Description
Circus Animal Cookie Lush is a delightful no-bake layered dessert combining crushed colorful Circus Animal cookies with creamy vanilla pudding, cream cheese, and whipped topping. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for parties and gatherings, featuring a fun, fruity flavor and a whimsical crunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust and Layers
- 2 cups crushed Circus Animal cookies (about 30 cookies)
Pudding Mixture
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 cups cold milk
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), divided
Garnish (Optional)
- Sprinkles or extra crushed Circus Animal cookies
Instructions
- Prepare Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens. Set aside to allow it to fully set.
- Cream Cheese Base: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Incorporate Whipped Topping: Gently fold half of the whipped topping into the cream cheese and sugar mixture to lighten the texture.
- Combine Pudding and Cream Cheese Mixtures: Carefully fold the prepared pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined, creating a creamy filling.
- First Cookie Layer: Spread half of the crushed Circus Animal cookies evenly in the bottom of a 9×13 inch dish, forming the base layer.
- First Filling Layer: Spread half of the pudding and cream cheese mixture over the cookie base layer, smoothing it out gently.
- Second Cookie Layer: Repeat the layering with the remaining crushed cookies, spreading them evenly over the pudding layer.
- Second Filling Layer: Spread the rest of the pudding mixture on top of the cookie layer, ensuring an even coverage.
- Top and Garnish: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the final pudding layer. Optionally, garnish with sprinkles or additional crushed cookies for extra color and texture.
- Chill: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight. This step allows the layers to meld together and the cookies to soften to a luscious texture.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly crushed Circus Animal cookies for crunch and flavor.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps.
- You can substitute the whipped topping with homemade whipped cream if preferred.
- The dessert can be prepared a day in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator.
- Use a 9×13 inch dish for proper layering and serving size.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
