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Pistachio Layered Dessert Recipe

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3.9 from 78 reviews

  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 15 servings

Description

This Pistachio Layered Dessert is a creamy, no-bake treat featuring a crunchy graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese layer, luscious pistachio pudding, and a fluffy whipped topping. Perfectly chilled and topped with optional pecans, coconut flakes, and mini marshmallows for added texture and sweetness, this dessert requires minimal prep and is sure to impress at any gathering.

Ingredients

Crust

  • 3 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 16 ounces (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pistachio Pudding Layer

  • 2 (3.4 ounce) boxes instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 3 ½ cups cold milk

Topping

  • 8 ounce tub whipped topping, thawed (Cool Whip)
  • Chopped pecans (optional)
  • Sweetened coconut flakes (optional)
  • Mini marshmallows (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare baking dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside to ensure easy removal of the dessert later.
  2. Make the crust: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of graham cracker crumbs with ½ cup melted salted butter, stirring until well mixed. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form an even crust. Place the crust into the freezer to set while making the filling.
  3. Whip cream cheese layer: In another large bowl, beat 16 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy with no lumps.
  4. Prepare pistachio pudding: In a separate large bowl, whisk together 2 boxes of instant pistachio pudding mix with 3 ½ cups of cold milk. Continue whisking until the pudding thickens, typically about 2 minutes.
  5. Assemble cream cheese layer: Remove the crust from the freezer and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the graham cracker base, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
  6. Add pistachio pudding layer: Carefully spread the thickened pistachio pudding over the cream cheese layer, ensuring an even layer without mixing the layers.
  7. Top with whipped topping: Spread the thawed 8-ounce tub of whipped topping evenly over the pudding layer to create a light and fluffy top layer.
  8. Chill to set: Cover the assembled dessert with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the layers to firm up and the flavors to meld.
  9. Add optional toppings: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped pecans, sweetened coconut flakes, and mini marshmallows on top if desired, for added texture and flavor enhancement.
  10. Serve: Slice the dessert into 15 generous portions and serve chilled for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before whipping to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
  • For a firmer crust, pressing it down tightly and freezing it before assembly is key.
  • Optional toppings add crunchy and sweet contrast; feel free to customize according to your preference.
  • This dessert is best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator covered for up to 3 days.
  • Use low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese and whipped topping for a lighter version.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://quickandsweetrecipes.com/pistachio-layered-dessert-recipe/