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–+ servings
Butterscotch
This layered butterscotch dessert reflects the classic American potluck tradition of creamy, chilled sweets built in simple baking pans. Popular from the 1960s through the 1980s, desserts like this often combined pantry staples with convenient ingredients such as boxed pudding and whipped topping. The salty crunch of crushed pretzels forms a buttery base, balanced by a tangy cream cheese layer and smooth butterscotch pudding. Finished with fluffy topping and nuts, it’s a nostalgic refrigerator dessert that’s easy to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for gatherings, holidays, and church suppers.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 440 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 stick Oleo
  • 1 cup flour (melted)
  • ½ cup nuts
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 cup Cool Whip
  • 2 pkg instant butterscotch pudding mix (3.4 oz each )
  • 3 cups cold milk
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • In a bowl, combine melted oleo, flour, and ½ cup chopped nuts.
  • Mix until crumbly.
  • Press evenly into a 13×9-inch baking dish.
  • Bake for 15 minutes.
  • Cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

  • Beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
  • Add powdered sugar and mix until fully combined.
  • Fold in 1 cup Cool Whip.
  • Spread evenly over cooled crust.

Step 3: Prepare the Pudding Layer

  • In a mixing bowl, whisk together pudding mix and 3 cups cold milk.
  • Whisk for about 2 minutes until thickened.
  • Spread evenly over the cream cheese layer.

Step 4: Finish and Chill

  • Spread additional Cool Whip over the pudding layer as desired.
  • Sprinkle ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts on top.
  • Refrigerate for at least 4 hours before slicing and serving.

Tips

  • Toast the nuts before adding to the crust for deeper flavor.
  • Substitute butter for oleo if preferred.
  • Add a thin drizzle of caramel sauce on top.
  • Use sugar-free pudding mix for a lighter option.
  • Chill overnight for cleaner slices.
  • Try chocolate or vanilla pudding for variation.
  • Add a pinch of salt to the crust for balance.
  • Garnish with butterscotch chips for extra sweetness.

Nutrition

Calories: 440kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 6gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 420mgPotassium: 220mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 700IUCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg
Keyword butterscotch, creamy, holiday dessert, layered dessert, no-fuss, nostalgic food, potluck, vintage
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