Ingredients
Crust:
- 3 ½ cups crushed graham crackers
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup butter, melted
Cheesecake Layer:
- 16 oz cream cheese
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
Pistachio Pudding Layer:
- 2 boxes pistachio pudding mix
- 4 cups milk
Topping:
- 16 oz tub cool whip
- Crushed pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the crushed graham crackers and brown sugar. Add the melted butter and stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 15 minutes. Remove and let cool completely on a cooling rack.
- Prepare the cheesecake layer: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and sugar on high speed for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides occasionally. Add heavy cream, sour cream, vanilla extract, lime juice, and salt; beat for 1 minute until fully combined. Finally, add cornstarch and beat until incorporated.
- Assemble cheesecake layer: Spread the cheesecake batter evenly over the cooled crust. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to chill and set.
- Prepare pistachio pudding layer: In a large bowl, whisk together pistachio pudding mixes and milk for 2 minutes until softened and beginning to set.
- Assemble pistachio pudding layer: Pour the pudding over the chilled cheesecake layer and smooth out the surface. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or until the pudding layer is fully set.
- Add topping and garnish: Remove the cover and spread the cool whip evenly over the pudding layer. Sprinkle generously with crushed pistachios for garnish.
- Serve: Slice into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy your rich and creamy Pistachio Lush Dessert!
Notes
- Ensure the crust is completely cooled before adding the cheesecake layer to prevent mixing.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and cream for best texture and flavor.
- Chilling times are important for layering to set properly—do not skip.
- Pistachio pudding mix commonly found instant pudding mix works best.
- Can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
