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Pistachio Pudding Dessert

This creamy pistachio pudding dessert is cool, nutty, and crowd-pleasing. Layered with a crunchy cookie crust, smooth pistachio pudding, and a whipped topping, it’s perfect for parties, potlucks, or family dinners.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 persons
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 package (3.4 oz / 96 g) instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 2 cups cold whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream, chilled
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped Plus extra for garnish, optional.
  • pinch salt salt

Equipment

  • 1 9x13 inch baking dish
  • 1 medium saucepan
  • 2 mixing bowls
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 spatula
  • 1 set measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Combine crushed vanilla wafers, melted butter, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Mix until combined and press evenly into the bottom of the 9x13 inch baking dish to form the crust.
  2. Place the crust in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up while you prepare the filling.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the pistachio pudding mix and cold whole milk for 2 minutes until thickened. Let it stand for 5 minutes.
  4. In a separate bowl, whip the cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
  5. Gently fold half of the whipped cream into the pistachio pudding to lighten it. Then spread this mixture evenly over the chilled cookie crust.
  6. Spread the remaining whipped cream over the pudding layer.
  7. Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the top, and garnish with extra if desired.
  8. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving for best flavor and texture.

Notes

For extra nutty flavor, toast the pistachios before adding.
You can substitute graham crackers or shortbread cookies for the vanilla wafers.
Keeps well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.