This Circus Animal Cookie Lush is a fun and colorful dessert that layers sweet cream filling with cookie crumbs. It’s like a playful party in a dish!
The best part? Those cute, frosted cookies on top add just the right crunch and sweetness. Who can resist sneaking a bite? I know I can’t! 😋
Making this is easy and perfect for sharing, but just a heads up—it might disappear quickly at your next gathering! Trust me, everyone will want a slice.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cake Mix: Funfetti cake mix is a classic choice for this dessert, bringing bright colors and flavor. If you can’t find it, vanilla cake mix works well too. You can even use a gluten-free cake mix if needed!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese adds richness to the filling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese. Both will give you a creamy consistency.
Whipped Topping: I love using Cool Whip for convenience. If you’re dairy-free, coconut whipped cream is a great substitute. It has a slight coconut flavor that pairs nicely with the cookies!
Circus Animal Cookies: These bring a fun crunch to the dessert. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use any frosted cookies or even crushed graham crackers mixed with some sprinkles for color.
How Do I Ensure My Layers Stay Perfectly Stacked?
Layering can be tricky, but with a little care, you’ll have a stunning dessert! Here are some tips:
- Let your cake cool completely before crumbling; this prevents sogginess.
- When mixing the cake crumbs into the cream cheese mixture, do it gently. You want the crumbs to be evenly distributed without getting mushy.
- Press down gently when spreading layers into the pan to create a nice, even surface.
- For the top layer, pipe the whipped cream if you’d like a more decorative look, ensuring the whipped cream holds its shape!
After layering, chill for a few hours. This helps everything set nicely. Remember, patience pays off when it comes to desserts!
How to Make Circus Animal Cookie Lush
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cake:
- 1 box (15.25 oz) funfetti cake mix or vanilla cake mix with sprinkles
- Ingredients called for on cake mix box (usually eggs, oil, water)
For The Creamy Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 8 oz whipped topping (like Cool Whip), thawed and divided
- 1 package (12.5 oz) vanilla pudding mix (instant)
- 3 cups cold milk
For The Topping:
- 1 cup crushed circus animal cookies (frosted animal crackers)
- Extra circus animal cookies for garnish
- Assorted sprinkles (rainbow nonpareils, jimmies, etc.)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dessert will take about 20 minutes of prep time, plus around 2-3 hours to chill in the refrigerator. The chilling time allows all the flavors to blend wonderfully, making it worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Bake the Cake:
Start by preparing the cake according to the package directions for funfetti or vanilla cake mix. Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and bake it until it’s fully done. Once baked, let it cool completely on a wire rack.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture:
While your cake is baking, grab a large bowl and beat the softened cream cheese with the granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will form the luscious base for your dessert!
3. Combine the Cream Components:
Gently fold half of the thawed whipped topping into the cream cheese mixture until blended. This will add extra lightness to the filling. Set this mixture aside for later.
4. Prepare the Pudding:
In another bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix with the cold milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes until it thickens up nicely. This is where the creaminess comes in!
5. Mix Everything Together:
Now, fold the prepared pudding into the cream cheese mixture. Add the remaining whipped topping as well, and mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
6. Crumble the Cake:
Once the cake has completely cooled, crumble it into a large bowl. We want those nice, soft cake bits for layering.
7. Add the Cookies and Sprinkles:
Gently fold the cake crumbs along with the crushed circus animal cookies and about half of the assorted sprinkles into the cream cheese/pudding mixture. This will create a fun, colorful mix!
8. Layer the Mixture:
Spread the cookie and cake mixture evenly into the same 9×13-inch pan or you can divide it into individual serving dishes for a cute presentation.
9. Top It Off:
For the topping, spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the mixture. If you feel fancy, pipe lovely swirls of whipped cream on top!
10. Garnish for Festivity:
Decorate your lush with whole circus animal cookies and sprinkle the additional sprinkles all over the top for that lovely carnival vibe.
11. Chill:
Cover the dessert and refrigerate it for at least 2-3 hours. This chilling time is essential for the flavors to meld and the layers to set properly.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, slice up your Circus Animal Cookie Lush or scoop it into bowls, and enjoy the delightful blend of flavors and textures! Perfect for any party or gathering!
Can I Make This Dessert Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can use a gluten-free funfetti or vanilla cake mix instead of regular cake mix. Just make sure all your other ingredients, like the pudding mix and cookies, are also gluten-free for a completely gluten-free dessert.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it just as delicious the next day!
Can I Substitute the Cookies?
Absolutely! If you can’t find circus animal cookies, you can use any frosted cookies or even sprinkle in some crushed graham crackers mixed with colorful sprinkles for a similar crunch and sweetness!
How Do I Make This Ahead of Time?
This dessert is perfect for making ahead! You can assemble it a day in advance and just let it chill in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Just be sure to garnish with cookies and sprinkles right before serving for the best presentation.
