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Pistachio Lush Recipe

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★★★★★

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.

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

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the crust.
  2. 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.
  3. Add Walnuts: Stir in the chopped walnuts evenly into the butter-flour mixture to add a crunchy nutty flavor.
  4. Press Crust: Press the mixture firmly into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan to form the base layer of the dessert.
  5. Bake Crust: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden and set.
  6. Cool Crust: Remove the crust from the oven and allow it to cool completely before assembling the next layers to prevent melting or sogginess.
  7. 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.
  8. Spread Cream Cheese Layer: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust in the pan as the second layer.
  9. 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.
  10. Add Pudding Layer: Spread the thickened pistachio pudding over the cream cheese layer smoothly and evenly.
  11. Chill Dessert: Refrigerate the layered dessert for 2 to 3 hours to allow the pudding to fully set and the flavors to meld.
  12. 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

Find it online: https://savorandsimmer.com/pistachio-lush-recipe/