Butterscotch Lush (AKA Butterscotch Delight!) Recipe

Butterscotch Lush is an indulgent four-layer dessert with a buttery graham cracker base, smooth cream cheese filling, velvety butterscotch pudding, and airy whipped cream. Drizzled generously with butterscotch sauce and adorned with delicate chocolate shavings, every bite offers a delightful explosion of rich, irresistible flavors. Simply a must-try dessert delight.

I love making my Butterscotch Lush because it’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors that really hits the spot. First, I start with a crunchy graham cracker crust made by mixing 2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup unsalted butter and 1/3 cup granulated sugar.

This base gives a solid structure and a sweet, buttery flavor. Next, my cream cheese layer is prepared with 8 oz softened cream cheese combined with 1/3 cup powdered sugar and a dash of 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.

Then comes the instant butterscotch pudding, where I mix the 3.4 oz pudding mix with 2 cups cold milk, creating a rich and smooth mid-layer. Finally, I complete the dessert with a light whipped cream layer using 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 2 tbsp powdered sugar and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract.

Topped with 1/2 cup butterscotch sauce and 1/4 cup chocolate shavings, this layered treat not only tastes great but also offers a balanced mix of nutrients in each bite. Enjoy this amazing butterscotch dessert masterpiece that reminds me of my favorite layered sweets!

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it has a great mix of textures and flavors that always satisfy me. The crunchy graham cracker crust against the creamy layers makes every bite interesting. I also love how the butterscotch pudding and sauce bring a sweet, caramel vibe that really makes the dessert pop. Another thing i’d say is that having whipped cream on top with a touch of chocolate shavings makes it feel extra special, like a treat i can enjoy any time.

Ingredients

• Graham cracker crumbs: provide a crunchy base loaded with carbs and a slight sweet flavor.
• Cream cheese: adds a rich, tangy taste; gives smooth texture and protein boost.
• Butterscotch pudding mix: creates an indulgent, sweet layer with plenty of carbohydrates.
• Heavy whipping cream: makes the dessert light and airy and adds a bit of healthy fat.
• Chocolate shavings: offer a final touch for texture, with a hint of bitter-sweet contrast.
• Butterscotch sauce: drizzles over layers, making the treat rich, creamy, and decadently sweet.
• Cold milk: readies the pudding, providing liquid thickness and subtle dairy sweetness.
• Powdered sugar: enhances sweetness with a light dusting that balances the tangy flavors.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for the cream cheese layer)
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant butterscotch pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk (to prepare the pudding)
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar (for the whipped cream)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for the whipped cream)
• 1/2 cup butterscotch sauce
• 1/4 cup chocolate shavings

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar in a bowl. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of your pan.

2. In another bowl, blend the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

3. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared crust.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the butterscotch pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until it thickens.

5. Gently pour the pudding over the cream cheese layer ensuring it’s spread evenly.

6. In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.

7. Dollop and then spread the whipped cream over the pudding layer, smoothing it out as best you can.

8. Drizzle the butterscotch sauce over the top, trying to cover the layer evenly.

9. Sprinkle the chocolate shavings over the whipped cream making sure every bite gets some chocolate.

10. Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours before serving so that the layers set up well. Enjoy your Butterscotch Lush!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – for preheating at 350°F
2. Mixing bowls – at least three, one for the crust mix, one for the cream cheese mixture, and one for the pudding/whipped cream
3. Measuring cups and spoons – to measure graham cracker crumbs, butter, sugars, milk, and everything
4. Whisk – to blend the butterscotch pudding mix with the cold milk
5. Electric mixer or hand mixer – to cream the cream cheese mixture and whip the heavy cream
6. Pan – a sturdy pan to press the crust into and assemble the dessert
7. Spatula – to spread and smooth out the layers evenly
8. Chilled bowl – for whipping the heavy cream, makes it easier to form stiff peaks

FAQ

Butterscotch Lush (AKA Butterscotch Delight!) Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have graham cracker crumbs, you can break up digestive biscuits or vanilla wafer cookies to use instead
• You can switch out unsalted butter with salted butter or even try a light margarine if youre in a pinch
• If granulated sugar is short, you might use brown sugar or even a bit of coconut sugar though it may give a slight caramel flavor
• Instead of cream cheese, mascarpone or Neufchatel can work nearly the same and add a delightful twist to the flavor

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your cream cheese is really soft so it blends smooth, otherwise you’ll end up with lumps that mess up the texture.
2. When you’re pressing the graham cracker mix in the pan, press it super firm with the back of a spoon or glass so it doesn’t crumble later on.
3. Always chill your whole dessert for at least 3-4 hours, cause if you serve it too early the layers might mix and ruin that perfect look.
4. For the whipped cream, keep your bowl and whisk in the fridge before you whip them up; that trick makes sure you get stiff peaks every time.