Real Recipes From Real Home Cooks ®

pistachio pudding dessert

Recipe by
Vickie Parks
Renton, WA

My mom used to make this dessert all the time in the 1970s and ‘80s. It’s really easy to prepare, but you definitely want to make it in advance because it requires at least 3 hours of chilling time. I try to make this every St. Patrick’s Day (because the pudding layer is a pastel green color). But it’s a great dessert to take to any party or picnic. I’ve never had any leftovers whenever I bring it to a party or gathering, and someone usually asks for the recipe.

yield 12 serving(s)
prep time 3 Hr 10 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For pistachio pudding dessert

  • 1 1/4 cups
    all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup
    unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup
    finely chopped pecans (or walnuts work ok, too)
  • 8 oz
    cream cheese
  • 1 c
    confectioners' sugar
  • 8 oz
    frozen whipped topping, thawed but still cold
  • 2 pkg
    pistachio flavor instant pudding mix (3.75 oz each)
  • 3 c
    cold milk
  • 1/4 c
    finely chopped pecans
  • 1/4 c
    finely chopped pistachio nuts

How To Make pistachio pudding dessert

  • 1
    Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray; set baking dish aside.
  • 2
    In a small bowl, mix the flour and butter until crumbly. Stir in the nuts. Pat the dough into the baking dish to form an even crust layer. Place baking dish in oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the crust is a light golden brown. Cool completely before covering crust with the next layer.
  • 3
    In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese and powdered sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Fold in half of the softened whipped topping until well blended. Spread the cream cheese topping in an even layer over the cooled crust.
  • 4
    In a medium bowl, combine the pudding mix and milk, and beat thoroughly until it thickens. Carefully pour pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer, and use a spatula to spread it in an even layer.
  • 5
    Spread remaining whipped topping in even layer on top. If desired, sprinkle finely chopped pecans and pistachio nuts across the top of the whipped topping layer.
  • 6
    Cover dish with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before slicing.
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