Pistachio Lush Recipe

Introduction

Pistachio Lush is a delightful layered dessert that combines a buttery nutty crust, creamy cheese filling, and fluffy pistachio pudding topping. It’s perfect for gatherings or a special treat when you want something both beautiful and delicious.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour and cut-up butter. Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles small peas.
3. Step 3: Stir in the chopped walnuts.
4. Step 4: Press the mixture evenly into a 13 x 9-inch pan.
5. Step 5: Bake the crust for 20 minutes, then remove and allow it to cool completely.
6. Step 6: Beat the cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, and 1 cup of whipped topping together until smooth and silky.
7. Step 7: Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
8. Step 8: Prepare the pistachio pudding by whisking both packages into 3 cups of milk. Whisk for 1-2 minutes until the pudding begins to thicken.
9. Step 9: Spread the pudding over the cream cheese layer.
10. Step 10: Chill the dessert in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 hours to set.
11. Step 11: Before serving, top with the remaining 2 cups of whipped topping.
12. Step 12: Sprinkle with toasted almonds if desired for added crunch and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts and almonds and add extra flour to maintain crust texture.
• Use fresh whipped cream instead of store-bought whipped topping for a lighter taste.
• Chilling the dessert overnight enhances the flavors and makes slicing easier.

Storage

Store the Pistachio Lush covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture, consume within this period. When ready to serve, you can let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly. Avoid freezing as the whipped layers may separate upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts or almonds?

Yes, you can substitute with pecans, hazelnuts, or even pistachios to complement the pudding flavor. Just toast them lightly for best results.

Is it possible to make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the entire dessert and refrigerate it overnight. This allows the layers to set perfectly and the flavors to meld, making it even more delicious the next day.

Pistachio Lush Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 137 reviews

Pistachio Lush is a decadent layered dessert featuring a buttery walnut crust, a creamy cream cheese layer, and a luscious pistachio pudding topping, finished with whipped topping and toasted almonds for crunch. Perfectly balanced with textures and flavors, this no-bake dessert is chilled to set, making it an elegant and easy-to-make treat for any occasion.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup stick butter, cut up
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Cream Cheese Layer

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

Pistachio Pudding Layer

• 2 packages instant pistachio pudding
• 3 cups milk

Topping

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

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the flour and cut-up butter; use a pastry blender or two knives to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles small peas. Stir in the chopped walnuts, then press this mixture evenly into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan.
2. Bake and Cool Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until golden and set. Remove the pan from the oven and let the crust cool completely before proceeding.
3. Make Cream Cheese Layer: In a mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, and 1 cup of whipped topping until the mixture is smooth and silky. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cooled crust in the pan.
4. Prepare Pistachio Pudding: Whisk the 2 packages of instant pistachio pudding into 3 cups of milk for 1–2 minutes until the pudding starts to thicken. This step activates the pudding mix and ensures proper setting.
5. Assemble Pudding Layer: Spread the thickened pistachio pudding evenly on top of the cream cheese layer in the pan.
6. Chill Dessert: Place the assembled dessert in the refrigerator and chill for 2 to 3 hours, allowing the pudding to set completely and the flavors to meld.
7. Add Final Topping and Garnish: Once chilled, top the dessert with the remaining 2 cups of whipped topping, spreading it evenly. Optionally, sprinkle the top with 1/2 cup of toasted almonds for added texture and flavor. Serve chilled.

Notes

• For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cream cheese layer.
• To toast almonds, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until golden and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
• Allow the dessert to chill sufficiently to achieve a firm set and enhance flavor melding.
• Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds in the crust if preferred.
• This dessert can be prepared a day in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator.

Keywords: Pistachio Lush, layered dessert, pistachio pudding dessert, walnut crust, cream cheese layer, easy dessert, make ahead dessert