Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs the afternoon sun dipped lower in the sky, I found myself longing for a sweet delight that evoked both nostalgia and curiosity. That’s when the idea for my Indulgent No-Bake Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert with Savory Turkey Bacon was born! This dreamy dessert is not just about the rich butterscotch flavor; it introduces a savory twist that makes every bite an exciting adventure. You’ll be pleased to know that it’s a breeze to prepare, perfect for those busy weeknights or when entertaining guests. Plus, with layers of creamy pudding and a crunchy graham cracker base, it effortlessly marries textures and tastes that will leave your friends begging for more. Curious about how this unique combination can elevate your dessert game? Let’s dive in! Why Is This Dessert So Irresistible? Indulgence at Its Finest: This Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert is the epitome of rich and creamy. Its velvety pudding mingles beautifully with unexpected savory bites of turkey bacon, elevating it beyond traditional desserts. No-Bake Convenience: Spend less time in the kitchen and more enjoying gatherings, all with this easy no-bake recipe. Versatile Layers: With options to swap ingredients, you can customize flavors like using chocolate pudding or omitting bacon for a vegetarian treat. Crowd-Pleasing: Its unique sweet-and-savory profile guarantees to impress guests and family alike. Serve it chilled for that delightful refreshing touch! Quick Preparation: Whip it up in no time, allowing you to focus on creating memorable moments instead of labor-intensive desserts. Want to explore more delicious ideas? Check out my popular dessert variations for further inspiration! Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert Ingredients • Get ready to create a delightful treat with these simple yet essential ingredients! For the Pudding Butterscotch Pudding Mix – This is your creamy flavor base; you can use either instant or traditional mix. Whole Milk – Ensures a rich and creamy texture; substitute with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version. Whipped Cream – Adds lightness and creaminess to balance the density of the pudding; try dairy-free whipped cream for a vegan alternative. For the Savory Twist Turkey Bacon – Introduces a delicious smoky flavor; swap for smoked tempeh or crispy roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian option. For the Crust Crushed Graham Crackers – Forms the buttery, crunchy bottom layer; gluten-free graham crackers work for a gluten-free choice. Butter – Binds your graham cracker crust; opt for vegan butter to keep it dairy-free. Brown Sugar – Enhances the sweetness of the crust, adding depth; a perfect companion to the butterscotch pudding! Vanilla Extract – Adds aromatic flavor to the crust; don’t skip this for a full-bodied taste. Optional Additions Chopped Nuts – Provides a delightful crunch and variety; use seeds if you need a nut-free option. With these ingredients, you’re all set to make the unforgettable Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert Step 1: Prepare the Pudding In a medium bowl, whisk together the butterscotch pudding mix and whole milk until smooth and well combined, which takes about 2 minutes. Set aside the mixture in the refrigerator to chill and thicken, allowing it to firm up for at least 15 minutes—this is essential for creating your Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert. Step 2: Cook the Turkey Bacon Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add the turkey bacon, cooking it until crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes. Turn frequently to ensure even cooking and avoid burning. Once done, carefully remove the bacon from the pan, crumble it into bite-sized pieces, and set it aside to cool—this smoky flavor will beautifully complement the dessert. Step 3: Make the Graham Cracker Crust In a mixing bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well mixed and appears crumbly but holds together when pressed. Press half of this mixture firmly into the bottom of a baking dish, creating a solid crust for your Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert; this should take about 5 minutes. Step 4: Layer the Ingredients Once the pudding has thickened, scoop out half of the mixture and carefully spread it over the graham cracker crust, ensuring it reaches all corners. Next, sprinkle half of the crumbled turkey bacon on top, followed by half of the whipped cream layer. This creates a delightful textural contrast, blending creamy, crunchy, and savory all at once. Step 5: Repeat the Layering Process Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients: spread the rest of the graham cracker crust, followed by the rest of the butterscotch pudding, crumbled bacon, and whipped cream. Use a spatula to smooth each layer evenly. This final assembly should be done gently to maintain the integrity of the layers in your Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert. Step 6: Chill Before Serving Cover your completed dessert with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the layers to set properly. As a visual cue, you’ll know it’s ready when everything is firm to the touch but slightly jiggles when moved. Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert Variations Feel free to put your own spin on this delightful dessert and let your creativity shine! Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk and dairy-free whipped cream for a completely plant-based delight. Vegetarian Twist: Substitute turkey bacon with crispy roasted chickpeas or smoked tempeh to enjoy a savory crunch. Try these options—the flavors meld beautifully with the pudding! Flavorful Pudding: Experiment with chocolate or vanilla pudding instead of butterscotch for a delicious twist that offers a new layer of flavor. Each variation brings its unique charm! Gluten-Free Crust: Swap out regular graham crackers for gluten-free options, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this treat without compromise. It’s as easy as making a simple switch! Nut-Free Crunch: Replace chopped nuts with sunflower seeds to maintain that delightful crunch while keeping it safe for those with nut allergies. Add Some Heat: For an adventurous bite, sprinkle a hint of cayenne pepper in the graham cracker crust. This unexpected kick pairs beautifully with the sweetness! Layered Fruits: Add a layer of sliced bananas or strawberries between the pudding and whipped cream layers for a fresh and fruity goodness. The fruits add a refreshing contrast to the creamy indulgence! Chocolate Drizzle: Top your Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert with a drizzle of chocolate syrup before serving for an extra indulgent touch. This will add both richness and visual appeal! Why not try a few of these variations to create your perfect version? And if you’re looking for more ideas, consider checking out my popular dessert variations for additional inspiration! How to Store and Freeze Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert Fridge: Store the dessert tightly covered in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain its freshness and flavor. Chilling keeps the layers intact and creamy. Freezer: While freezing is not recommended for the whipped cream layer, you can freeze the pudding and crust separately for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before assembling. Reheating: If you’ve frozen the pudding layer, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge; then re-layer with fresh whipped cream and bacon before serving. Serving Tips: Always serve chilled and consider garnishing with extra crumbled bacon or graham cracker crumbs for an extra touch before presenting your Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert to family and friends. What to Serve with Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert Elevate your dessert experience by pairing this creamy indulgence with delightful complements that enhance every bite. Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop adds coolness, balancing the rich flavors while melting into the pudding layers. Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries introduce a bright burst of tartness, cutting through the sweetness beautifully. Savory Bacon-Wrapped Dates: The smoky-sweet flavor echoing turkey bacon creates a harmonious theme, perfect for sharing as a contrast. Chilled Sparkling Cider: This bubbly drink carries refreshing notes, perfect for cleansing your palate between indulgent bites. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Enhanced sweetness adds a sticky layer, enriching your butterscotch dessert while delivering a gourmet touch. Chocolate-Covered Pretzels: The salty crunch adds texture, with chocolate balancing sweetness and savory elements in perfect synchronization. Lemon Tart: A slice of tangy lemon tart offers a refreshing contrast, cleansing the palate and heightening the dessert experience. Nutty Granola: Sprinkling this crunchy topping enhances texture, while nutty flavors harmonize with the creaminess of the pudding. Coffee or Espresso: The bitter notes of coffee balance sweetness, creating a sophisticated finish to your indulgent meal. Expert Tips for Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert Chill the Pudding: Make sure your pudding is well-chilled for at least 15 minutes; this helps it thicken properly, ensuring perfect layering in your dessert. Pressing the Crust: Firmly press the graham cracker mixture into the dish. A loose crust may crumble when sliced, so take your time to maintain a strong base for your Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert. Chilling Time: Allow the assembled dessert to chill for a full 2 hours before serving. This step enhances flavor melding and improves the overall texture, making each bite a delight. Light and Airy: For a fluffier pudding layer, gently fold whipped cream into the pudding before layering. This technique incorporates air, creating a lighter texture that contrasts beautifully with the crust and bacon. Personalize It: Feel free to customize this dessert! Swap turkey bacon for vegetarian options like smoked tempeh or add a layer of chocolate pudding for a fun twist. Serving with Style: Garnish your Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert with extra crumbled bacon or graham cracker crumbs for a visually appealing finish that your guests will love. Make Ahead Options These Butterscotch Pudding Layer Desserts are perfect for busy meal preppers! You can prepare the graham cracker crust and cook the turkey bacon up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in airtight containers to maintain freshness. Additionally, you can mix the butterscotch pudding and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready to serve, simply layer the prepped ingredients in your baking dish and add the whipped cream on top just before serving. This way, the whipped cream stays light and fluffy, ensuring your dessert is just as delicious as if you had made it all at once. Enjoy the time-saving benefits while still delighting your family with this indulgent treat! Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert Recipe FAQs How do I choose the right butterscotch pudding mix? You can use instant or traditional butterscotch pudding mix for this dessert. I recommend choosing high-quality brands for a richer flavor. If possible, check for freshness by looking at the expiration date on the box. What’s the best way to store Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert? Store your dessert tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s essential to keep it sealed to maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from absorbing other flavors in the fridge. Can I freeze Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert? Freezing is not recommended after assembly due to the whipped cream layer; however, you can freeze the pudding and graham cracker crust components separately for up to 2 months. To do this, let them cool completely, then wrap securely in plastic wrap or a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before re-layering with fresh whipped cream and toppings. What if my dessert layers don’t hold together when slicing? A common issue is that the graham cracker crust wasn’t pressed firmly enough into the dish. Ensure you’re using a firm hand when pressing the crust down. Also, chilling the dessert for the full 2 hours helps set everything in place. If it still falls apart, serving it in parfait glasses is a fun and easy way to enjoy it! Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions? Absolutely! You can make several substitutions for dietary needs. Use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version, and swap turkey bacon for smoked tempeh or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian option. For vegan variations, choose a plant-based pudding mix and whipped cream, ensuring all components align with your dietary preferences. How should I garnish my Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert? For an eye-catching finish, consider garnishing with additional crumbled turkey bacon or graham cracker crumbs. Fresh whipped cream dollops on top or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add a lovely texture and taste contrast, enhancing the overall presentation. Deliciously Creamy Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert Bliss Indulge in this Butterscotch Pudding Layer Dessert, featuring a unique blend of sweet and savory flavors that is easy to make and perfect for entertaining. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsChilling Time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 25 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pudding1 box Butterscotch Pudding Mix instant or traditional2 cups Whole Milk or substitute with almond/oat milk1 cup Whipped Cream or dairy-free optionFor the Savory Twist6 slices Turkey Bacon or swap for smoked tempehFor the Crust1 cup Crushed Graham Crackers gluten-free optional1/2 cup Butter or vegan butter1/4 cup Brown Sugar1 teaspoon Vanilla ExtractOptional Additions1/2 cup Chopped Nuts or use seeds for nut-free option Equipment mixing bowlFrying panspatulaBaking dish Method Preparation StepsIn a medium bowl, whisk together the butterscotch pudding mix and whole milk until smooth. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.Cook the turkey bacon in a frying pan over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Crumble and set aside.In a mixing bowl, combine crushed graham crackers, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until crumbly. Press half into the bottom of a baking dish.Spread half of the pudding over the crust, followed by half of the crumbled turkey bacon and half of the whipped cream.Repeat layering the remaining crust, pudding, bacon, and whipped cream. Smooth each layer carefully.Cover the dessert and chill for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and layers to set. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg NotesEnsure the pudding is well-chilled for proper layering. Customize by using different pudding flavors or vegetarian options. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
