1. Preparing the Graham Cracker Crust:

The first step to making Butterscotch Delight is preparing the graham cracker crust. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). While the oven heats, prepare your 13×9-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray, which will help ensure that the dessert doesn’t stick to the dish when it’s time to serve.

In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers until they form fine crumbs. If you don’t have a food processor, you can place the graham crackers in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Once you have the crumbs, add the granulated sugar and melted butter, and pulse again to combine. The mixture should have a crumbly, wet texture that holds together when pressed.

Now, take the graham cracker mixture and press it evenly into the bottom of your prepared baking dish. You can use the back of a spoon or your hands to press the crumbs firmly into place, ensuring an even layer. Bake the crust for 15 minutes in the preheated oven. The crust should turn a light golden brown and emit a toasty aroma as it bakes. After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial because the crust needs to firm up before adding the next layers.

2. Making the Creamy Cheesecake Layer:

Once the graham cracker crust has cooled, it’s time to make the creamy cheesecake layer. In a large mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese and beat it with an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes light, fluffy, and smooth. This will take about 2 minutes. The cream cheese should have a soft, spreadable consistency without any lumps.

Next, add the sour cream and continue to beat until fully incorporated. The sour cream will give the cheesecake layer a tangy flavor and a smooth texture, making it a perfect complement to the sweetness of the butterscotch layer. Gradually add the confectioner’s sugar, mixing it in until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the overall flavor profile. Finally, gently fold in the Cool Whip, which will give the cheesecake layer its light, airy texture.

Once everything is mixed together, spread the cheesecake layer evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to smooth out the top. For best results, refrigerate the dish for at least 30 minutes to allow the cheesecake layer to firm up and set before adding the butterscotch pudding layer.

3. Preparing the Butterscotch Pudding Layer:

While the cheesecake layer is setting, it’s time to prepare the butterscotch pudding. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cold whole milk with the three boxes of instant butterscotch pudding. Whisk the mixture together until the pudding begins to thicken. This process should take about 2 to 3 minutes. The pudding will firm up quickly, so be sure to work fast.

Once the pudding has thickened, let it stand for about 10 minutes. This will allow it to set further and become more spreadable. Carefully spread the pudding over the cheesecake layer, being mindful not to disturb the layers beneath. The smooth and velvety butterscotch pudding layer will provide a rich and sweet contrast to the creamy cheesecake.

4. Topping with Cool Whip:

After adding the butterscotch pudding layer, spread the remaining Cool Whip evenly over the top of the dessert. The Cool Whip will add a light and fluffy texture, balancing out the richness of the other layers. Use a spatula to smooth the topping, ensuring it covers the entire surface. This final layer of Cool Whip should be soft, smooth, and perfectly spread over the pudding.

5. Chilling and Garnishing:

Once the dessert is fully assembled, cover the baking dish and refrigerate the Butterscotch Delight for at least 4 hours. If you can, leave it in the fridge overnight. The longer it chills, the more the layers will set and meld together, resulting in a dessert that holds its shape when sliced.

Before serving, drizzle the top of the dessert with butterscotch or caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness. The sauce will add a beautiful glossy finish and deepen the butterscotch flavor. Sprinkle the butterscotch chips evenly over the top for added texture and visual appeal. The chips will melt slightly, adding a delightful bite to the otherwise smooth dessert.