Description
Pistachio Lush Dessert is a delightful layered treat featuring a buttery walnut crust, a creamy cream cheese layer, luscious pistachio pudding, and topped with fluffy whipped topping and toasted almonds. Perfectly chilled, this dessert offers a rich, nutty flavor and a smooth texture that will impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 cup stick butter, cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup whipped topping
Pudding Layer
- 2 packages instant pistachio pudding mix
- 3 cups milk
Topping
- 2 cups whipped topping
- 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
- Make crust: In a large bowl, combine flour, cubed butter, and brown sugar using a pastry blender or fork until the butter resembles small peas. Stir in the chopped walnuts, then press the mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and allow the crust to cool completely to room temperature.
- Prepare cream cheese layer: In a clean large mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping gently until fully combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust layer.
- Make pistachio pudding: In another bowl, whisk the two packages of instant pistachio pudding mix with 3 cups of milk until the mixture thickens, about 2 minutes. Spread the thickened pudding evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Add whipped topping and almonds: Gently spread the remaining 2 cups of whipped topping over the pudding layer, smoothing it out evenly. Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds on top for added crunch and garnish.
- Chill and serve: Cover the pan with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate the dessert for 2 to 3 hours to allow layers to set. Once chilled, slice into 12 portions and serve chilled.
Notes
- Ensure the crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to prevent melting.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and pudding mix for the best texture and flavor.
- For extra flavor, lightly toast the walnuts before mixing into the crust.
- This dessert keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To make ahead, prepare all layers but do not add the whipped topping and almonds until just before serving.
