Description

Butterscotch Lush is a delightful layered dessert featuring a graham cracker crust, creamy cheesecake layer, smooth butterscotch pudding, and a fluffy Cool Whip topping. This no-bake dessert is chilled to perfection and garnished with optional butterscotch morsels and crunchy candy bars, making it a sweet and luscious treat perfect for any occasion.

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 also be used)

Top Layer

8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed

Optional Toppings

Butterscotch morsels
Chopped pecans
Chopped Heath candy bars
Butterscotch sauce drizzle

Instructions

Prep: Get a 9×13 inch baking pan and set it aside for assembling the layers later.
Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, light brown sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the 9×13 pan to create the crust. Place the pan in the freezer for 20 minutes to set the crust while preparing the remaining layers.
Cheesecake Layer: Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. Then fold in the thawed Cool Whip gently using a wooden spoon or spatula until well combined.
Butterscotch Pudding Layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant butterscotch pudding mix with the half and half for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken. Let it rest for about 3 minutes to achieve a firmer consistency.
Assemble The Butterscotch Lush: Remove the crust from the freezer. Spread the cheesecake layer evenly over the crust, covering the entire surface. Next, spread the thickened butterscotch pudding over the cheesecake layer. Finally, spread the remaining Cool Whip evenly on top as the last layer.
Fridge Time: Cover the assembled pan tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours, though chilling overnight is ideal to allow all layers to set and flavors to meld.
Garnish & Serve: Just before serving, garnish the top with optional butterscotch chips, chopped Heath candy bars, chopped pecans, or a drizzle of butterscotch sauce for added texture and flavor. Slice into squares and serve chilled.

Notes

For best results, use cream cheese at room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
Half and half yields a richer pudding, but whole milk can be substituted if preferred.
Freezing the crust before adding layers helps prevent mixing and maintains a firm base.
Refrigerate overnight for a firmer texture and enhanced flavor melding.
Optional toppings add crunch and extra sweetness but can be omitted for a simpler dessert.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Butterscotch Lush, layered dessert, no-bake dessert, graham cracker crust, butterscotch pudding, cheesecake layer, cool whip dessert