Discover a dessert sensation with layers of rich chocolate, creamy peanut butter, and the irresistible crunch of Butterfinger candy. This Butterfinger Chocolate Peanut Butter Lush is an absolute dream for any sweet tooth, promising pure bliss in every bite.

Butterfinger Chocolate Peanut Butter Lush: Your New Favorite No-Bake Dessert

There are some dessert recipes that simply capture your imagination and refuse to let go until you’ve made them. This incredible Chocolate Oreo Peanut Butter Dream Pudding recipe, which I first encountered from Seeded at the Table, was exactly that for me. From the moment I saw it, I knew I had to try it, and it disappeared from my kitchen even faster than it was made!

My admiration for the creator, Nikki from Seeded at the Table, grew even stronger after meeting her at a White Lily event. Her passion for delicious food shines through, and this particular dessert truly exemplifies it. While many variations of layered desserts exist, the divine combination of rich chocolate, smooth peanut butter, and the distinct, buttery crunch of Butterfinger candy makes this lush dessert exceptionally hard to beat.

Why This Butterfinger Lush Dessert is a Must-Try

This dessert isn’t just good; it’s a masterpiece of textures and flavors. Imagine a sturdy, crumbly Oreo cookie crust providing the perfect foundation. On top of that, a luscious, tangy-sweet peanut butter and cream cheese layer, generously studded with crushed Butterfingers, creates a symphony of creamy and crunchy. Then comes a silky-smooth chocolate pudding layer, followed by a light and airy Cool Whip topping, finished with even more glistening Butterfinger crumbles. Every single spoonful is an experience, delivering cool, creamy, and utterly delicious notes that dance on your palate.

It’s a dessert that truly earns its name “lush” – a decadent, multi-layered treat that satisfies every craving. Yes, this Butterfinger dessert is undeniably sinful, but trust me, it’s worth every single calorie and then some. It’s the perfect showstopper for any gathering, a comforting treat after a long week, or just an excuse to indulge in something truly special.

Mastering Your Butterfinger Lush: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this show-stopping dessert is surprisingly simple, making it perfect for both seasoned bakers and novice dessert enthusiasts. With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delightful dessert ready to impress without ever needing to turn on your oven. This no-bake recipe is all about ease and maximum flavor.

Ingredients for Layered Perfection

• For the Oreo Crust: 32 Oreo cookies (whole, cream included), 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.
• For the Peanut Butter Layer: 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (powdered sugar); 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 cup Cool Whip (from a 16-ounce container), thawed; 6 mini Butterfingers, crushed.
• For the Chocolate Pudding Layer: 1 (5.9-ounce) box instant chocolate pudding mix (do not use “cook and serve”); 2 cups cold milk.
• For the Topping: Remaining Cool Whip (from the 16-ounce container), thawed; remaining mini Butterfingers, crushed.

Essential Equipment

• Hand-held electric mixer (or a stand mixer with a paddle attachment)
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Several medium mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula or offset spatula
• Rolling pin (highly recommended for crushing Butterfingers)

Detailed Instructions for Assembling Your Lush

1. Prepare the Oreo Crust: Begin by finely crushing your Oreo cookies. For a consistent, fine crumb, a food processor works best. Alternatively, place the cookies in a sturdy Ziploc bag and crush them thoroughly with a rolling pin. Transfer the crushed cookies to a medium bowl and combine them with the melted butter, stirring until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Use the back of a spoon or your knuckles to ensure a compact and solid layer. Refrigerate the crust for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the next layer.
   

   

2. Create the Creamy Peanut Butter Layer: In a separate large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s exceptionally light, fluffy, and completely smooth, with no lumps remaining. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until fully incorporated and the mixture is creamy. Next, beat in the creamy peanut butter until the mixture is uniform in color and texture. Gently fold in 1 cup of the thawed Cool Whip, being careful not to deflate the mixture. Finally, crush about 6 mini Butterfingers (you’ll want roughly 1/2 to 3/4 cup of crumbles) and gently fold them into the peanut butter mixture. This adds an incredible textural contrast and a burst of Butterfinger flavor.
   

   

3. Layer the Peanut Butter Mixture: Carefully and evenly spread the prepared peanut butter and Butterfinger mixture over the chilled Oreo crust. Use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to create a smooth, consistent layer that extends from edge to edge of the baking dish. This layer is thick and rich, so take your time to distribute it well.
   

   

4. Prepare the Chocolate Pudding Layer: In another clean medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and the cold milk. Continue whisking vigorously for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken considerably. It should be noticeably thicker than when you started but still pourable. Do not overmix, as it can cause the pudding to become rubbery.
   

   

5. Pour and Spread the Pudding: Gently pour the thickened chocolate pudding mixture over the peanut butter layer. If the pudding has become too thick to pour smoothly, carefully spread it out with a spatula, ensuring it forms an even and complete layer covering the peanut butter. Avoid disturbing the layer below.
   

   

6. Finish with Cool Whip and Butterfingers: Spread the remaining thawed Cool Whip evenly over the chocolate pudding layer, creating a smooth, white top. For the final, irresistible flourish, crush the rest of your mini Butterfingers and generously sprinkle them over the Cool Whip. This adds both visual appeal and a delightful last burst of crunch and flavor. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow all the layers to set properly and the flavors to meld beautifully.
   

   

Expert Tips for the Best Butterfinger Lush

• Crushing Butterfingers Made Easy: For minimal mess and uniform crumbles, keep the Butterfinger candy bars in their original wrappers or transfer them to a sturdy, sealable plastic bag. Use a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet to gently tap and crush them.
• Room Temperature Cream Cheese is Crucial: Ensure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature. This makes it incredibly easy to beat until smooth, preventing any unsightly lumps in your luscious peanut butter layer.
• “Instant” Pudding is Your Friend: This recipe specifically calls for instant pudding mix. Using “cook and serve” pudding will not yield the correct texture and will likely result in a runny layer. Always double-check the label on your pudding box!
• Don’t Rush the Chill: The chilling time is perhaps the most important step for a perfect layered dessert. A minimum of 4 hours in the refrigerator is essential for all the layers to firm up and for the distinct flavors to fully meld together. Overnight chilling offers the best results, creating a dessert that slices cleanly and tastes even better.
• Achieving Clean Slices: For beautifully presented, neat slices, make sure the dessert is thoroughly chilled. Use a sharp knife and, for extra-clean cuts, dip the knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each slice.
• Cool Whip Alternatives: While Cool Whip provides convenience and a light texture, you can opt for homemade whipped cream for a richer, more gourmet touch. To make it, whip 2 cups of heavy cream with 1/2 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
• Peanut Butter Choice: Stick with creamy peanut butter for the smoothest layer. Natural peanut butter can sometimes separate or alter the texture of the cream cheese mixture.

Serving and Storage Suggestions

This Butterfinger Chocolate Peanut Butter Lush is best served thoroughly chilled. Its cool and creamy texture makes it particularly refreshing, especially during warmer months or as a delightful end to a rich meal. For an extra touch of elegance, garnish individual slices with a small dollop of extra whipped cream, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or even a miniature Butterfinger bar.

Leftovers, if you manage to have any, will keep beautifully. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. While it’s technically possible to freeze this dessert, the texture of the Cool Whip can sometimes change slightly upon thawing, becoming a bit watery. If you do choose to freeze, ensure it’s covered tightly with plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn, and consume within 1-2 months for the best quality. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Butterfinger Lush

Q: Can I use regular Butterfinger bars instead of mini ones?

A: Absolutely! The mini Butterfingers are simply a convenient size. Feel free to use full-size Butterfinger bars, just ensure you crush them thoroughly to get similar crumbles for mixing into the peanut butter layer and for the topping.

Q: What if my pudding doesn’t set?

A: The most common reason for instant pudding not setting correctly is inadvertently using “cook and serve” pudding instead of “instant” pudding. Always double-check the label on your pudding mix box! Additionally, ensure your milk is cold, as this aids in the setting process for instant pudding.

Q: Can this dessert be made ahead of time for a party?

A: Yes, this is an excellent make-ahead dessert! In fact, many find it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had ample time to meld and deepen. Just ensure it’s well-covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated until serving.

Q: Are there any substitutions for the Oreo crust?

A: While the Oreo crust provides a classic chocolatey foundation, you could certainly experiment with other crumb bases. Graham cracker crumbs mixed with butter would offer a different, slightly spiced flavor profile. You could also use crushed shortbread cookies or even Nilla Wafers for a vanilla-flavored crust. Just maintain the same crumb-to-butter ratio to ensure the crust holds together well.

More Irresistible Layered Desserts to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of this cool, creamy, layered dessert, you’re in for a treat! These “lush” and “delight” style desserts are always a crowd-pleaser and often require no baking at all, making them perfect for any occasion.

• Blueberry Cheesecake Icebox Cake: A refreshing, fruity take on a no-bake classic, bursting with berry goodness.
• Lemon Lush: Zesty and bright, this vibrant dessert is perfect for citrus lovers and a sunny day.
• Butterscotch Lush: A rich, caramel-like dream for those who enjoy warm, buttery, and sweet flavors.
• Blueberry Delight: Another fantastic blueberry option, offering a light, airy, and utterly delightful experience.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Dessert: For more chocolate and peanut butter goodness, presented in convenient bar form.

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Butterfinger Lush Recipe

Ingredients

• 32 Oreo cookies
• 5 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 bag mini Butterfingers (approximately 10-12 mini bars), crushed and divided
• 1 (16-ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed and divided
• 1 (5.9-ounce) box instant chocolate pudding mix
• 2 cups cold milk

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the finely crushed Oreo cookies and melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to set.
2. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, beating until fully incorporated. Beat in the creamy peanut butter until the mixture is uniform. Gently fold in 1 cup of the thawed Cool Whip. Fold in about half of the crushed mini Butterfingers (approximately 6 bars’ worth).
3. Carefully spread the peanut butter mixture evenly over the chilled Oreo crust.
4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and 2 cups of cold milk for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture begins to thicken.
5. Gently pour the thickened chocolate pudding mixture over the peanut butter layer. If it’s too thick to pour, carefully spread it out with a spatula to create an even layer.
6. Spread the remaining thawed Cool Whip evenly over the chocolate pudding layer. Sprinkle the remaining crushed Butterfingers over the top for garnish.
7. Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow all the layers to firm up and the flavors to fully meld before serving.

Notes

For easy crushing, leave Butterfingers in their wrappers or a plastic bag and gently tap them with a rolling pin a few times. This minimizes mess and ensures consistent crumbles for mixing in and topping.

Nutrition (Approximation per serving, based on 18 servings)

• Calories: 365 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0.1g
• Cholesterol: 28mg
• Sodium: 362mg
• Potassium: 225mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 30g
• Vitamin A: 355 IU
• Calcium: 86mg
• Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and provided for informational purposes only; it should be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on exact ingredients, brands, and portion sizes.

Recipe inspiration originally adapted from Seeded at the Table.

This post was originally published on July 26, 2015, and has been updated with enhanced details, formatting, and SEO considerations.

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