Butterscotch Lush is a creamy dessert that’s sure to please everyone! With layers of butterscotch pudding, whipped cream, and a buttery crust, it’s like a sweet hug in a dish.
Honestly, I can’t help but go back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Perfect for parties or a cozy night in, it’s so easy to make you’ll want to whip it up all the time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Crackers: These provide the base for the crust. If you don’t have graham crackers, crushed cookies like digestive biscuits or Oreo can work too, giving a different flavor.
Unsalted Butter: Always choose unsalted butter for better control of saltiness. You can use coconut oil for a dairy-free version or even applesauce for a healthier take on the crust.
Instant Butterscotch Pudding: For a homemade touch, you can make your own butterscotch pudding if you prefer from scratch. Alternatively, vanilla pudding can be substituted for a milder flavor.
Cream Cheese: If you’re looking for a lighter option, Neufchâtel cheese is a great substitute as it has less fat. You can also use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option.
Cool Whip: If you can’t find Cool Whip, you can whip up some heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. It’s fresh and delicious!
How Do You Get the Cream Cheese Layer Just Right?
Mixing the cream cheese layer can be tricky. First, ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps. Here are some tips to help:
- Beat the cream cheese alone first until smooth before adding the powdered sugar. This creates a better texture.
- Add powdered sugar gradually while mixing to keep the mixture creamy and smooth.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip to keep the layer light and airy. Avoid over-mixing, which can deflate the whipped topping.
How to Make Butterscotch Lush?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
For The Butterscotch Layer:
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant butterscotch pudding mix
- 2 cups milk
For The Cream Cheese Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup cool whip (or whipped topping)
For The Topping:
- Additional cool whip for topping
- ½ cup toffee bits (or crushed toffee candy)
- Chocolate shavings or crushed chocolate bars for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Butterscotch Lush takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus at least 4 hours to chill in the fridge. If you can wait overnight, go for it! This dessert needs time to let all those yummy layers set together nicely.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Crust:
In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Use a fork to combine them well. Once everything is mixed, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create a nice and even crust. Make sure it’s compact!
2. Preparing the Butterscotch Layer:
Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the instant butterscotch pudding mix and 2 cups of milk. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, which will take about 2 minutes. When it’s ready, pour it evenly over the crust layer you just made.
3. Making the Cream Cheese Layer:
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until everything is well combined. Next, gently fold in the cool whip until it’s blended perfectly. Spread this creamy mixture evenly on top of the butterscotch layer.
4. Adding the Topping:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Spread a layer of cool whip over the cream cheese mixture. Then, sprinkle the toffee bits on top. If you want to get fancy, you can add chocolate shavings or crushed chocolate bars as a delicious garnish.
5. Chilling the Dessert:
Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, but if you can leave it overnight, it will set even better!
6. Serving the Butterscotch Lush:
When you’re ready to serve, simply cut the chilled dessert into squares. Enjoy the layered goodness of your Butterscotch Lush—everyone will love it!
Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of graham crackers, you can use crushed Oreos or vanilla wafers as a crust base. Just follow the same measurement of 1 ½ cups and mix it with the butter and sugar. The flavor will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
What If I Don’t Have Instant Butterscotch Pudding Mix?
If you don’t have instant butterscotch pudding mix, you can substitute it with instant vanilla pudding mix. It will give you a different flavor, but adding a teaspoon of butterscotch extract to the pudding will bring back that rich butterscotch taste!
How to Store Leftovers Properly?
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is best enjoyed chilled, so make sure to serve it straight from the fridge!
Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
Yes, to make a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust. Be sure to check the labels on the pudding mix and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free as well.
