Butterscotch Lush

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Graham Cracker Crumbs: This forms the base crust for the dessert. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can try digestive biscuits or even vanilla wafer cookies for a different flavor.

Unsalted Butter: Always a good choice here, as it allows you to control the saltiness of the dessert. If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.

Butterscotch Pudding Mix: This is the star of the show! If you can’t find butterscotch pudding, vanilla pudding works too; just add a little extra brown sugar to mimic the flavor.

Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese gives the dessert a rich texture. If you need a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese for a similar texture without the dairy.

Whipped Topping: You can swap this with homemade whipped cream for a fresher taste. For a vegan option, look for whipped coconut cream as an alternative.

How Do You Ensure Your Crust is Perfectly Set?

The crust is the foundation of your Butterscotch Lush, so getting it right is crucial! After mixing the graham cracker crumbs, butter, and sugar, follow these steps for the best results:

• Press the crust mixture firmly into the baking dish. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to create an even layer.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. This helps it set and gives it a nice color.
• Let it cool completely before adding the layers on top. This keeps everything from getting mushy!

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 Butterscotch Layer:

• 1 package (3.4 oz) butterscotch pudding mix
• 2 cups milk

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, thawed

For Garnish:

• ½ cup toffee bits (plus more for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and then requires chilling in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. So, if you’re planning to serve this dessert, start at least half a day ahead for the best results!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar until everything is well combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish to create a nice crust. Pop it in the oven for about 10 minutes. Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool completely.

2. Make the Butterscotch Layer:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the butterscotch pudding mix and milk. Keep whisking for about 2 minutes until it starts to thicken up. Set this aside while you work on the cream cheese layer.

3. Create the Cream Cheese Layer:

In another bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, gently fold half of the thawed whipped topping into this cream cheese mixture until it’s well blended. Then, fold in the butterscotch pudding until everything is evenly combined.

4. Assemble the Layers:

Now it’s time to layer everything in your baking dish! Spread the butterscotch layer over the cooled crust evenly. Then, add the remaining whipped topping on top of the butterscotch layer, smoothing it out nice and pretty. Don’t forget to sprinkle some toffee bits over the top for a delicious garnish!

5. Chill and Serve:

Cover your baking dish with a lid or plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until it’s nicely set. When you’re ready to serve, cut the dessert into squares and enjoy the delightful layers of Butterscotch Lush!

Can I Substitute the Graham Crackers?

Absolutely! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free graham crackers or crushed almonds. For a chocolate twist, chocolate sandwich cookies work great as a substitute as well. Just make sure to crush them into fine crumbs before mixing with butter and sugar!

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cover the top to prevent the whipped topping from drying out, and for the best texture, serve chilled!

Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?

Yes! This dessert is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just sprinkle the toffee bits on top right before serving to keep them crunchy!

What Can I Use Instead of Butterscotch Pudding Mix?

If you don’t have butterscotch pudding mix, you can substitute it with vanilla pudding mix for a milder flavor, or chocolate pudding mix for a richer taste. Just follow the same instructions, and adjust the milk amount if required according to the pudding mix directions!