Pistachio Layered Dessert

This cool, creamy Pistachio Layered Dessert is perfect for any occasion, especially St. Patrick's Day. With its buttery pecan cookie crust, tangy cream cheese layer, and rich pistachio pudding, this no-bake treat is one you’re going to love!

What I love most about this no-bake dessert is how the flavors and textures come together in every bite. The crunchy crust pairs perfectly with the smooth cream cheese and the pistachio pudding, giving you sweet, nutty, and tangy flavors that will have you reaching for seconds.

This Pistachio Layered Dessert has become a staple at our family gatherings, especially during the warmer months when the thought of turning on the oven is too much to bear. It's always a hit with the kids and adults, and I love seeing their faces light up when I bring it to the table.

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious dessert chilling in the fridge. It's the perfect treat to whip up when you're short on time but still want to impress your guests.

I like to serve this dessert chilled, straight from the fridge, so the layers are firm and the flavors are at their best. Sometimes, I'll add a sprinkle of extra crushed pistachios on top just before serving for an added crunch and a pop of color. At St. Patrick’s Day I’ll add some green sprinkles to the top for extra festive flair. 

Ingredient Notes

See printable recipe card below for all ingredients, specific measurements, and complete instructions.

• Pecan shortbread cookies: These buttery, nutty cookies form the base of the dessert, giving it a little crunch in every bite.
• Salted butter: Melted butter helps bind the cookie crumbs together, creating a cohesive crust.
• Cream cheese: The tangy, creamy nature of cream cheese adds a contrast to the sweet pudding and cookie layers.
• Powdered sugar: Also known as confectioners' sugar, this fine sugar dissolves easily, making it perfect for smooth, lump-free fillings and toppings.
• Vanilla extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile of the dessert.
• Whipped topping: Light and fluffy, whipped topping adds a delightful airiness to the layers and helps balance the richness of the other ingredients.
• Pistachio instant pudding: The star of the show! Instant pudding provides a quick and easy way to infuse the dessert with delicious pistachio flavor.
• Whole milk: Milk is essential for creating a smooth, creamy pudding consistency.
• Shelled pistachios: Crushed pistachios add a crunch and a pop of color to the finished dessert.

How To Make Pistachio Layered Dessert

To begin, gather all your ingredients and a 9x13" baking dish. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure a smooth, lump-free mixture.

Start by preparing the cookie crust. Place the pecan shortbread cookies in a sealable bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin. You can also use a food processor or blender for this step, but be careful not to overprocess the cookies into a paste.

Transfer the cookie crumbs to a bowl and mix in the melted butter until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of your baking dish. Place the pan in the refrigerator or freezer while you prepare the cream cheese layer. This will help the crust set and make it easier to spread the other layers on top.

For the cream cheese layer, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a large bowl using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy. Gently fold in one cup of the whipped topping until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the whipped topping to deflate. Spread this mixture evenly over the chilled cookie crust, then return the pan to the refrigerator or freezer.

Now, it's time for the pistachio pudding layer. In a large bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk until the mixture thickens, which should take about two minutes. Pour this mixture over the cream cheese layer, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Place the pan back in the refrigerator or freezer for at least 5 minutes to allow the pudding to set before adding the final layer.

To finish, spread the remaining whipped topping over the pudding layer, making sure to cover the entire surface. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight, to allow the layers to set and the flavors to meld.

When you're ready to serve, remove the plastic wrap and sprinkle crushed pistachios over the top for added crunch and a beautiful presentation!

Use a sharp knife to cut the dessert into squares. For clean, neat layers, be sure to wipe the knife clean between each cut. Use a serving spatula to carefully lift each square out of the dish.

Variations

• Change the crust. If you can't find pecan shortbread cookies or want to try something different, you can use graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or even chocolate cookie crumbs for the crust.
• Add chocolate. Add a layer of chocolate ganache or fudge sauce between the cream cheese and pudding layers for a decadent twist. You can also drizzle chocolate sauce over the top before adding the crushed pistachios.
• Try other pudding flavors. Of course, it won’t be a pistachio layered dessert without pistachio-flavored pudding, but you can follow these same steps to make a totally different dessert with flavors like vanilla, cheesecake, chocolate, or even banana.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Freezing

Make Ahead: This Pistachio Layered Dessert is the perfect make-ahead treat! You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just hold off on adding the crushed pistachio topping until you're ready to serve to keep them nice and crunchy.

Store: If you have any leftovers, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual servings to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The layers may start to soften and meld together over time, but the flavors will still be delicious!

Freeze: Unfortunately, this dessert does not freeze well due to the cream cheese layer. The texture of the cream cheese can become grainy and the other layers may become watery once thawed. It's best to enjoy this treat fresh or store it in the fridge for a few days.

Recipe Tips

• Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free layer. If you forget to take it out of the fridge in advance, you can microwave it for 15-20 seconds to soften it up.
• Crush your cookies in a sealable bag with a rolling pin for a quick and easy way to make cookie crumbs without a food processor. Just be sure to crush them finely and evenly for the best texture.
• Instant pudding is a must for this no-bake recipe. Cook-and-serve pudding will not set up properly and will make the dessert too runny.
• Let each layer chill in the fridge or freezer for a bit before adding the next layer. This will help the layers stay distinct and make the dessert easier to slice and serve.
• For clean, neat slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it clean with a damp cloth between each cut. A serving spatula will help you lift the squares out of the dish without disturbing the layers.

Can I use a different type of cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! While pecan shortbread cookies provide a deliciously nutty and buttery base, you can swap them out for graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or any other crisp cookie you like. Just make sure to adjust the amount of butter accordingly to achieve the right texture for the crust.

Can I make this dessert in individual serving cups instead of a baking dish?

Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to make individual servings in cups or small jars. Simply layer the crushed cookies, cream cheese mixture, and pudding in each cup, repeating the layers as needed. This can be a fun and easy way to serve the dessert at parties!

This Pistachio Layered Dessert is the perfect no-bake dessert on a hot summer day and it is just made for a St. Patrick’s Day party! Your guests will love the textures and flavors, and you will love how easy it is to throw together in no time at all.