Pistachio Lush Recipe

Introduction

Pistachio Lush is a delightful layered dessert that combines a buttery walnut crust, a creamy cheesecake layer, and a luscious pistachio pudding topping. This treat is perfect for gatherings or whenever you want a sweet and nutty indulgence that’s easy to make and sure to impress.

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 your 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 evenly.
4. Step 4: Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 13 x 9-inch baking pan to form the crust.
5. Step 5: Bake the crust for 20 minutes, then remove it from the oven and let it cool completely.
6. Step 6: Beat together the cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, and 1 cup of whipped topping 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 the pudding mixes into the 3 cups of milk for 1 to 2 minutes until it starts to thicken.
9. Step 9: Spread the prepared pudding layer 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 and sprinkle with toasted almonds, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute half the chopped walnuts with pecans or use a mix of both nuts.
• Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps in the cheesecake layer.
• Try adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture for extra depth of flavor.
• Toast the almonds lightly in a dry skillet until golden to enhance their flavor before sprinkling on top.
• If you prefer a lighter dessert, use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat whipped topping.

Storage

Store Pistachio Lush in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is best served chilled. When ready to enjoy, remove from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for easier slicing. Avoid freezing, as the whipped topping and pudding layers may separate upon thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pudding mix?

Yes, you can substitute the instant pistachio pudding with another flavor like vanilla or butterscotch, but this will change the characteristic pistachio flavor of the dessert.

Is it possible to make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely. Pistachio Lush can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated until serving. This actually allows the layers to set nicely and enhances the flavors.

Pistachio Lush Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.4 from 57 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

Pistachio Lush is a delightful layered dessert featuring a buttery walnut crust, creamy cheesecake layer, luscious pistachio pudding, and whipped topping, garnished with toasted almonds for added crunch. This no-fuss dessert combines rich textures and flavors perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or any festive occasion.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Crust

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

Cheesecake 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 degrees Fahrenheit to get ready for baking the crust.
2. Prepare Crust Mixture: 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.
3. Add Walnuts: Stir the chopped walnuts into the flour and butter mixture ensuring even distribution.
4. Press Into Pan: Press this walnut-flour-butter mixture evenly into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan to form the crust.
5. Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until it is set and slightly golden.
6. Cool Crust: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely to room temperature to avoid melting the cheesecake layer.
7. Make Cheesecake Layer: Beat the cream cheese, confectioner’s sugar, and 1 cup whipped topping together in a bowl until smooth and silky, ensuring no lumps remain.
8. Spread Cheesecake Layer: Spread this creamy mixture evenly across the cooled crust in the baking pan.
9. Prepare Pistachio Pudding: Whisk the instant pistachio pudding mixes into the 3 cups of milk for 1-2 minutes until the pudding begins to thicken.
10. Add Pudding Layer: Spread the thickened pistachio pudding evenly over the cheesecake layer in the pan.
11. Chill Dessert: Refrigerate the layered dessert for 2 to 3 hours to allow it to set and the flavors to meld.
12. Add Final Topping: Before serving, top the dessert with the remaining 2 cups whipped topping and sprinkle with toasted almonds for a crunchy finish, if desired.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
• To toast almonds, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until golden and fragrant.
• This dessert should be served chilled; keep refrigerated until just before serving.
• For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts and toasted almonds.
• The pudding can be substituted with other flavors for variety, such as vanilla or chocolate.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: pistachio lush, layered dessert, pistachio pudding dessert, walnut crust dessert, creamy dessert, no-bake pudding dessert