Go Back

Recipe by:

Elena SMITH

Delightful Pistachio Cream Bars

A delightful dessert featuring a buttery crust topped with a rich pistachio cream, perfect for any holiday gathering.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 2 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Group: Crust Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
Group: Pistachio Cream Ingredients
  • 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 salt
Group: Toppings Ingredients
  • Extra chopped pistachios for garnish
  • Optional: crushed graham crackers or a dusting of powdered sugar

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Pastry cutter
  • Spatula
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. When ready to serve, cut into squares and garnish with extra chopped pistachios and optional toppings. Serve chilled.

Notes

Leftover bars can be frozen for up to a month. For a colorful touch, consider adding a few drops of green food coloring to the pistachio cream.