Butterscotch Lush Cake Recipe

The Dreamiest Butterscotch Lush Cake Recipe Ever Created

Decadent layers of creamy goodness promise pure bliss in this butterscotch lush cake recipe that melts hearts with every bite.

Sweet caramel notes dance through smooth cream cheese and buttery graham cracker crust.

Dessert enthusiasts adore this no-bake treat for its rich, indulgent texture.

Each spoonful delivers a symphony of butterscotch-infused deliciousness that lingers on the palate.

Chilled and dreamy, this cake transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert experience.

The perfect balance of sweetness and smooth consistency makes this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

You’ll want to savor every single mouthwatering layer of this irresistible butterscotch delight.

Butterscotch Lush Cake Flavor Adventure

  • This butterscotch lush cake requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for novice bakers looking to impress without stress.
  • Layered with creamy textures and nutty crunch, this dessert guarantees smiles from kids and adults alike at potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers.
  • No complicated techniques needed – just mix, layer, and chill. The recipe comes together quickly with standard pantry ingredients, reducing kitchen prep time and complexity.
  • Swap pecans for different nuts or experiment with alternate pudding flavors to make this dessert uniquely yours while maintaining its delightful core structure.

Butterscotch Lush Cake Ingredient List

Crust Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the buttery base.
  • Butter: Creates a rich, crumbly foundation for the cake's bottom layer.
  • Pecans: Adds a delightful nutty crunch and depth of flavor to the crust.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Offers a smooth, tangy base that creates a creamy texture for the filling.
  • Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps bind the cream cheese mixture.
  • Whipped Topping: Provides a light and airy element to the filling layer.
Pudding and Topping Ingredients:
  • Pudding Mix, Milk: Combines to create a smooth, sweet layer that sets firmly.
  • Whipped Topping, Chopped Pecans: Delivers a final creamy and crunchy finish to the dessert.

Tools for Easy Lush Cake Assembly

  • Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining crust ingredients and preparing layers.
  • Electric Mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese and creating smooth filling.
  • 9×13-inch Baking Pan: Needed to build and bake the entire dessert.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Whisk: Perfect for mixing pudding and ensuring smooth consistency.
  • Spatula: Helpful for spreading layers evenly and folding whipped topping.
  • Cutting Tool (Knife or Pastry Cutter): Used to cut butter into flour for crust.

How to Make Butterscotch Lush Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 350F and spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Crust Base

In a mixing bowl, combine butter and flour using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Gently fold in chopped pecans for a nutty texture.

Step 3: Press And Bake The Crust

Evenly press the crumbly mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden.

Remove and allow the crust to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Filling

Using an electric mixer, blend cream cheese and powdered sugar until silky smooth.

Carefully fold in whipped topping to create a light, airy filling.

Spread this delectable layer evenly over the cooled crust.

Step 5: Prepare Butterscotch Pudding Layer

In a separate bowl, whisk pudding mix and milk until fully combined and slightly thickened.

Gently pour the pudding over the cream cheese filling, creating a smooth surface.

Step 6: Chill And Set

Place the cake in the refrigerator and let it rest for 3-4 hours.

This allows the layers to set and flavors to meld together perfectly.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Just before serving, generously spread additional whipped topping over the pudding layer.

Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for a delightful crunch and elegant finish.

Tips for a Perfect Lush Cake Finish

  • Refrigerate the cake for the full 3-4 hours to ensure a perfectly set, firm texture that slices cleanly.
  • Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile or to accommodate nut allergies.
  • Let cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smoother, lump-free filling.
  • Allow the crust to cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer to maintain its crisp texture.
  • Prepare this dessert a day in advance for enhanced flavor melding and stress-free entertaining.

Fun Butterscotch Cake Variations

  • Gluten-Free Butterscotch Lush: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Use certified gluten-free ingredients for the pudding and toppings.
  • Vegan Butterscotch Dream: Swap butter with coconut oil, use vegan cream cheese, plant-based whipped topping, and dairy-free butterscotch pudding mix. Replace pecans with chopped almonds or walnuts.
  • Low-Sugar Butterscotch Delight: Use sugar-free pudding mix, replace powdered sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and opt for reduced-fat cream cheese. Choose unsweetened whipped topping.

Serving Lush Cake for Special Events

  • Sweet Slice Companions: Serve this decadent butterscotch lush cake alongside vanilla bean ice cream for a cool, creamy contrast.
  • Cozy Coffee Pairing: Enjoy a slice with a warm cup of caramel or hazelnut coffee to enhance the rich butterscotch flavor profile.
  • Nutty Garnish Boost: Top each serving with extra toasted pecans or a light drizzle of caramel sauce for added texture and sweetness.
  • Afternoon Tea Delight: Cut into smaller squares and present as a luxurious dessert during an elegant afternoon tea gathering with friends.

Storing Butterscotch Cake for Fresh Slices

  • Store covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep the cake chilled to maintain its creamy texture and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut cake into squares, place in airtight containers with wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. Store in the refrigerator for easy grab-and-go treats.
  • Best enjoyed cold. Let cake sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor.

FAQs

  • What ingredients give this Butterscotch Lush Cake its signature flavor?

The combination of butterscotch pudding, pecans, and cream cheese creates a rich, sweet flavor profile that makes this dessert uniquely delicious.

  • Is this dessert difficult to make for beginners?

Not at all! This cake requires simple layering techniques and basic mixing skills, making it an easy dessert for home bakers of all experience levels.

  • Can I substitute ingredients if I don't have exact matches?

Yes, you can use vanilla pudding instead of butterscotch, swap pecans for walnuts, and use different whipped topping brands without significantly changing the dessert’s overall taste and texture.

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Butterscotch Lush Cake Recipe

Butterscotch Lush Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Creamy butterscotch lush cake delights dessert enthusiasts with layers of rich, caramel-infused goodness. Sweet indulgence awaits those craving a luxurious homemade treat that promises pure comfort and satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 8 ounces package cream cheese
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • 2 3.4 ounces packages butterscotch pudding

Nuts:

  • 1/2 cup pecans
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Sweeteners and Toppings:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup whipped topping
  • 1 8 ounces container whipped topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal.
  2. Combine flour and butter in a mixing bowl, using a pastry cutter or fork to create coarse, pebble-like crumbs. Gently fold in chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
  3. Transfer the crumbly mixture into the prepared baking dish, pressing firmly and evenly across the bottom to create a compact crust.
  4. Bake the crust for 20 minutes until lightly golden, then remove from the oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature.
  5. Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in whipped topping until well incorporated.
  6. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust, creating a uniform layer.
  7. In a separate bowl, whisk pudding mix and milk until smooth and slightly thickened. Pour pudding directly over the cream cheese layer.
  8. Refrigerate the dessert for 3-4 hours, allowing the layers to set and flavors to meld together.
  9. Before serving, top with an additional layer of whipped topping and sprinkle chopped pecans across the surface for added texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Swap out regular flour for gluten-free alternatives to make this dessert celiac-friendly without compromising texture.
  • Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add a deeper, more complex crunch to the crust.
  • Use instant pudding mix for quicker set time and more consistent results, especially when preparing in advance.
  • Consider reducing sugar content by using sugar-free pudding mix and low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version of this indulgent dessert.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

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