An Easy No Bake Cinnamon Butterscotch Dessert Perfect For Summer
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There’s no way around it. Summer is hot. So, when it comes to summer desserts, there is only one criteria: No bake. Summertime is all about delicious dessert recipes that do not require turning on an oven or spending more time than necessary in the kitchen. That is why, when it comes to summer dessert ideas—we’re talking for BBQs, picnics, or parties—there is no easier recipe than lush desserts. In fact, this simple butterscotch layer dessert can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The hard part is leaving it to chill!
What is Lush Dessert?
Lush dessert goes by many names: icebox dessert, layered pudding desserts, dream desserts, or dessert lasagna (okay, we might pass on that one). While you can choose whatever name you would like, the lush dessert often follows the same recipe. Start with a cookie crust or crunchy layer (graham cracker crumbs anyone?). Add on a layer of cheesecake or cream cheese, top with your favorite pudding, and finish it off with a hefty dollop of whipped cream. Feeling adventurous? Top it with more cookie crumbles, nuts, or your favorite drizzled topping.
And the best part? Lush desserts are a no bake dessert perfect for summertime.
What You Need to Make Cinnamon Butterscotch Dessert
As with all icebox desserts, you can choose the ingredients that work best for you, substituting for allergies or personal preference.
Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal: Yes, the cereal from your childhood works perfectly here for a crunchy, sugary crust.
Butter: Helps to keep that crunchy crust together.
Cream Cheese: Softened to room temperature for that creamy cheesecake layer.
Powdered Sugar: To add a bit of sweetness to the cream cheese.
Milk: Adding a splash of milk will help to spread the cream cheese layer just a tad easier.
Butterscotch Pudding: What homemade butterscotch dessert would be complete without the pudding? Keep it simple by using instant pudding mix.
Whipped Cream: To complete the dessert and add a sweet, fluffy topping.
Easy Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t like Cinnamon Toast Crunch? Substitute for graham cracker crumbs or vanilla wafers. For that cinnamon and sugar sweetness, just add a small amount to the butter and cookie layer.
Use a no-bake cheesecake layer. For a sweeter layer, substitute the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and milk for your favorite cheesecake mix.
Add your favorite whipped topping. While there is no true substitution for homemade whipped cream, store bought options, such as ReddiWip, can be used in a pinch.
How to Make Cinnamon Butterscotch Dessert
Crush the cookies. Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal in a bag or small bowl to break into small pieces. You do not want to crush it so much that it becomes a powder. Reserve extra to add as topping. Optionally, you can use a food processor on the pulse setting.
Keep that crust together. Melt butter and add to cookie mixture. Do not fully saturate crumbs.
Make the crust. Press mixture into the bottom of the dessert bowls to create crust.
Time to chill. Chill in refrigerator while creating next layer.
Make the cheesecake layer. Beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, and splash of milk with electric mixer until no lumps remain. Once creamy, spread over the cookie crust.
Time to chill (again). Place the dessert back into the refrigerator again.
Make the Pudding. Following directions on butterscotch pudding mix, whisk together and allow to set. Pour pudding over cream cheese layer. Note: We find that the pudding mix sets up best if poured directly into the dessert bowls. If making pudding on the stovetop, wait until the dessert is just warm before pouring over cream cheese layer to prevent it from melting. If using instant mix, add pudding as soon as mix is fully combined.
Let it rest. Chill until set (best if overnight, but we understand if you can’t wait that long!)
Top it off. Top with whipped cream before serving. Add cookie as desired.
Cinnamon Butterscotch Dessert Variations
Add nuts. Mix chopped nuts into the crust, add an additional layer, or sprinkle nuts on top of the whipped cream for an added crunch.
Switch the pudding. Butterscotch might not be everyone’s first choice, but this recipe would be delicious with strawberry or vanilla pudding.
Tools Used in This Recipe
Meat Tenderizer (to crush cookies)
More Dessert Recipe to Try
No Sugar Added Matcha Yogurt Bark
Best Homemade Thick And Chewy Chocolate Chunk Cookie Recipe
King Cake Recipe With Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling