Introduction

Pistachio Lush is a delightful layered dessert that combines a buttery nutty crust, creamy cheesecake filling, and light pistachio pudding topped with whipped topping. It’s a perfect treat for gatherings or whenever you’re craving something sweet with a bit of crunch and color.

Ingredients

1 cup flour
1/2 cup stick butter (cut up)
1 cup chopped walnuts
8 oz cream cheese at room temperature
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 cup whipped topping
2 packages instant pistachio pudding
3 cups milk
2 cups whipped topping
1/2 cup toasted almonds (optional, but recommended)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Step 2: In a large bowl, add the flour and the cut-up butter. Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles small peas.
Step 3: Stir in the chopped walnuts.
Step 4: Press this mixture evenly into a 13 x 9-inch pan.
Step 5: Bake for 20 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Step 6: In a bowl, beat the cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, and 1 cup of whipped topping together until smooth and silky.
Step 7: Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
Step 8: Prepare the pistachio pudding by whisking it into the milk for 1-2 minutes until it starts to thicken.
Step 9: Spread the pudding layer over the cream cheese layer.
Step 10: Chill the dessert for about 2-3 hours to set.
Step 11: Before serving, top with the remaining 2 cups of whipped topping and sprinkle with toasted almonds if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, try substituting walnuts with pecans or adding chopped pistachios on top.
Use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping for a fresher taste.
Let the dessert chill overnight for the best flavor and texture.
If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the confectioner’s sugar slightly.

Storage

Store Pistachio Lush covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled until serving, and if needed, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying. This dessert does not freeze well due to its creamy layers.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Pistachio Lush ahead of time?

Yes, this dessert actually benefits from chilling time. Prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate; it will set nicely and the flavors will meld beautifully.

What can I use if I don’t have instant pistachio pudding?

You can use a pistachio-flavored gelatin dessert or make a homemade pistachio pudding using ground pistachios and a standard pudding recipe, though the texture may vary slightly.

Pistachio Lush Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 118 reviews

Pistachio Lush is a decadent, layered dessert featuring a buttery walnut crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese layer, luscious instant pistachio pudding, and topped with fluffy whipped topping and optional toasted almonds. This easy-to-make treat combines rich textures and nutty flavors, perfect for gatherings or a special indulgence.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup stick butter, cut into pieces
1 cup chopped walnuts

Cream Cheese Layer

8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 cup whipped topping

Pistachio Pudding Layer

2 packages instant pistachio pudding mix
3 cups milk

Topping

2 cups whipped topping
1/2 cup toasted almonds (optional, but recommended)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
Make the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour and cut-up butter. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles small peas, ensuring an even texture for the crust.
Add Walnuts: Stir in the chopped walnuts evenly into the butter-flour mixture to add a crunchy nutty flavor.
Press Crust: Press the mixture firmly into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan to form the base layer of the dessert.
Bake Crust: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden and set.
Cool Crust: Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely before assembling the next layers to prevent melting or sogginess.
Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat together the room temperature cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, and 1 cup of whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and silky, creating a rich and creamy layer.
Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust in the pan as the second layer.
Make Pistachio Pudding: Prepare the instant pistachio pudding by whisking the two pudding packages into 3 cups of milk. Whisk vigorously for 1–2 minutes until the pudding begins to thicken.
Add Pudding Layer: Spread the thickened pistachio pudding over the cream cheese layer smoothly and evenly.
Chill Dessert: Refrigerate the layered dessert for 2 to 3 hours to allow the pudding to fully set and the flavors to meld.
Add Final Toppings: Once chilled, spread the remaining 2 cups of whipped topping over the pudding layer. Optionally, sprinkle toasted almonds on top for added texture and flavor.

Notes

Ensure the crust is completely cooled before adding the cream cheese layer to avoid melting.
To toast almonds, spread them evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until golden and fragrant.
Use full-fat cream cheese and whipped topping for a richer texture.
This dessert can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated for best flavor and texture.
For a nut-free version, omit walnuts and almonds but expect a different texture.

Keywords: Pistachio Lush, layered dessert, pistachio pudding dessert, cream cheese dessert, nutty dessert, easy holiday dessert