Description

Butterscotch Lush is a decadent no-bake layered dessert featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, a rich butterscotch pudding topping, and a fluffy Cool Whip finish. Perfectly sweet and smooth, this chilled dessert offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, garnished with optional butterscotch morsels, pecans, or Heath candy bars for an extra indulgent touch.

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 works also)

Topping

8 ounces Cool Whip (thawed)
Optional: butterscotch morsels, chopped pecans, chopped Heath candy bars, butterscotch sauce drizzle

Instructions

Prep: Get a 9×13 baking pan and set it aside to prepare for layering.
Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, light brown sugar, and melted butter in a medium mixing bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the 9×13 pan to form an even crust. Place the pan in the freezer for 20 minutes to set the crust while you prepare the next layers.
Cheesecake Layer: In a mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in the thawed Cool Whip with a wooden spoon or spatula until fully combined.
Butterscotch Pudding Layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant butterscotch pudding mix and half and half for 1-2 minutes until it begins to thicken. Let it sit for about 3 minutes to thicken further.
Assemble The Butterscotch Lush: Remove the crust from the freezer. Evenly spread the cheesecake layer over the crust, reaching all edges for a firm base. Next, spread the thickened butterscotch pudding over the cheesecake layer. Finally, spread the remaining Cool Whip over the pudding layer as the top layer.
Fridge Time: Cover the pan with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or preferably overnight to allow all layers to set and flavors to meld.
Garnish & Serve: Before serving, garnish the dessert with butterscotch chips, chopped pecans, chopped Heath candy bars, or a drizzle of butterscotch sauce as desired. Slice into squares and serve chilled for a refreshing treat.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
Using half and half will yield a richer pudding layer, but whole milk can be a lighter substitute.
Freezing the crust before layering prevents it from becoming soggy once the pudding and whipped layers are added.
This dessert should be kept refrigerated and served cold for best texture and taste.
Optional toppings add both texture and flavor—feel free to mix and match as preferred.

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, graham cracker crust, cheesecake layer, chilled dessert