• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Lemon Tree Dwelling
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • Work With Me
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Desserts » Pistachio Lush Dessert

    Pistachio Lush Dessert

    Published: Mar 5, 2018 · Modified: Mar 25, 2020 by Cathy Trochelman · 40 Comments

    Jump to Recipe
    • Share
    • Tweet

    This creamy Pistachio Lush Dessert is one of our family's favorites! Layers of cheesecake, whipped cream, and pistachio pudding are combined with a delicious graham cracker crust and topped with chopped nuts.

    This easy pistachio pudding dessert can be made ahead and is perfect for feeding a crowd!

    You'll especially love it for holidays like St. Patrick's Day, Easter, or even Christmas, but this pistachio dessert is a great dessert recipe for any occasion. If you love cheesecake, this easy lush dessert takes it to the next level. Sure to become a family favorite!

    Pistachio Lush on plate with fork

    I'll never forget the first time I tried lush dessert. It was at a summer picnic, with family and friends, and the minute I took my first bite I was in heaven. The flavor was banana, which I'm always a sucker for, and it tasted like banana cream pie but 10 times more amazing.

    And ever since then? I've been obsessed with trying different flavors. But this Pistachio Lush? Well, I kind of fell into this one inadvertently. By offering to make a birthday dessert for Greta's teacher, who told me that Pistachio Lush is his all-time FAVORITE!

    Pistachio Lush in 9x13 inch pan

    WHAT IS LUSH DESSERT?

    Lush dessert is essentially a layered dessert that consists of a graham cracker or cookie crust, a layer of no-bake cheesecake, some type of pudding, and whipped cream. Other names for it include dessert lasagna, icebox dessert, and layered pudding dessert.

    It gets its name from the word LUSH, which means "very rich and providing great sensory pleasure". Once you try lush dessert, you'll agree this is the perfect description!

    WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS IN THIS RECIPE?

    • Graham cracker crumbs
    • Butter
    • Granulated sugar
    • Whipped topping
    • Pistachio pudding mix
    • Cream cheese
    • Powdered sugar
    • Milk
    • Chopped nuts

    Pistachio Lush layers

    HOW DO YOU MAKE PISTACHIO LUSH?

    1. Start with a graham cracker or cookie crust. There are many different variations, but for this recipe you're going to combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter and press them firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan. Bake it for 10 minutes, then be sure it's cooled completely before adding more layers.
    2. Make your cheesecake layer by combining room temperature cream cheese and thawed whipped topping in a medium mixing bowl. Mix them together until smooth, then spread them evenly over your crust.
    3. Prepare the pudding layer by combining your pudding mix and milk in a separate bowl. Be sure to let it thicken before spreading it on top of the cheesecake layer.
    4. Cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate 2 hours or longer to let the layers firm up.
    5. Before serving, top with remaining whipped topping and chopped nuts. Then...enjoy!

    Pistachio Lush with fork cutting into it

    WHAT ARE SOME DIFFERENT VARIATIONS OF LUSH DESSERT?

    There are so many different ways you can mix things up when it comes to making this dessert. For example, you can use Oreos, nuts, or even peanut butter in the crust. You can use any flavor of pudding, and you can even add fresh fruit, pie filling, chocolate chips, or anything else your heart desires. The sky is the limit!

    Pistachio Lush close up of layers in pan

    You might also enjoy these desserts!

    • Strawberries & Cream Lush
    • Cherry Cheesecake Lush
    • Caramel Apple Lush
    • Layers of Lemony Love
    • Frozen Death by Chocolate Pie
    • Banana Split Fruit Pizza
    • Chocolate Fudge Pudding Cake
    • Baileys Chocolate Mousse
    Continue to Content
    Pistachio Lush Dessert

    Pistachio Lush Dessert

    Yield: 16
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes

    This creamy Pistachio Lush Dessert is one of our family's favorites! Layers of cheesecake, whipped cream, and pistachio pudding are combined with a delicious graham cracker crust and topped with chopped nuts. This easy pistachio pudding dessert can be made ahead and is perfect for feeding a crowd!

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
    • ½ cup butter, melted
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 16 oz. whipped topping, divided
    • 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
    • 1 cup powdered sugar
    • 2 small boxes pistachio flavored pudding mix
    • 3 cups milk
    • ¼ cup chopped nuts

    Instructions

    1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. 
    2. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9x13 inch pan. This crust can either be baked or no-bake. *For a baked crust, bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes, then refrigerate until cooled to room temperature. *For a no-bake crust, simply refrigerate at least 1 hour until firm.
    3. In a separate mixing bowl, combine 2 cups whipped topping, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Mix until smooth and creamy; spread over cooled crust.
    4. Combine pudding mix and milk; whisk until smooth and let stand 5-10 minutes to thicken. Spread pudding over cheesecake mixture.
    5. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate 2 hours or until ready to serve.
    6. Before serving, top with remaining whipped topping and chopped nuts.
    7. Cover and refrigerate leftovers.
    Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 329Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 195mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 1gSugar: 22gProtein: 4g
    © Cathy Trochelman
    Cuisine: American / Category: Desserts
    Collage image of Pistachio Lush

    Previous Post: « Easy Guacamole
    Next Post: Loaded Chicken Quesadillas »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sabrina

      March 05, 2018 at 5:35 pm

      Loving all the layers! So perfect for St.Patricks day!

      Reply
    2. Jen

      March 05, 2018 at 5:37 pm

      How have I never had one of these before?!? I've truly been missing out...until now! Looks so rich and yummy!

      Reply
    3. Katie

      March 05, 2018 at 5:50 pm

      5 stars
      This is so good! We enjoyed it for breakfast on a crazy, running-late morning and let me tell you: our day was then off to a good start!

      Reply
      • JOSETTE COSTELLO

        March 11, 2018 at 7:22 pm

        5 stars
        You are a great Mom! Your kids must have loved having it for breakfast, what a treat!

        Reply
    4. Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious

      March 05, 2018 at 8:11 pm

      My grandmother used to make lemon lush all the time. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed it! This pistachio version sounds delicious! Can't wait to try it!

      Reply
      • Sue in CT.

        May 30, 2018 at 10:06 am

        5 stars
        My mom made this with canned pumpkin, vanilla pudding & pumpkin pie spice for the 1st layer over the graham cracker crust, and cream cheese combined with thawed cool whip for the second. Then she repeated pumpkin and pudding layer. She'd make this in a pie tin and it became our only pumpkin pie at Thanksgiving. I've used white chocolate pudding instead of vanilla also. Either way, it's the best!!!

        Reply
        • Cathy Trochelman

          May 30, 2018 at 3:39 pm

          Sounds absolutely perfect!

          Reply
    5. Chrissie

      March 06, 2018 at 2:49 am

      5 stars
      This looks SO creamy! I've never made a lush dessert, but this post makes me want to try it!

      Reply
      • Carole Napoli

        November 26, 2020 at 1:18 pm

        My granddaughters favorite! I make it every holiday! Love it!!

        Reply
    6. Amanda

      March 06, 2018 at 7:09 am

      5 stars
      I'd always wondered what classifies a dessert as a "lush", and now I know!

      Reply
    7. Lauren @ Hall Nesting

      March 08, 2018 at 6:10 am

      I’ve never had a lush dessert but this sounds crazy good

      Reply
    8. Karen

      March 12, 2018 at 8:37 am

      Is the pudding instant or cook and serve?
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Tammy

        March 17, 2018 at 2:53 pm

        Instant

        Reply
        • Kriste

          April 01, 2018 at 3:53 pm

          This needs to be specified in the recipe. It didn’t say instant, so I used regular. I’m keeping my fingers crossed but not very hopeful. Very disappointing.

          Reply
          • Carole Napoli

            November 26, 2020 at 1:20 pm

            If the recipe doesn't specify to cook pudding first it's always instant. Hope that helps..

            Reply
        • carla Dempsey

          April 17, 2018 at 6:50 am

          Can I make this the day before? Or will it taste better if I make it on the day that I am serving it?

          Reply
          • Lyn

            April 22, 2018 at 6:22 pm

            I made it today and serving tomorrow evening. No time tomorrow to deal with it. I will be back and report how it went over.

            Reply
      • Kriste

        April 01, 2018 at 3:54 pm

        I’m using regular pudding and it’s setting up nicely!!!!! Thank God!!!

        Reply
      • Lyn

        April 22, 2018 at 6:19 pm

        It is instant as it says to mix pudding and milk and whisk until smooth. It will thinken as it sets. I made it today for a gathering I am attending. Bet there will be NO leftovers.

        Reply
    9. Linda

      March 18, 2018 at 9:28 am

      What type of nots did you use and are they toasted?

      Reply
      • Lyn

        April 22, 2018 at 6:20 pm

        I'm going to use pistachio nuts.

        Reply
    10. Terrie

      March 31, 2018 at 11:44 am

      The ingredient list calls for 16 oz whipped topping. Isn't that the same as two cups? You use 2 cups to mix with the cream cheese and then you're supposed to put the remainder on top. There is no remainder. I need to go back to the store. Grrr.

      Reply
      • Michelle

        April 01, 2018 at 8:49 am

        Terri it calls for 16oz whipping cream divided.That's half for cream cheese mixture and half for the top.

        Reply
        • Terrie

          April 09, 2018 at 6:57 am

          No, it says whipped topping, not whipping cream. If it's 16 oz. of whipped topping, then you need to change Step 3 to "one cup" or "half" the whipped topping.

          Reply
        • Bonnie

          June 20, 2018 at 8:13 am

          Hi. I just want to say I understand all of the recipe. Thank you. I'm making it for girls night on Monday.

          Reply
      • Kristy P.

        July 15, 2018 at 3:30 pm

        5 stars
        The 16 oz. of whipped topping refers to the weight of the tub. If you measure out 2 cups of whipped topping, you will still have some left in the bowl. I know my reply is a month late, so sorry. I just made this yesterday and 1 tub was enough for the whole recipe.

        Reply
    11. steve

      May 09, 2018 at 6:54 am

      3 stars
      Based on the questions posted here...instant or regular pudding, whipped topping divided, etc...it seems that this recipe could have been written more clearly.

      Reply
    12. Debbie Yackanicz

      June 12, 2018 at 7:33 pm

      I made my own version using golden oreos for the crust. My guys love pistachios,

      Reply
    13. Pat Schwerman

      June 14, 2018 at 5:26 pm

      5 stars
      Made it exactly as the recipe said. Delicious and will definitely make it again..

      Reply
    14. Melodie Stevens-Koo

      June 21, 2018 at 2:50 pm

      So much better with crust made from ground walnuts, butter and flour. One of my favorite desserts. My kids call it "Green Stuff" lol.

      Reply
    15. K

      July 05, 2018 at 7:23 pm

      Would love to know how you make your ground walnut crust sounds good.

      Reply
      • Arlene Baker

        July 10, 2019 at 8:25 pm

        1 cup flour 1 stick butter cut up and I cups ground nuts I used mostly ground pecans
        first mix the butter and flour into pea sized mixture then add nuts mix well spread in 9x13 pan press firmly and bake at 350 for 20 minutes
        but most people use walnuts ground up means chopped small

        Reply
    16. Rosanne

      July 10, 2018 at 10:53 pm

      Could whipping cream be used instead of whipped topping?

      Reply
    17. JoAnn Klopack

      July 11, 2018 at 6:40 am

      Hi...the direction 2 cups of graham cracker crumbs???
      can you buy it that way? or do you take the graham cracker crumbs and smash them yourself? As you can tell I'm not a baker....but would like to try this...Thanks a bunch!

      Reply
      • Kristy P.

        July 15, 2018 at 3:27 pm

        5 stars
        Hi there. I thought I'd reply to your question in case no one else did. You can use a food processor or rolling pin to crush crackers up OR you can buy the crumbs. It'll work either way.

        Reply
    18. Kristy P.

      July 15, 2018 at 3:26 pm

      5 stars
      I made this last night for dessert today, and it was so very good! Nice and light for a hot, summery day. I love the graham cracker crust and Cool Whip rocks! My guests were big fans, too. Thanks for posting this delicious recipe!

      Reply
    19. Piris012

      July 19, 2018 at 9:25 am

      Is there a non dairy substitute for the cream cheese? This recipe sounds so good but with the dairy it’s a no-no for me!

      Reply
    20. NED

      October 30, 2018 at 10:12 pm

      A local restaurant makes a pistachio pudding that has pineapple and maraschino cherries in it; it's lovely. Even though this recipe sounds absolutely perfect just the way it is, I think I'm going to experiment alittle. I'll keep you posted on the results.

      Reply
    21. Sheila Denton

      December 12, 2018 at 6:54 pm

      What size pistachio instant mix? My grocer has two sizes.

      Reply
    22. Stacey

      March 09, 2019 at 6:21 pm

      My mom makes this with chopped heath bar on top! Try it....so yummy!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi there, I'm Cathy!

    Welcome to Lemon Tree Dwelling, where I create easy, fresh recipes for everyday life. I believe that good food is meant to be shared, and I can't wait to share all my favorites with you!
    More about me →

    GET WEEKLY RECIPES STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX!

    Popular Recipes

    • Creamy Cucumber Salad
    • Greek Pasta Salad
    • How to Make the Perfect Cheese Board
    • Baja Fish Tacos
    • Fruit Smoothie Popsicles
    • Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
    • Cheesy Zucchini Bake
    • Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad

    Footer

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Tools

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with me

    Copyright © 2020 LemonTreeDwelling