Pistachio Lush Cake Dessert Recipe

Craving something yummy and unique for your dessert table? Look no further than our Pistachio Lush with layers of pistachio!

Pistachio Lush is a seriously show-stopping layered dessert that combines the creamy layers of pudding and cream cheese with a crunchy Pistachio crust. 

All of that is topped with a fluffy whipped cream sprinkled with nuts. Sound tasty to you? My mouth is watering already!

This no-bake dessert (other than the crust) is not just a treat for the taste buds but a feast for the eyes too. And it’s such an easy recipe!

I really love the different layers of this lush recipe. Once you slice into it, you see the crust, green cake layer, and whipped topping.

Each layer brings different flavors. Each combines with the others in such a tasty way. 

With simple ingredients you’re creating on of the easiest desserts. At the same time it’s one of the most delicious recipes I’ve tasted.

Perfect for any gathering or special occasion, from St. Patrick’s Day to Christmas or just a cozy family dinner, this pistachio lush will become your new favorite recipe.

1. Pistachio Perfection: Uses pistachio pudding and pistachio butter to infuse each bite with nutty goodness, making it a standout among chocolate lush and lemon lush varieties.
2. Flexibility for Any Event: Its elegant appearance and exquisite taste make it perfect for holidays, parties, or as a luxurious treat after a regular meal.

• Unsalted butter
• Organic cane sugar
• Madagascar vanilla extract
• Raw pistachio butter
• All-purpose flour
• Shelled and dry-roasted pistachios
• Cream cheese
• Instant pistachio pudding mix
• Heavy whipping cream
• Powdered sugar

Pistachio Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8 baking pan with cooking spray, set aside.
2. In a large bowl add the butter, sugar, vanilla, and pistachio butter. With a hand mixer or stand mixer, mix until combined and smooth.
3. Add in the flour a little at a time until well mixed in.
4. Add in the crushed pistachios and mix in.
5. Using slightly wet hands, press the crust into the pan in an even layer. Dock the crust all over with a fork. Bake for 30 minutes until golden brown, let cool completely.

Pistachio Cream Cheese Layer

1. While the crust is cooling, make the filling layer by placing the cream cheese in a large bowl and with a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip until smooth with no lumps, about 1 minute.
2. Add in the pudding mix and whip to combine.
3. Add the heavy cream in two batches, mixing on low speed until combined. Smooth this mixture on top of the crust.

Whipped Cream Topping

1. In a large bowl with a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the heavy cream along with the vanilla and powdered sugar over medium speed until medium peaks form.
2. Spread this on top of the pudding mixture.
3. Top with the crushed pistachios.
4. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours to set. Cut, serve, enjoy!

HOW TO CRUSH THE PISTACHIOS?

Place pistachios in a sealed ziplock bag and seal it.

Get a firm grip on a rolling pin, meat tenderizer, or any other heavy-ish object with a handle, and GO. TO. TOWN. Haha!

It should only take a few good whacks to get your desired size; it’s best as chunks or coarse crumbs, not fine dust.

Now, not only do you have perfectly crushed nuts, but you’ve let off some steam!

WHAT KIND OF PISTACHIOS ARE BEST?

I prefer salted, but it’s up to you; the salt will add a little extra flavor without overpowering the sweetness of this lush dessert.

Nuts are usually roasted to bring out their flavor and aroma, so that works best for this recipe, but it will still be absolutely amazing with raw or unsalted pistachios.

DO I HAVE TO USE PISTACHIO BUTTER?

No, almond butter can also be a good idea.

I love having options for easy desserts like this. 

Avoid peanut butter as it has a pretty overpowering flavor. Even a little bit will make it a peanut butter flavored cake instead of pistachio.

ANY ADDITIONS?

If you’re a chocolate fan, you know what to do. Really, this lush cake recipe calls for whatever you want!

• Mini marshmallows: Add a handful between the pudding layer and the whipped cream for a fluffy cloud texture and extra sweetness.
• Drizzle of melted white chocolate: Over the top of the dessert for a fancy finish.
• Chopped fresh strawberries: A pop of color and flavor that pairs beautifully with the bright green pistachio pudding.
• Toasted coconut flakes: Sprinkle over the top of the cream cheese layer for a tropical crunch.
• Crushed shortbread cookies: Press lightly into the whipped topping for extra texture.
• Graham cracker crumbs: Add to the crust mixture if you want to combine graham cracker crumbs with pistachio for added dimension.
• Whole milk chocolate curls: Fancy it up for special occasions or holiday gatherings.
• Extra dollop of whipped cream: Because who doesn’t love an extra sweet treat?
• Mint leaves: For garnish, especially nice for a family gathering or spring event.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

I’ve an easy way or seven to change out some of these ingredients. Let me know how it goes in the comments at the bottom of this page!

• Pistachio butter: Almond butter or peanut butter- Still nutty, still delicious, though it slightly changes the nutty pistachio flavor.
• Crushed pistachios: Sweet walnut crust-  Swap for crushed walnuts or pecans for a delicious dessert variation.
• Instant pistachio pudding mix: Instant vanilla pudding mix-  Add a few drops of green food coloring and chopped pistachios to fake the pistachio dessert vibe.
• Heavy whipping cream: Cool Whip-  Use remaining Cool Whip if you’re short on time or need a shortcut with a stable topping.
• Powdered sugar: Brown sugar-  For a deeper molasses flavor in the creamy layer or cheesecake layer.
• All-purpose flour: Almond flour-  Makes the pistachio crust gluten-free, but changes texture slightly.
• Vanilla extract: Almond extract-  Enhances the pudding layer with a strong nutty profile.

REFRIGERATOR: Keep the cake covered in the refrigerator, ensuring the cream cheese and whipped topping stay fresh up to five days.

FREEZER: For longer storage, wrap in foil and place them in a freezer-safe container; they can be kept for three months.

Pistachio Lush combines delicious flavors and textures into a perfect slice of heaven.

Whether you’re celebrating a special day or just treating yourself, this lush cake is sure to impress. 

If you’ve tried this PISTACHIO LUSH, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!