Get ready to discover your new go-to dessert! This No-Bake Butterscotch Lush is an absolute dream for anyone who loves sweet, creamy, and easy treats. Forget turning on the oven – this layered delight comes together with minimal effort and maximum flavor, making it perfect for potlucks, holidays, or just a weeknight indulgence.
If you're a fan of luscious layers, rich butterscotch, and a hint of nutty crunch, then you've come to the right place. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, ensuring even novice bakers can create a show-stopping dessert that will impress everyone.
What Makes This Butterscotch Lush So Irresistible?
Our Butterscotch Lush features a delightful combination of textures and flavors:
- Buttery Pecan Crust: A simple yet incredibly flavorful base made from crushed shortbread cookies and toasted pecans.
- Creamy Cheese Layer: A light, sweetened cream cheese mixture that adds a tangy counterpoint to the rich butterscotch.
- Golden Butterscotch Pudding: The star of the show, a smooth and decadent butterscotch pudding layer. If you're curious about the origins of butterscotch, you can learn more about its fascinating history on Wikipedia.
- Fluffy Whipped Topping: A generous cloud of whipped topping crowns this dessert, adding an airy finish.
Each bite offers a symphony of sweet, creamy, and slightly crunchy elements that are truly addictive. Plus, the no-bake aspect means less stress and more time to enjoy your creation!
Why You'll Love This Easy Recipe
- No Baking Required: Perfect for hot days or when your oven is busy.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses readily available ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after chilling, making it ideal for entertaining.
- Crowd-Pleaser: A universally loved dessert that disappears quickly!
Ready to whip up this amazing dessert? Let's gather our ingredients and get started. Trust us, once you try this Butterscotch Lush, it's going to become a regular request in your home!
Tips for the Perfect Butterscotch Lush
- Chill Time is Crucial: Don't rush the chilling! Allowing ample time (at least 3-4 hours, or overnight) ensures the layers set properly and the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Whip Cream Cheese Well: Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free cream cheese layer.
- Instant Pudding Only: This recipe relies on instant pudding mix for its quick setting properties. Cook-and-serve pudding will not work the same way.
- Garnish for Flair: A drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of extra pecans or toffee bits before serving adds a lovely touch.
This Butterscotch Lush is more than just a dessert; it's a sweet escape that's wonderfully easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Prepare to be asked for this recipe again and again!
FAQs
What is Butterscotch Lush?
Butterscotch Lush is a popular no-bake layered dessert featuring a delicious pecan-shortbread crust, a creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, a rich butterscotch pudding layer, and a fluffy whipped topping. It's known for its irresistible sweet and creamy texture.
Can I make Butterscotch Lush ahead of time?
Absolutely! Butterscotch Lush is an excellent make-ahead dessert. In fact, it's best when allowed to chill for at least 3-4 hours, or even overnight, to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld beautifully. This makes it perfect for parties and gatherings.
How long does Butterscotch Lush last in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Butterscotch Lush will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. While it's still delicious, the crust might soften slightly after the first day.
Can I use a different crust for Butterscotch Lush?
Yes, you can! While the pecan-shortbread crust is traditional and highly recommended, you can also use crushed graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even chocolate sandwich cookies (like Oreos) mixed with melted butter for a different flavor profile.
Butterscotch Lush
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 9-12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A decadent no-bake dessert featuring layers of crushed cookies and pecans, creamy butterscotch pudding, cream cheese filling, and fluffy whipped topping.
Ingredients
1 1/2 cups crushed shortbread cookies (about 25-30 cookies)
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed and divided
2 (3.4 ounce) packages instant butterscotch pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
Optional: Caramel sauce for drizzling
Instructions
Step 1: For the crust, combine crushed shortbread cookies, chopped pecans, and melted butter in a medium bowl. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup milk with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. Spread this layer evenly over the chilled crust.
Step 4: In another large bowl, whisk together the instant butterscotch pudding mixes and 3 cups cold milk for 2 minutes, or until the pudding starts to thicken. Let it sit for 2-3 minutes to become firm.
Step 5: Carefully spread the butterscotch pudding layer over the cream cheese layer.
Step 6: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the butterscotch pudding layer. Cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap.
Step 7: Refrigerate the Butterscotch Lush for at least 3 hours (preferably 4-6 hours or overnight) to allow all the layers to set completely and the flavors to meld.
Step 8: Before serving, you can optionally drizzle with caramel sauce and garnish with extra pecans or toffee bits. Slice and serve cold.
Notes
For an extra crunch, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the crust mixture. Ensure all layers are spread gently to prevent them from mixing. This dessert can be made up to 2 days in advance for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
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