Description
Circus Animal Cookie Lush is a delightful no-bake dessert featuring a buttery cookie crust, a smooth and creamy cheesecake layer, decadent vanilla pudding, and fluffy whipped topping. It’s finished with a festive sprinkle of crushed frosted animal cookies and colorful sprinkles, making it a perfect fun and nostalgic treat for parties, birthdays, or any celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 cups frosted circus animal cookies, crushed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Layer
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped topping
Pudding Layer
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
Topping
- 1 (8 oz) container whipped topping (remaining)
- 1/2 cup frosted circus animal cookies, crushed (remaining)
- Optional: whole circus animal cookies and rainbow sprinkles for decoration
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Crush 2 cups of frosted circus animal cookies into fine crumbs. In a bowl, combine the crushed cookies with melted butter until fully incorporated. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch pan to create an even crust layer. Refrigerate for 10 minutes to set.
- Make the cheesecake layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 1 cup of whipped topping. Spread this cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
- Prepare the pudding layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Spread this pudding evenly over the cheesecake layer.
- Add whipped topping layer: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer, smoothing it out evenly.
- Garnish and chill: Sprinkle the top with the remaining crushed frosted circus animal cookies. Add optional whole circus animal cookies and rainbow sprinkles for extra decoration. Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
- Serve: Slice the dessert into squares and serve chilled for best taste and texture.
Notes
- For best results, prepare the dessert the night before to allow flavors to meld and layers to set properly.
- Using an 8×8-inch pan will yield a thicker and richer dessert.
- For variation, substitute the vanilla pudding mix with white chocolate or cheesecake flavored pudding mix.
