Ready in: 2 hours 30 minutes · Serves: 12 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Quick Answer
These Pistachio Cream Bars are a delightful dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with a rich pistachio cream, perfect for any holiday gathering.
As the leaves in New York City begin to turn and the brisk air carries the promise of holiday gatherings, I find myself drawn to rich, creamy desserts that feel indulgent yet comforting-perfect for sharing with family and friends. One such treat that I've come to cherish is the delightful Pistachio Cream Bars. These bars are a striking combination of vibrant pistachios and a luscious creamy filling, making them an excellent addition to your Thanksgiving and Christmas dessert spread.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
- Indulge in the rich and creamy texture of these bars, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Enjoy the striking combination of vibrant pistachios and a luscious filling.
- Easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.
- These bars add a delightful and festive touch to your dessert spread.
- Leftovers can be frozen, making them a versatile treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make delightful Pistachio Cream Bars:
For the Crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
For the Pistachio Cream:
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely ground
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons pistachio extract (or vanilla, if unavailable)
- 1 cup heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
- A pinch of salt
For the Toppings:
- Extra chopped pistachios for garnish
- Optional: crushed graham crackers or a dusting of powdered sugar
How to Make Pistachio Cream Bars (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create your Pistachio Cream Bars, a perfect treat for any celebration.
Step 1: Make the Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. The whisking of these dry ingredients will release a fine, sweet aroma. Cut in 1 cup of chilled and cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it's lightly golden. As it bakes, the buttery scent fills your kitchen, beckoning everyone nearby.
Step 2: Prepare the Pistachio Cream
While the crust is baking, you can whip up the pistachio cream. In a large bowl, beat 1 cup of softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add in 1 cup of granulated sugar, mixing until the mixture is glossy and well combined. Stir in the finely ground pistachios and 2 tablespoons of pistachio extract. Finally, fold in the whipped heavy cream gently using a spatula, ensuring not to deflate the mixture. The cream should be rich and fluffy, with the nutty aroma of pistachios wafting through the air.
Step 3: Assemble the Bars
Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the pistachio cream filling over it, smoothing it out with the spatula until it's evenly spread. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow it to set properly.
Step 4: Serving
When ready to serve, cut into squares and garnish with extra chopped pistachios and, if you like, a light dusting of powdered sugar or crushed graham crackers for a pleasant texture. The combination will look stunning on any festive table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the Cream: Be gentle when folding in the whipped cream to preserve the airy texture.
- Not Chilling Long Enough: Allow the bars to chill properly for the right texture and shape.
- Not Baking the Crust Long Enough: Ensure the crust is baked to a light golden color to avoid a soggy base.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a festive touch, add a few drops of green food coloring to the pistachio cream.
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for easier and cleaner slicing.
- Leftover bars can be frozen for up to a month, making them a great make-ahead dessert.
Variations
- Substitute pistachio extract with vanilla extract if not available.
- Use almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Replace some of the cream cheese with mascarpone for a richer taste.
- Incorporate different nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for added texture.
How to Serve
- Cut the bars into squares and garnish with extra chopped pistachios.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or crushed graham crackers for added texture.
- Serve chilled on a festive platter during gatherings or celebrations.
- Pair with a dollop of whipped cream or a light drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the crust and pistachio cream a day in advance; assemble and chill.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Freezing: Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to a month.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
While experimenting with these pistachio cream bars, I discovered how a seemingly simple combination of ingredients can yield such luxurious results. It's a beautiful reminder that dessert doesn't always have to be complicated to be delicious. Plus, the bright green color of the pistachios adds the perfect pop for any festive occasion!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 24 bars · Serving Size: 1 bar
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 3g protein · 28g carbs · 16g fat
Recipe by:
Delightful Pistachio Cream Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of powdered sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Cut in 1 cup of chilled and cubed unsalted butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking pan. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it's lightly golden.
- While the crust is baking, beat 1 cup of softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar, mixing until well combined. Stir in the finely ground pistachios and 2 tablespoons of pistachio extract. Fold in the whipped heavy cream gently to keep it airy.
- Once the crust has cooled slightly, pour the pistachio cream filling over it, smoothing it out evenly. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.
- When ready to serve, cut into squares and garnish with extra chopped pistachios and optional toppings. Serve chilled.
Notes
FAQs
- Q: Can I substitute the pistachios with another nut?
A: Yes, you can substitute pistachios with almonds or cashews, but the flavor will differ significantly. - Q: How long do the pistachio cream bars need to chill?
A: The bars should chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set properly. - Q: Can I make these bars ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! These bars can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. - Q: What is the best way to store leftover bars?
A: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze them for up to a month. - Q: Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the pistachio cream?
A: Yes, heavy cream contributes to the creaminess and fluffy texture of the filling. You can try using whipped topping as an alternative, but the flavor and texture may vary.
