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

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

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get ready for baking the crust.
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.
Add Walnuts: Stir the chopped walnuts into the flour and butter mixture ensuring even distribution.
Press Into Pan: Press this walnut-flour-butter mixture evenly into a 13 x 9-inch baking pan to form the crust.
Bake Crust: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until it is set and slightly golden.
Cool Crust: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the crust to cool completely to room temperature to avoid melting the cheesecake layer.
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.
Spread Cheesecake Layer: Spread this creamy mixture evenly across the cooled crust in the baking pan.
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.
Add Pudding Layer: Spread the thickened pistachio pudding evenly over the cheesecake layer in the pan.
Chill Dessert: Refrigerate the layered dessert for 2 to 3 hours to allow it to set and the flavors to meld.
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