This Butterscotch Oreo Trifle is an easy no-bake dessert with layers of rich butterscotch pudding, homemade salted caramel, whipped cream, and Oreos. Perfect make-ahead treat for parties, holidays, and weeknight desserts!

Inspiration Behind this Butterscotch Trifle Recipe

One of my kids’ all-time favorite desserts is my Banana Cream Trifle, inspired by our family trip to New York City, where we devour Magnolia Bakery’s famous banana pudding any chance we get.

New York sparked a love for layered desserts, and over the years, trifles have become a go-to in our home.

And just like Magnolia Bakery switches up their flavors, I wanted to create a twist on my classic banana cream version—introducing the Butterscotch Oreo Trifle.

This easy no-bake Oreo Butterscotch dessert layers rich butterscotch pudding, chocolatey Oreos, fluffy whipped cream, and a drizzle of salted caramel for a decadent treat. It’s simple to assemble, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed to wow a crowd.

Why You’ll Love This Butterscotch Oreo Trifle

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, no-bake dessert that’s easy to assemble and full of flavor, this Butterscotch Oreo Trifle is it.

With creamy butterscotch pudding, layers of Oreos, fresh whipped cream, and a drizzle of homemade salted caramel, it’s a dessert that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make.

What makes this Butterscotch and Oreo trifle recipe so special?

• No-bake dessert – perfect for warm weather or busy days.
• Easy to make ahead – even better after resting overnight.
• Rich, bold flavor – we use two boxes of instant butterscotch pudding for a deeper flavor profile.
• Serves a crowd – perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or dinner parties.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

For the Butterscotch Filling:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 2 cups (480 g) 2% or whole milk
• 2 small boxes (6.8 ounces) instant butterscotch pudding mix
• 1 1/2 cups (360 g) heavy whipping cream

For the Homemade Salted Caramel:

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (120 g) water
• 2 tablespoons (40 g) light corn syrup
• 3/4 cup (180 g) heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon (4.2 g) vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream:

• 3 cups (690 g) heavy whipping cream
• 1 cup (125 g) powdered sugar, measured then sifted
• 1 teaspoon (4.2 g) vanilla extract

For the Garnish:

Complement your kitchen with my baking tools ⤵

• 1 family-size box of Oreos

How to Make a Butterscotch Trifle with Homemade Caramel Sauce and Oreos

Step 1: Make the Butterscotch Filling

Beat cream cheese and condensed milk until silky smooth – no lumps allowed!

Whisk in the milk and both pudding boxes, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks in a chilled bowl. Cold bowl, cold cream, cold beaters if you’ve got them – this truly makes a difference in achieving the right texture.

Gently fold the whipped cream into your chilled pudding mixture. Cover and refrigerate until ready to assemble.

Step 2: Make the Homemade Salted Caramel

Combine sugar, water, and corn syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir just until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring completely. Stirring after this point causes crystallization.

Watch for an amber color, then remove from the heat and slowly drizzle in the cream while stirring. The mixture will bubble vigorously – that’s normal!

Stir in vanilla and salt. Let cool completely before using.

Pro tip: This can be made days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm slightly to thin if needed.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream

Whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla to stiff peaks in a chilled bowl.

This isn’t just a topping – it’s a crucial layer that balances the rich butterscotch.

Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 4: Assemble the Trifle

Assemble this trifle 4-5 hours ahead (or overnight) so the Oreos soften into cake-like layers. Seriously, the transformation from crunchy cookie to perfect soft layer is worth the wait.

Start with a layer of Oreos at the bottom of your trifle dish.

Add ⅓ butterscotch filling, then ⅓ whipped cream and then drizzle ⅓ of the caramel,

Repeat twice more for three complete layers.

Cover and refrigerate until serving. The waiting is the hardest part, but the payoff is incredible.

The Secret to the Best Butterscotch Trifle

The key is instant pudding mix – don’t swap this for cook-and-serve pudding. Instant pudding sets quickly and holds its structure for layering. Using two boxes intensifies the flavor, balancing perfectly with the sweetness of the caramel and cookies.

Make-Ahead Dessert for Any Occasion

One of the best parts of this Oreo Butterscotch cake trifle is how well it holds up in the fridge. In fact, it’s better if you make it the night before serving, because the Oreos soften into a cake-like texture that melts in your mouth.

This makes it a perfect dessert for:

• Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings
  
• Birthday parties
  
• Potlucks and barbecues
  
• A quick weeknight treat when you want something sweet

Tips for Trifle Success

Putting together the perfect butterscotch trifle with an Oreo delight follows these pro tips: 

• Use a trifle bowl or glass dish to show off those beautiful layers.
• Chill completely before serving so the cookies soften.
• Make extra caramel – trust me, your guests will want more! I like to have a small jar of extra caramel sauce on the side for guests to add more to their serving, if desired.
• Swap flavors – this recipe can be used for so many flavors: try golden Oreos, chocolate pudding, or peanut butter drizzle for fun twists.
• Make ahead of time – the flavors not only pop more a day later, but the cookies soften to just the right texture, making this easy to serve and eat.

FAQ for Butterscotch Oreo Trifle