Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *Butterfinger Lush*! It’s like a dream in dessert form, with layers of velvety chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and the perfect crunch of Butterfinger candy bars. I stumbled upon this recipe during a family gathering, and let me just say, it was an instant hit! Everyone was raving about how the rich flavors just meld together beautifully, creating a slice of heaven that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s a no-bake wonder, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy! Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to dessert for any occasion. You’ll be the star of every potluck or dinner party, and I can’t wait for you to dive into this luscious treat!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious Butterfinger Lush. Each ingredient plays a key role in building those irresistible layers!
- 1 package of Butterfinger candy bars (fun size, crushed) – the star of the show, adding that signature peanut butter and chocolate crunch!
- 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs – these will form the base, giving a delightful crunch and sweetness.
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (melted) – this binds the crust together and adds richness.
- 1 package of cream cheese (8 oz, softened) – for that creamy layer that balances out the sweetness.
- 1 cup of powdered sugar – this adds just the right amount of sweetness to the cream cheese layer.
- 1 cup of whipped topping – light and fluffy, it gives a lovely texture to the dessert.
- 1 cup of chocolate pudding mix – this will create a luscious chocolate layer that’s hard to resist.
- 2 cups of milk – to prepare the chocolate pudding and make it creamy and smooth.
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making this Butterfinger Lush! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll impress everyone with these layers of deliciousness.
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (though, spoiler alert, we won’t actually be baking!). This just helps with prepping your ingredients and getting you in the zone.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix them well until it resembles wet sand. This is the base of your dessert, and it needs to be just right!
- Next, press this crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a baking dish. I like to use the bottom of a flat measuring cup to really pack it down. This crust is going to hold everything together, so make it sturdy!
- In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy. You want this to be fluffy and light, so take your time here. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- Now, gently fold in the whipped topping. This gives it that light, airy texture that’s just divine. Spread this dreamy mixture evenly over your crust.
- Time for the chocolate! Prepare the chocolate pudding according to the package instructions using the milk. Make sure to whisk it well until it’s smooth and thick.
- Once your pudding is ready, spread it over the cream cheese layer. Don’t worry if it’s a little wobbly; that’s what makes it fun!
- Finally, sprinkle the crushed Butterfinger candy bars over the top. You can even add a little extra for presentation—because we eat with our eyes first, right?
- Now, here’s the hardest part: chill your Butterfinger Lush in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully, so don’t rush this step!
And there you have it! A luscious dessert that’s just waiting to be devoured. I can almost hear the oohs and aahs already!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a no-bake dessert, making it perfect for hot days when you don’t want to turn on the oven!
- The layers of chocolate, peanut butter, and cream create an irresistible combination that’s rich and satisfying.
- With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a show-stopping dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
- It’s super versatile! You can easily customize it with different candy bars or toppings to suit your taste.
- This Butterfinger Lush is a crowd-pleaser—perfect for parties, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in!
- Each slice is a delightful surprise, with a crunchy base, creamy layers, and a sweet finish that will leave everyone wanting more.
Tips for Success
Ready to make the best Butterfinger Lush ever? Here are my tried-and-true tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!
- Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. This helps it blend smoothly with the powdered sugar, giving you that creamy layer we all love!
- Pack the crust firmly: Don’t be shy when pressing down the graham cracker mixture! A well-packed crust keeps everything together and prevents it from crumbling when you cut into it.
- Chill longer if you can: While 2 hours is the minimum chill time, letting it sit longer (even overnight!) allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Watch the pudding consistency: Make sure your chocolate pudding is thick enough before spreading it on the cream cheese layer. If it’s too runny, it might seep into the layers. Whisk it well and give it a minute to set!
- Extra toppings: Feel free to get creative! Add extra crushed Butterfinger on top or drizzle some chocolate sauce for that extra wow factor. Presentation matters, and it makes it even more tempting!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a Butterfinger Lush that’s not just delicious, but also a showstopper at any gathering. Enjoy the process and get ready for the compliments!
Variations
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Butterfinger Lush, let’s have some fun with variations! This dessert is super versatile, and you can easily customize it to match your cravings or the season.
- Reese’s Lush: Swap out the Butterfinger bars for crushed Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. The combination of chocolate and peanut butter is simply irresistible!
- Snickers Delight: Use crushed Snickers bars for a caramel twist. The chewy nougat and crunchy peanuts add an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Mint Chocolate: Add a layer of mint chocolate pudding instead of the regular chocolate. You can even garnish with crushed mint candies for a refreshing touch!
- Cookie Dough: Fold in mini chocolate chips and chunks of cookie dough into the cream cheese layer for a fun twist. Who doesn’t love cookie dough?
- Fruit Fusion: Incorporate layers of fresh strawberries or raspberries in between the cream cheese and pudding layers for a fruity burst that complements the richness beautifully.
- Vegan Option: For a vegan twist, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, and use coconut whipped cream instead of regular whipped topping. Just make sure your pudding mix is dairy-free!
Feel free to get creative with these ideas! Each variation brings a unique flavor and makes this dessert even more exciting. You’ll be amazed at how just a little switch can lead to a whole new experience. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this fabulous Butterfinger Lush, and now you’re wondering how to store those delicious leftovers? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered!
First off, you’ll want to keep your Butterfinger Lush in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container to keep it fresh and tasty. It’ll stay good for about 3-4 days, but trust me, it’s so delicious that it probably won’t last that long!
If you find yourself with some extra portions that you just can’t finish, you can freeze it too! Just cut your Butterfinger Lush into slices, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer-safe container. It should hold up well for about 1-2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. No reheating is necessary—just dig in straight from the fridge for that cool, creamy goodness!
Make sure to enjoy it chilled for the best experience. Happy indulging!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values for each slice of this delightful Butterfinger Lush. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 4g
This sweet treat hits the spot while still being manageable in the calorie department! Enjoy every creamy, rich bite without too much guilt, and remember that balance is key in any dessert. Happy indulging!
FAQs
Can I make Butterfinger Lush ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it a day in advance. This allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it even tastier. Just keep it chilled in the fridge until you’re ready to serve!
What can I use instead of Butterfinger bars?
If you’re not a Butterfinger fan or want to switch it up, you can substitute with other candy bars like Snickers or Reese’s. Each will give a unique twist to the flavor profile, and trust me, they’ll still be delicious!
How do I prevent the crust from crumbling when I cut it?
To keep your crust nice and sturdy, make sure you pack the graham cracker mixture down firmly in the baking dish. Also, giving it a good chill before cutting helps it hold its shape better. A sharp knife works wonders too!
Can I freeze Butterfinger Lush?
Yes, you can! Just wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll hold up well for about 1-2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight.
Why is my chocolate pudding layer runny?
If your pudding is too runny, it may not have set long enough. Make sure to whisk it well according to the package instructions and give it a few minutes to thicken before spreading it on the cream cheese layer. A little patience goes a long way!
Butterfinger Lush: 7 Layers of Rich, No-Bake Delight
- Gesamtzeit: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Ertrag: 12 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A delightful dessert featuring layers of chocolate, peanut butter, and cream.
Zutaten
- 1 package of Butterfinger candy bars (fun size, crushed)
- 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 package of cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
- 1 cup of whipped topping
- 1 cup of chocolate pudding mix
- 2 cups of milk
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Mix graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a baking dish.
- In another bowl, beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fold in whipped topping and spread over the crust.
- Prepare chocolate pudding with milk according to package instructions.
- Spread chocolate pudding over the cream cheese layer.
- Top with crushed Butterfinger candy bars.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- You can substitute with other candy bars if desired.
- Let it chill longer for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 0 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: No-bake
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 300
- Zucker: 20g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 7g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 40g
- Faser: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterin: 30mg
Keywords: butterfinger lush, dessert, no-bake, chocolate, peanut butter
