This Pistachio Pudding Dessert is a creamy, layered treat with a buttery pecan crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a fluffy pistachio topping. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for gatherings, holidays, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It features a delicious combination of crunchy, creamy, and fluffy textures.
The pistachio flavor is light and refreshing.
It’s easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients.
Perfect for making ahead of time.
Great for potlucks, family dinners, and special occasions.
No complicated techniques required.
Customizable with different toppings and variations.
A crowd-pleasing dessert for all ages.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the crust:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped pecans
For the cream cheese layer:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup whipped topping
For the pistachio layer:
2 boxes (3.4 ounces each) instant pistachio pudding mix
3 cups cold milk
For the topping:
2 cups whipped topping
2 tablespoons chopped pistachios or pecans (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, and chopped pecans. Mix until well blended.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add the powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until smooth and creamy.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
In another bowl, whisk together the pistachio pudding mix and cold milk for about 2 minutes, until thickened.
Spread the pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
Top with the remaining 2 cups of whipped topping, spreading it evenly.
Garnish with chopped pistachios or pecans if desired.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set, before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12 servings
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15–18 minutes
Chilling time: 4 hours
Total time: Approximately 4 hours 40 minutes
Variations
Use vanilla or cheesecake pudding instead of pistachio for a different flavor twist.
Replace pecans in the crust with chopped walnuts or almonds.
Add a layer of sliced bananas between the cream cheese and pudding layers.
Mix crushed pineapple (well drained) into the pistachio pudding for a fruity version.
Sprinkle shredded coconut on top for extra texture.
Use a chocolate cookie crust instead of the flour crust for a richer dessert.
Storage/Reheating
Store the dessert covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
This dessert is best served chilled and does not require reheating. Freezing is not recommended, as it may affect the texture of the cream layers.
FAQs
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, it’s actually better when made a day in advance since it needs several hours to chill and set properly.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?
Yes, you can substitute with stabilized homemade whipped cream to maintain structure.
What if I don’t have pecans?
You can use walnuts, almonds, or leave the nuts out entirely for a nut-free version.
Can I use cook-and-serve pudding instead of instant?
Instant pudding works best for this recipe. Cook-and-serve pudding may not set the same way in layered desserts.
How do I know when it’s fully set?
The pudding layer should feel firm to the touch and not jiggle excessively when the pan is gently shaken.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double it and use a larger baking dish if serving a big crowd.
Why is my crust crumbly?
Make sure the butter is evenly mixed with the flour and that the crust is pressed firmly into the pan before baking.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
How long does it need to chill?
At least 4 hours, but overnight chilling provides the best texture and flavor.
Can I add food coloring for a brighter green?
It’s not necessary, but a small drop of green food coloring can enhance the color if desired.
Conclusion
Pistachio Pudding Dessert is a timeless layered treat that combines a buttery crust, creamy filling, and light pistachio flavor into one irresistible dish. It’s simple to prepare, easy to customize, and always a hit at gatherings. Once you make it, it’s sure to become a favorite dessert in your home.
This Pistachio Pudding Dessert is a creamy, layered treat featuring a buttery pecan crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a fluffy pistachio pudding topping. Light, refreshing, and easy to prepare, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert for gatherings and holidays.
