Why You’ll Love Pistachio Pie Bars Recipe

Easy to make: No baking required, simplifying preparation.
Crowd-pleaser: Its unique combination of flavors and textures is sure to impress guests.
Make-ahead convenience: Can be prepared in advance, allowing flavors to meld and making it ideal for gatherings.
Festive appeal: The vibrant green color of the pistachio pudding makes it a visually appealing dessert for holidays and special occasions.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust

1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1½ cups finely chopped walnuts

For the Cream Cheese Layer

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tub (8 oz) whipped topping, divided

For the Pistachio Pudding Layer

2 packages (3.4 oz each) instant pistachio pudding mix
3 cups cold milk

For the Topping

Remaining whipped topping
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions

Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and 1 cup of chopped walnuts. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely.
Cream cheese layer: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping until well combined. Spread this mixture evenly over the cooled crust.
Pistachio pudding layer: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pistachio pudding mix and cold milk for 1-2 minutes until thickened. Pour and spread this pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
Top the dessert: Spread the remaining whipped topping over the pistachio pudding layer. Sprinkle with the remaining chopped walnuts if desired.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate the dessert for at least 2 hours to allow it to set. Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Servings and timing

Servings: Approximately 16 squares
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours
Total time: Approximately 2 hours 40 minutes

Variations

Nut-free: Omit the walnuts in the crust and topping for a nut-free version.
Different crust: Use a graham cracker crust or shortbread cookies for a different base.
Flavor twist: Substitute the pistachio pudding with other flavors like vanilla or chocolate for a unique taste.
Vegan option: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free cream cheese, and non-dairy whipped topping to make this dessert vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While not ideal due to the texture of the whipped topping, you can freeze the bars for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Serving tip: For best flavor and texture, serve chilled and enjoy within a few days of preparation.

FAQs

How do I prevent the crust from becoming soggy?

Ensure the crust is baked until golden and allowed to cool completely before adding the cream cheese layer. This helps maintain its texture.

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

Yes, you can substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different flavor profile.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the bars?

Yes, refrigeration is essential to set the layers and maintain the dessert’s structure.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! These bars can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought topping?

Yes, homemade whipped cream can be used as a substitute for the whipped topping.

How can I make the bars more festive?

Add colored sprinkles or edible glitter on top for a celebratory touch.

Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?

Yes, you can experiment with other pudding flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or butterscotch for variety.

How do I cut the bars neatly?

Use a sharp knife and clean it between cuts to maintain clean edges.

Can I freeze the bars?

While freezing is possible, it may affect the texture of the whipped topping. It’s best to enjoy them fresh.

How long do the bars last in the refrigerator?

The bars can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.

Conclusion

Pistachio Pie Bars are a delectable dessert that combines a crunchy walnut crust with creamy layers of cheesecake and pistachio pudding, topped with a light whipped topping. Their vibrant color and delightful flavor make them a perfect choice for any occasion. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, these bars are a must-try for dessert enthusiasts.

Pistachio Pie Bars

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These irresistible Pistachio Pie Bars feature a buttery, sweet crust topped with a rich pistachio filling. With a hint of vanilla and the crunch of pistachios in every bite, these easy-to-make bars are perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or just as a sweet treat!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 16 bars
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
Make the crust: In a food processor, pulse the flour and powdered sugar together. Add the cold butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Bake the crust: Bake the crust for 12–15 minutes or until it is lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
Make the filling: In a food processor, blend the pistachios until finely ground, but not pureed. In a large bowl, combine the ground pistachios, granulated sugar, flour, eggs, vanilla, and salt. Add the heavy cream and whisk until smooth.
Pour the filling over the crust: Once the crust has cooled, pour the pistachio mixture evenly over the crust.
Bake the bars: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden around the edges.
Cool and cut: Let the bars cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into squares.
Optional garnish: Dust with powdered sugar and top with chopped pistachios before serving.

Notes

If you prefer a smoother texture, grind the pistachios finely in a food processor before adding to the filling.
These bars are best served chilled and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For extra flavor, you can also add a small amount of almond extract or lemon zest to the filling.