Ingredients
- Instant Pistachio Pudding Mix: 2 (3.4 oz) packages
- Milk: 4 cups (cold, for mixing with pudding mix)
- Whipped Topping (Cool Whip): 2 cups (thawed)
For Layered Dessert:
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: 2 cups
- Butter: 1/2 cup (melted, for the crust)
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz (softened)
- Powdered Sugar: 1 cup
For Pistachio Fluff Salad:
- Crushed Pineapple: 1 (20 oz) can (with juice)
- Mini Marshmallows: 2 cups
- Chopped Pistachios: 1/2 cup
Optional Add-ins:
- Chopped Nuts: 1/4 cup (pecans or walnuts)
- Fresh Fruit: 1 cup (such as diced strawberries, mandarin oranges, or raspberries)
- Shredded Coconut: 1/2 cup
For Garnish:
- Crushed Pistachios: 1/4 cup
- Whipped Cream: As needed
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Base or Crust
- For a Layered Dessert:
- Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter in a mixing bowl.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9×13-inch dish to form a crust.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the crust to set.
Step 2: Make the Pistachio Pudding
- In a large bowl, whisk the instant pistachio pudding mix with cold milk until smooth and thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Set the pudding aside to firm up while preparing other layers.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer (Optional for Layered Dessert)
- Beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in 1 cup of whipped topping and mix until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Dessert
- For Layered Dessert:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the prepared crust.
- Spoon the pistachio pudding over the cream cheese layer and smooth it out with a spatula.
- Add a final layer of whipped topping and sprinkle with crushed pistachios for garnish.
- Chill the assembled dessert in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- For Fluff Salad:
- In a large bowl, mix the pistachio pudding mix with the crushed pineapple (including juice) until combined.
- Fold in the mini marshmallows, whipped topping, and any optional add-ins like nuts or coconut.
- Chill for 2 hours before serving.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Slice the layered dessert into squares or scoop the fluff salad into serving bowls.
- Add additional garnishes, such as a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate, or fresh fruit for an extra special touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12th of the recipe (about 150-200g, depending on toppings and layers)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg