Butterscotch Layered Dessert

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

A creamy, layered butterscotch dessert with a buttery crust, smooth cream cheese topping, and rich pudding layers, perfect for gatherings and sweet tooth indulgence.

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup flour
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 (8 oz.) Cool Whip
  • 1 package instant butterscotch pudding
  • 1 package instant vanilla pudding

Instructions

  1. Mix flour, powdered sugar, and butter to make the crust mixture.
  2. Pat the mixture into the bottom of an ungreased 9 x 13-inch pan.
  3. Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. Allow the crust to cool completely before adding layers.
  5. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth.
  6. Fold in the Cool Whip until well combined.
  7. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
  8. Prepare the instant butterscotch pudding and vanilla pudding according to package instructions.
  9. Layer the puddings over the cream cheese mixture, alternating flavors if desired.
  10. Chill the dessert for at least 2 hours before serving to allow layers to set.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor of your butterscotch pudding, consider adding a pinch of salt or a splash of vanilla extract. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. If you prefer a richer dessert, use mascarpone cheese instead of cream cheese. Ensure your butter is softened for easy mixing, and let the dessert chill longer for a firmer texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Butterscotch Layered Dessert chilled, garnished with additional Cool Whip or drizzled with caramel sauce for an extra touch. It pairs beautifully with Mildred'S Peanut Butter Pie for a delightful dessert spread. Consider serving it alongside coffee or tea for a comforting finish to any meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is best enjoyed cold, so there's no need to reheat it. If you've layered the puddings, be sure to keep them covered to maintain the integrity of the layers.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Butterscotch Layered Dessert contains roughly 1203 calories, with 14g protein, 91g carbohydrates, and 88g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

1203 kcal 60% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 14.3g 29% DV
Total Fat 88.1g 100% DV
Carbs 91.4g 33% DV
Fiber 6.7g 24% DV
Sugar 40.1g 80% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 318.3mg 14% DV
Potassium 423.8mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 208.3mg 69% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 201.7mcg 22% DV
Vitamin C 2mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 1.1mcg 5% DV
Calcium 136.7mg 11% DV
Iron 4.9mg 27% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day in advance, allowing the layers to set properly. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.

What can I use instead of Cool Whip?

If you prefer a homemade option, you can use freshly whipped cream as a substitute for Cool Whip. Just whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar until soft peaks form, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture.

Is it possible to customize the flavors?

Absolutely! While butterscotch and vanilla are classic combinations, you can experiment with other flavors like chocolate or caramel pudding. Just make sure to adjust the layers accordingly for a balanced taste.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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