Pistachio Lush is a creamy, rich summer potluck dessert that is a cinch to make. Two boxes of pistachio pudding can easily be turned into a delicious no-bake layer dessert.

Pistachio Lush

Pistachio pudding is a food that takes me back to my childhood. I loved it as a kid.

I also love a good lush dessert for summer entertaining. They are so cool and refreshing and will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Butterscotch Lush, Butterfinger Lush, and Lemon Lush are some of my favorites.

I also love to serve this layer dessert for Christmas or Easter. It has such a festive green color that is perfect for the holidays.

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Creamy Layered Dessert

But sometimes I’m really craving some pistachio pudding and it’s Pistachio Lush to the rescue. This creamy dessert has 4 awesome layers and is totally no-bake. On the bottom is a graham cracker layer followed by a cream cheese layer, a pistachio pudding layer, and a layer of Cool Whip.

Pistachio Lush

How To Make

(More detailed instructions in recipe card below.)

You will want to whip this dessert up at least 2 hours before serving .

  1. Make the crust. Stir together the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Press into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Refrigerate 1 hour. (Can be done more than 1 hour in advance if that suits your schedule better.)
    Graham cracker crust being mixed together in bowl.
  2. Make the cream cheese layer. Beat the cream cheese until smooth and then beat in the powdered sugar. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of Cool Whip. Spread over crust.
    Mixing the cream cheese mixture.
  3. Make the Pistachio layer. Mix together pistachio pudding mix and milk until it begins to thicken. Spread over cream cheese layer.
    Pistachio mixture being mixed and spread on.
  4. Spread remaining Cool Whip on top and sprinkle with chopped pistachios. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.
    Cool whip being spread on top.

Tips For Making Pistachio Lush

Once the crust is set, you can add all 3 layers at once or do them one at a time and let it hang out in the fridge between adding layers. Whatever is going to be more convenient for you.

If you wish, you can bake the crust for 8-10 minutes in a 350 degree oven and let it cool before adding the next layer. I find the crust holds together fine with no baking and in the middle of summer, why would you turn on the oven if you don’t have to?

Be sure to use INSTANT Pistachio pudding and not the Cook and Serve kind.

Fork going into piece of Pistachio Pudding Lush.

How To Store

Leftovers can be tightly wrapped with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.

Pistachio Lush

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Pistachio Lush

5 from 10 votes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 16
Pistachio Lush
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Pistachio Lush is a creamy, rich summer potluck dessert that is a cinch to make. Two boxes of pistachio pudding can easily be turned into a delicious no-bake layer dessert.

Equipment

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Ingredients

Crust

  • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 (16-ounce) container Cool Whip, divided

Pistachio Pudding Layer

Topping

  • chopped pistachios, optional

Instructions 

  • In a medium bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Press into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch pan. Refrigerate at least 1 hour.
  • Beat cream cheese with an electric mixer until creamy. Add powdered sugar and beat until smooth.
  • Stir in 1 1/2 cups of Cool Whip. Spread over graham cracker crust.
  • In a large bowl whisk together pudding mix and milk until it starts thickening, about 2 minutes. Spread over cream cheese layer.
  • Spread remaining Cool Whip on top. Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top if desired. 
    Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

Video

Notes

Be sure to use INSTANT Pistachio pudding and not the Cook and Serve kind.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 324kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 376mg | Potassium: 138mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 463IU | Calcium: 102mg | Iron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this?Leave a comment below and tag us @spicysouthernkitchen on social media!

Originally posted May 4, 2019.

Pistachio Lush

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12 Comments

  1. json formatter says:

    Pistachio Lush is a creamy no-bake dessert featuring layers of graham cracker, cream cheese, pistachio pudding, and Cool Whip. Easy to make, it’s perfect for summer potlucks and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. For recipe organization, check out JSON Formatter!

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  2. Base Conveter says:

    This Pistachio Lush dessert is an absolute showstopper! The layers are perfectly balanced—creamy, crunchy, and bursting with that delightful pistachio flavor. I love how easy it is to make despite looking so impressive. My family couldn’t get enough of it, and it’s now a requested treat for every gathering. The step-by-step instructions were clear and made the process foolproof. Thanks for sharing such a delicious recipe—it’s a definite keeper! base converter

    Reply