
This delicious dish is the perfect dessert to end a meal. It is decadent and just enough to satisfy one’s sweet tooth. It’s also a great dessert to bring to a party.
The layers in this pistachio dessert
This dessert consists of 4 distinct layers.
Bottom Layer – The bottom layer is the crust and consists of the following ingredients:
- Pistachios – make sure to reserve 1 tbsp of the nuts to sprinkle on top.
- Butter
- Flour
- Sugar
Cream cheese layer – this layer sits just above the crust and has the following ingredients:
- Cream cheese
- Icing Sugar
- Cool Whip
Pudding layer – the green layer with the pudding mix
- Pistachio Pudding – I use 2 packages of Jell-O Pistachio Instant Pudding. Each package is 4 cup serving.
- Cold milk
Cool whip topping – the top layer
- Cool whip
- Pistachios
How to make Pistachio Pudding Dessert?
This recipe is easy to make but has several steps of cooling, setting and chilling of the ingredients. The bottom layer, or crust, consists of a mixture of finely chopped pistachios, butter, flour and sugar. First, bake the bottom layer in the oven until browned. You must make sure to cool the crust layer completely before adding the next layer. Then, spread the cream cheese, icing sugar and cool whip on top of the crust layer. After that, cover the layer with a mixture of the pistachio pudding and cold milk to create the green-colored layer. Finally, it is finished off with a layer of cool whip at the top and a sprinkle of chopped pistachio nuts.
Cooking Tips
For the best results, use room temperature cream cheese. This helps create a smoother texture in the cream cheese layer. Make sure to mix the pudding well, ensuring there are no lumps. Also, letting each layer set properly before adding the next is crucial for keeping those layers distinct.
Serving Suggestions
This pistachio pudding dessert is perfect on its own, but you can elevate it by adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra flavor. Serve it in individual cups for a fun presentation, or add fresh berries on top for a pop of color and freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I substitute for Cool Whip?
If you want a substitute for Cool Whip, whipped cream works great. Just whip up some heavy cream with a bit of sugar until soft peaks form, and you’ll get that light, fluffy topping.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep well for about 3 to 4 days, but the layers might start to blend together a bit.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Making this dessert ahead of time is a smart idea. You can prepare it a day or two in advance, just make sure to keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.
What can I use instead of pistachios?
If you’re not a fan of pistachios, walnuts or almonds make nice substitutes. Just chop them finely and use them in the same way in the crust and as a topping.
What are some serving suggestions for this dessert?
This dessert is a hit at parties, so consider serving it in individual cups for a fun presentation. You can also add a sprinkle of extra pistachios or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top for a little extra flair.
Pistachio Pudding Dessert
Ingredients
- ½ cup finely chopped pistachio or walnuts , divided
- ½ cup butter , softened
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 250 g cream cheese , softened
- 1 cup icing (powdered) sugar
- 1 L Cool Whip Topping , thawed, divided
- 2 package Jell-O Pistachio Instant Pudding (4 cup -servings each)
- 2 1/2 cups cold milk
Instructions
- Heat oven to 325 degree F. Grease a 13X9-inch baking pan.
- Reserve 1 tablespoon nuts. Using a stand up or hand held mixer, combine the remaining nuts with butter, flour and sugar.
- Press flour mixture onto bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes and then set aside to cool completely.
- In a medium bowl, combine together cream cheese and icing sugar; whisk until well combined. Stir in 2 cups of Cool Whip. Spread cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust.
- Using a stand up mixer, beat pudding mixes and milk with whisk on low speed for 3 minutes. Spread over cream cheese layer and let stand for 5 minutes or until thickened. Cover with the remaining Cool Whip. Refrigerate for 4 hours.
- Slice and sprinkle with remaining nuts just before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
If I make this recipe today can I leave it in the refrigertor overnight and serve it for lunch tomorrow? Will it still be the same as fresh?
Hi Marge,
For sure! This pistachio pudding dessert is best served if chilled overnight. Take care!
I have made this many times and it is always a hit. Chocolate and butterscotch puddings are also a nice change.
Tasted absolutely perfect! The crust was not crumbly or too wet. The pudding set and was not too thick or runny. I used 3/4 walnuts and 1/4 pistachios for the ratio of nuts. It tasted just like my grandmas! I wouldn’t change a thing!
How many ounces in the Cool Whip container used in this recipe? An 8 oz., 12 oz., or 16 oz.?
Hi Kathryn,
I used 1 liter of cool whip in this recipe, which is around 16 oz. Hope this helps!
This is one of my favs
Ya