Name: Pistachio Pudding Dessert Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar; 1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios; 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened; 1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream; 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed (3 cups); 3 cups cold 2% milk; 2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant pistachio pudding mix; 1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed; 1/4 cup chopped pistachios

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Introduction

This Pistachio Pudding Dessert is a creamy, nutty treat perfect for any occasion. With layers of buttery crust, smooth cream cheese filling, and luscious pistachio pudding, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare and delicious to enjoy.

The image shows a dessert with three visible layers in a rectangular baking pan and two square pieces served on white plates. The bottom layer is light beige and looks like a soft cake or crust. The middle layer is pale green with a smooth, creamy texture. The top layer is thick, white, and fluffy like whipped cream. Crushed green pistachio nuts are sprinkled on top across all pieces. The dessert is placed on a white marbled surface with a silver fork next to one plate and a silver serving fork inside the pan. The soft lighting highlights the creamy textures and nutty topping, creating a fresh and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, softened
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar
1/2 cup finely chopped pistachios
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (8 ounces) sour cream
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed (3 cups total needed)
3 cups cold 2% milk
2 packages (3.4 ounces each) instant pistachio pudding mix
1/4 cup chopped pistachios for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add the flour and confectioners’ sugar, then blend the mixture until it becomes crumbly. Stir in the finely chopped pistachios.
Step 2: Press this mixture firmly onto the bottom of a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until set. Once baked, cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and creamy. Gently fold in 3 cups of the thawed whipped topping until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold milk and the two packages of instant pistachio pudding mix. Beat on low speed for about 2 minutes until the pudding thickens. Spread this pudding layer over the cream cheese mixture.
Step 5: Carefully spread the remaining thawed whipped topping over the pudding layer. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1/4 cup of chopped pistachios for garnish.
Step 6: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 1 hour to allow it to set before serving. Enjoy chilled.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, toast the chopped pistachios lightly before adding them to the crust and topping.
Use low-fat or fat-free cream cheese and sour cream for a lighter version.
Try swapping pistachio pudding mix with vanilla or almond flavor for a different twist.
Make sure to fully thaw the whipped topping to avoid lumps in the cream layer.

Storage

Store this dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled but can be left at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for a softer texture. Avoid freezing, as the whipped topping may separate.

How to Serve

The image shows a square piece of a layered dessert on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The dessert has four clear layers: the bottom layer is a light brown crust with a crumbly texture, above it is a thick off-white creamy layer, followed by a thinner light green creamy layer, and topped with a thick white whipped cream layer. The top layer is sprinkled generously with roughly chopped green and brown pistachio nuts, adding texture and color contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dessert a day in advance and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld and the layers to set perfectly.

Can I use salted pistachios instead of unsalted?

It’s best to use unsalted pistachios to control the sweetness and saltiness of the dessert. If using salted pistachios, reduce added salt elsewhere in the recipe if applicable.