Butterscotch Pudding Pie Bars

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Servings: 12 bars

Intensity: ★☆☆ (Easy)

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🌟 Introduction

If you love the buttery, caramel-like sweetness of butterscotch, then these Butterscotch Pudding Pie Bars are your new favorite dessert! Imagine a creamy butterscotch pudding layer nestled over a crumbly, buttery crust, all topped with fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed toffee bits or butterscotch chips.

These bars are everything you love about classic pudding pie, but in convenient, easy-to-serve squares. They’re cool, creamy, and decadent — yet surprisingly simple to make. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or when you just need a no-fuss dessert that delivers rich, nostalgic flavor.

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🍯 Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 sheets)

• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the Butterscotch Filling:

• 2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant butterscotch pudding mix

• 2 ½ cups cold whole milk

• ½ cup heavy cream

• ¼ cup brown sugar (optional, for extra richness)

• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• 1 (8 oz) container Cool Whip or 2 cups whipped cream

• ¼ cup crushed butterscotch chips or toffee bits (for garnish)

• Caramel drizzle (optional but recommended)

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🧁 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter.

2. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed.

3. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.

4. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes while you prepare the filling.
   (For a firmer crust, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes, then cool completely before adding the filling.)

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Step 2: Make the Butterscotch Pudding Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together butterscotch pudding mix, cold milk, heavy cream, brown sugar, and vanilla extract for 2–3 minutes until smooth and thickened.

2. Let the pudding mixture sit for 5 minutes to firm up. It should be creamy but not runny.

Pro Tip: For a homemade touch, you can make butterscotch pudding from scratch using butter, brown sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks — but the instant mix keeps this recipe quick and easy.

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Step 3: Assemble the Layers

1. Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the chilled graham cracker crust using a spatula.

2. Smooth the top so the layer is even and glossy.

3. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the filling is fully set.

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Step 4: Add the Whipped Topping

1. Once the pudding layer has set, spread Cool Whip (or homemade whipped cream) evenly over the top.

2. Sprinkle with crushed butterscotch chips or toffee bits for a crunchy, caramelized finish.

3. For extra flair, drizzle a light layer of caramel sauce over the top before serving.

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Step 5: Chill and Slice

Chill the bars for another 30 minutes to help the layers firm up before slicing.
Lift the dessert out using the parchment paper, cut into 12 even bars, and serve cold.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

These Butterscotch Pudding Pie Bars are irresistibly creamy and sweet all on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate them:

• Top with whipped cream swirls and drizzle with caramel sauce for a bakery-style look.

• Add crushed pretzels on top for a salty-sweet contrast.

• Serve with coffee or milk for the ultimate comforting treat.

• Mix it up: Substitute chocolate pudding for a layered chocolate-butterscotch combo.

They’re perfect for family gatherings, bake sales, and make-ahead desserts that wow without the stress.

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🧊 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To Refrigerate:
Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To Freeze:
Freeze bars (without whipped topping) in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add whipped topping and garnish before serving.

Make-Ahead Option:
You can prepare the crust and pudding layer a day in advance. Just add the whipped topping right before serving for the freshest texture.

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🍮 Homemade Butterscotch Pudding (Optional Upgrade)

If you want to go fully from-scratch, here’s a quick homemade pudding option that makes this dessert even more indulgent:

Ingredients:

• ½ cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 cups whole milk

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 2 egg yolks

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. In a saucepan, melt butter with brown sugar over medium heat until bubbling.

2. Whisk together milk, cornstarch, and salt; add to the pan gradually.

3. Whisk until thickened (5–7 minutes).

4. Temper in egg yolks (add a little hot pudding into the yolks first, then whisk back into the pan).

5. Cook another minute, remove from heat, and stir in vanilla.

6. Cool completely before layering into your pie bars.

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💡 Tips for Success

1. Use whole milk or heavy cream for the richest, creamiest texture.

2. Chill thoroughly before slicing — this helps the bars hold their shape.

3. Don’t rush the pudding layer. Give it time to thicken properly before spreading.

4. For clean slices, dip your knife in warm water between cuts.

5. Add texture! Try topping with crushed cookies, nuts, or even mini butterscotch chips.

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🥣 Nutrition Facts (Per Bar)

(Values are approximate and depend on specific brands and toppings used.)

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🕒 Recipe Timeline and Intensity

Total Active Time: ~20 minutes
Overall Effort: Easy (Beginner-friendly, minimal cooking)

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💬 Final Thoughts

These Butterscotch Pudding Pie Bars are everything dessert dreams are made of — rich, creamy, buttery, and full of nostalgic flavor. Each bite melts in your mouth with a perfect balance of sweetness and smooth texture.