration to properly set; overnight chilling is ideal.
- Feel free to customize toppings with your preferred nuts or candies for added texture and flavor.
- Whole milk can substitute half and half in the pudding but the texture may be slightly lighter.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smooth mixing without lumps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Butterscotch Lush, no bake dessert, layered dessert, butterscotch pudding dessert, graham cracker crust, easy dessert
