Springtime Pistachio-Almond Dream Pie
Indulge in this delightful Springtime Pistachio-Almond Dream Pie, a perfect dessert to celebrate Easter and the beauty of spring. Every slice reveals a luscious filling made from creamy reduced-fat pistachio pudding, infused with fragrant almond extract, and set atop a light and buttery graham cracker crust. Topped with a fluffy layer of Cool Whip Lite and a sprinkle of colorful slivered almonds, this pie is both decadent and refreshing. Best of all, it takes just 10 minutes to prepare, making it an effortless addition to your holiday feast. Your guests will be enchanted by the vibrant flavors and airy texture of this dreamy dessert, and it can be made ahead of time, which means more time for celebration!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
graham cracker crumbs
1 1/3 cups (Crushed)
reduced-fat butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
reduced-fat milk
1 1/2 cups (None)
instant pistachio pudding mix
1 (3 1/2 ounce) package (None)
almond extract
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Cool Whip Lite
1 (8 ounce) container (Thawed)
red food coloring
1 drop (None)
blue food coloring
1 drop (None)
slivered almonds
1/4 cup (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously coat a springform pan or pie pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted reduced-fat butter. Stir until all crumbs are well-coated, reserving 2 tablespoons for garnish.
3
Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan, ensuring an even layer across the base.
4
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Once baked, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the refrigerator to set quickly.
5
In the meantime, prepare the filling by whisking together the reduced-fat milk, instant pistachio pudding mix, and almond extract in a large bowl. Beat the mixture with a wire whisk for about 2 minutes until it thickens, forming a creamy consistency.
6
Gently fold in 1 ½ cups of Cool Whip with a rubber spatula, ensuring to create a smooth mixture without deflating the whipped cream.
7
Once the crust is cooled, spoon the pistachio-pudding mixture onto it, spreading it evenly across the surface.
8
In another bowl, take the remaining Cool Whip and add one drop each of red and blue food coloring. Gently mix with a rubber spatula until a light lavender color forms.
9
Spread this lavender layer over the pistachio pudding layer, ensuring an even distribution.
10
Finish by sprinkling the reserved 2 tablespoons of graham cracker crumbs and the slivered almonds on top for added texture and crunch.
11
Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 3 hours, or until set. For optimal taste, feel free to make this pie several days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It is also freezable, making it a convenient dessert option!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor of the Springtime Pistachio-Almond Dream Pie?
The pie features a luscious filling of creamy pistachio pudding infused with fragrant almond extract.
Is this pie suitable for Easter celebrations?
Yes, it is described as a perfect dessert to celebrate Easter and the beauty of spring.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The preparation takes approximately 10 minutes, plus baking and chilling time.
What type of crust does this pie use?
It uses a light and buttery graham cracker crust made from crumbs and melted reduced-fat butter.
Does the crust need to be baked?
Yes, the crust should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
Can I use a regular pie pan?
Yes, you can use either a springform pan or a standard pie pan.
How do I prevent the crust from sticking to the pan?
Generously coat the pan with cooking spray before pressing in the crumb mixture.
Should I save any of the graham cracker crumbs for later?
Yes, reserve 2 tablespoons of the crumb mixture to use as a garnish on top of the pie.
What type of pudding mix is required?
The recipe calls for one 3.5-ounce package of instant pistachio pudding mix.
What kind of milk should I use for the filling?
The recipe specifies using 1 1/2 cups of reduced-fat milk.
How long should I whisk the pudding mixture?
Beat the mixture with a wire whisk for about 2 minutes until it thickens into a creamy consistency.
How much Cool Whip Lite is added to the pudding?
Gently fold 1 1/2 cups of thawed Cool Whip Lite into the thickened pudding mixture.
How do I create the lavender-colored top layer?
Mix the remaining Cool Whip with one drop of red food coloring and one drop of blue food coloring.
What toppings are added to the finished pie?
The pie is topped with the reserved graham cracker crumbs and 1/4 cup of slivered almonds.
How long does the pie need to chill before serving?
Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 3 hours, or until it is fully set.
Can this pie be made in advance?
Yes, it can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Is the Springtime Pistachio-Almond Dream Pie freezable?
Yes, this pie is freezable, making it a very convenient dessert option.
What gives the pie its almond flavor?
The almond flavor comes from 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract and the slivered almond topping.
What is the texture of the pie filling?
The filling is described as having a luscious, creamy, and airy texture.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including food coloring and garnish.
Do I need to melt the butter for the crust?
Yes, the 2 tablespoons of reduced-fat butter should be melted before mixing with the crumbs.
How should I fold the Cool Whip into the pudding?
Use a rubber spatula to gently fold it in to ensure a smooth mixture without deflating the cream.
What should I do with the crust after baking?
Remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the refrigerator so it sets quickly.
Can I substitute the Cool Whip Lite with regular whipped cream?
While the recipe specifies Cool Whip Lite, regular whipped topping can generally be used as a substitute.
Is this a no-bake pie?
While the filling is no-bake, the crust requires 10 minutes of baking time.
What is the color of the pudding layer?
The pudding layer is a vibrant green color characteristic of pistachio.
How do I apply the lavender layer?
Spread the tinted lavender Cool Whip evenly over the pistachio pudding layer.
Can I use whole almonds instead of slivered?
Slivered almonds are recommended for the best texture and crunch, but whole almonds could be chopped as a substitute.
Is this recipe considered a light dessert?
Yes, it uses reduced-fat ingredients and Cool Whip Lite to keep the dessert lighter.
What is the first step in making this pie?
The first step is preheating your oven to 350°F and coating your pan with cooking spray.