Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 (8-ounce) tub Cool Whip, thawed overnight in the fridge
- 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Butterscotch Pudding Layer:
- 3 (3.4 ounces) boxes instant butterscotch pudding
- 3 1/2 cups cold whole milk
For Garnish:
- Butterscotch or caramel sauce
- 1/4 cup butterscotch chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure that the crust doesn’t stick. In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they form fine crumbs. Add the sugar and melted butter and pulse again until everything is well combined. Press the graham cracker mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Let it cool completely on a wire rack for about 30 minutes. - Prepare the Cheesecake Layer:
While the crust is cooling, prepare the cheesecake layer. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed using an electric mixer for about 2 minutes, or until it’s light and creamy. Add the sour cream and mix until smooth. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar and beat until combined, about 1 minute. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gently fold in the Cool Whip until it’s fully incorporated. Once the cheesecake layer is ready, spread it evenly over the cooled crust. If you have the time, refrigerate the dessert at this point for about 30 minutes to let the cheesecake layer firm up a bit. - Prepare the Butterscotch Pudding Layer:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the cold milk and instant butterscotch pudding. Stir for 2 to 3 minutes until the pudding begins to thicken. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow it to set further. Once it’s thickened, carefully spread the pudding over the cheesecake layer, taking care not to mix the two layers together. The pudding layer should be smooth and even, creating a perfect golden layer on top of the cheesecake. - Top with Cool Whip:
Spread the remaining Cool Whip evenly over the butterscotch pudding layer. This will create the final, light and fluffy layer. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to set and firm up. - Garnish and Serve:
Once the dessert is fully chilled and the layers are firm, it’s time to garnish. Drizzle the top with butterscotch or caramel sauce, and sprinkle butterscotch chips over the top for an extra touch of sweetness and crunch. Slice into squares and serve chilled. This dessert is best enjoyed after it has had time to set, but it’s so delicious that it may be hard to resist!
Notes
- Chill Time is Key: Butterscotch Delight benefits from time spent in the refrigerator. Chilling helps the layers set and allows the flavors to meld together. It’s best to make this dessert the night before you plan to serve it to ensure that it has plenty of time to firm up and develop the perfect texture.
- Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cheesecake layer or use a sugar substitute. The butterscotch pudding layer can be sweetened to your taste as well.
- Serving Suggestions: Butterscotch Delight is a perfect dessert for any occasion. Serve it alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful end to a meal. It also pairs well with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries, which add a bit of tartness to balance out the sweetness of the dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian