If you’re searching for a dessert that’s as dreamy as it is effortless, look no further than Pistachio Cream Pie. This no-bake wonder is the perfect blend of creamy, nutty, and sweet, all nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. With its gorgeous pale green hue, airy texture, and irresistible crunch of pistachios, this pie is a true showstopper for holidays, potlucks, or whenever you crave a slice of nostalgia with a twist. One bite and you’ll understand why Pistachio Cream Pie deserves a place in every dessert lover’s rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pistachio Cream Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pistachio Cream Pie lies in its simplicity — every ingredient plays a starring role in the final flavor and texture. By choosing the right components, you’ll create a pie that’s delightfully creamy, perfectly sweet, and bursting with pistachio goodness.

Graham cracker crust (9-inch): The classic choice for a quick, buttery foundation that holds everything together and adds a touch of crunch.
Instant pistachio pudding mix (3.4 ounces): This shortcut brings vibrant color and rich pistachio flavor in just minutes.
Cold whole milk (1 1/2 cups): Helps the pudding set and gives the filling its luscious creaminess — use cold milk for the best texture.
Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and adds a subtle warmth to the filling.
Chopped pistachios (1/2 cup, plus more for garnish): For crunch and an extra boost of nutty flavor; don’t forget a sprinkle on top for a beautiful finish!
Whipped topping (1 1/2 cups, plus more for garnish): Folds into the pudding for a light, airy texture and makes for a gorgeous, cloud-like topping.

How to Make Pistachio Cream Pie

Step 1: Whisk the Pudding

Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and pour in your instant pistachio pudding mix, cold whole milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together for about 2–3 minutes until the mixture is thickened and smooth. The pudding will take on that signature pale green color and begin to smell heavenly!

Step 2: Fold in the Goodies

Once the pudding base is ready, gently fold in the chopped pistachios and whipped topping. Use a spatula and a light touch — you want to keep the mixture airy and fluffy. This is where Pistachio Cream Pie gets its signature creamy texture punctuated by pops of nutty crunch.

Step 3: Fill the Crust

Spoon the pistachio filling into your prepared graham cracker crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula, making sure to fill every nook and cranny. The pie should already look tempting with its vibrant color and smooth surface!

Step 4: Chill Until Set

Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Chilling is essential: it allows the filling to set up perfectly, making slicing (and serving) a breeze. If you can, let it chill overnight for the best results.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Just before you’re ready to serve, top the pie with a generous swirl of whipped topping and a scattering of chopped pistachios. This final touch adds a little drama and even more irresistible pistachio flavor. Slice, serve, and watch the smiles appear!

How to Serve Pistachio Cream Pie

Garnishes

A Pistachio Cream Pie loves a little extra flair! Try dolloping or piping whipped topping around the edges, then sprinkle with even more chopped pistachios for crunch and color. For a special occasion, add a few whole pistachios or a dusting of finely crushed graham crackers for contrast.

Side Dishes

Because this pie is rich yet refreshing, it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Offer fresh berries — strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries — for a burst of tartness. A pot of good coffee or a cup of herbal tea is also a lovely complement to the sweetness of the Pistachio Cream Pie.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, consider serving Pistachio Cream Pie in individual jars or mini tart shells. Layer the filling and toppings for a stunning parfait effect. You can even add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a few shards of white chocolate for extra elegance and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pistachio Cream Pie keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator. Simply cover the pie (or individual slices) with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the crust may soften a bit over time — still absolutely delicious!

Freezing

If you want to make this pie well in advance, you can freeze it before adding the whipped topping garnish. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add your finishing touches before serving. The texture will stay creamy and dreamy!

Reheating

No need to reheat Pistachio Cream Pie — it’s best served chilled straight from the fridge. If you’ve frozen the pie, just allow it to thaw completely in the refrigerator before enjoying. Cold and creamy is the way to go!

FAQs

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of whipped topping?

Absolutely! Freshly whipped cream adds a luxurious, homemade touch to Pistachio Cream Pie. Just make sure to whip it to soft peaks so it folds smoothly into the pudding mixture.

Is there a way to make this pie gluten-free?

You can easily make Pistachio Cream Pie gluten-free by using a gluten-free graham cracker crust or shortbread crust. Double-check your pudding mix to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.

Can I make Pistachio Cream Pie ahead for a party?

Definitely! This pie is actually best when made ahead, as it needs a few hours to chill and set. Prepare it the day before your event and garnish just before serving for stress-free dessert magic.

What if I can’t find instant pistachio pudding mix?

If pistachio pudding mix is unavailable, you can substitute with vanilla pudding mix and add a teaspoon of pistachio extract along with green food coloring and chopped pistachios for color and flavor. It won’t be quite the same, but it’ll still be delicious!

How do I get clean slices when serving?

For neat, picture-perfect slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each cut. This helps the creamy filling release cleanly from the crust, making every piece of Pistachio Cream Pie look bakery-worthy.

Final Thoughts

If you love quick, crowd-pleasing desserts with a touch of retro flair, Pistachio Cream Pie is a must-try. With its creamy filling, nutty crunch, and stunning color, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Give it a whirl and share a slice with someone special — you’ll be glad you did!

Pistachio Cream Pie Recipe

4.6 from 4 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This easy, no-bake Pistachio Cream Pie combines a creamy pistachio pudding filling with crunchy chopped pistachios in a buttery graham cracker crust. It’s a quick-to-prepare, richly flavored dessert perfect for pistachio lovers seeking a light yet indulgent treat. Chilled to set, it’s topped with whipped topping and extra pistachios for a delightful crunch and presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Crust

1 prepared graham cracker crust (9-inch)

Filling

1 package (3.4 ounces) instant pistachio pudding mix
1 1/2 cups cold whole milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pistachios (plus more for garnish)
1 1/2 cups whipped topping (plus more for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the pudding mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the instant pistachio pudding mix, cold whole milk, and vanilla extract continuously for 2–3 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken.
Fold in nuts and topping: Gently fold the chopped pistachios and whipped topping into the thickened pudding mixture until fully combined and smooth, ensuring an even distribution of pistachios throughout the filling.
Assemble the pie: Spoon the prepared filling evenly into the 9-inch graham cracker crust and use a spatula to smooth out the top for an even layer.
Chill and set: Cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, allowing the filling to fully set and firm up for easy slicing.
Garnish and serve: Before serving, spread additional whipped topping over the pie’s surface and sprinkle with extra chopped pistachios for garnish and added texture.

Notes

For a homemade touch, use a scratch-made graham cracker or shortbread crust instead of store-bought.
Substitute the whipped topping with freshly whipped cream for a richer flavor and texture.
Allow the pie to chill overnight for the best flavor and firmness.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American