Description
Circus Animal Cookie Lush is a delightful no-bake layered dessert featuring crushed colorful Circus Animal cookies, creamy instant vanilla pudding, softened cream cheese, and fluffy whipped topping. This easy-to-make treat is perfect for parties or any occasion, requiring only refrigeration for the flavors to meld into a rich, creamy, and crunchy dessert that serves 12.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Layer
- 2 cups crushed Circus Animal cookies (about 30 cookies)
Pudding Layer
- 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
Topping
- 1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping (like Cool Whip), divided
- Optional: sprinkles or extra crushed cookies for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Pudding: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Set aside to let it fully set.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Fold Whipped Topping: Gently fold half of the whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture to lighten the texture.
- Combine Pudding and Cream Cheese Mixture: Carefully fold the prepared pudding into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined and smooth.
- Layer Cookies and Pudding: In a 9×13 inch dish, spread half of the crushed Circus Animal cookies evenly as the bottom layer.
- Add First Pudding Layer: Spread half of the pudding mixture over the cookie layer, covering it completely.
- Repeat Layers: Repeat the layering process with the remaining crushed cookies and pudding mixture, creating a second layer.
- Top and Garnish: Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the top layer. Garnish with sprinkles or extra crushed cookies, if desired.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the layers to set before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps in the mixture.
- Make sure the milk is very cold when whisking with pudding mix for proper thickening.
- You can prepare this dessert a day in advance to enhance the flavors.
- Use a spatula to gently fold ingredients to retain a light, fluffy texture.
- Feel free to substitute with gluten-free cookies if needed.
- Keep the dessert refrigerated until serving to maintain texture and freshness.
