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Pistachio Dream Cookie Bars

Decadent layered bars with a buttery shortbread crust, a creamy pistachio cheesecake filling, and a crunchy pistachio crumble topping.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 280
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Crust & Topping
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 1 cup pistachios shelled and finely chopped
Pistachio Filling
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 box instant pistachio pudding mix 3.4 oz box, dry powder only
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 0.5 tsp almond extract optional

Equipment

  • 9x9 Baking pan
  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Parchment paper

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  2. Beat butter and brown sugar until smooth. Mix in flour, salt, and 3/4 cup chopped pistachios until a crumbly dough forms.
  3. Press 2/3 of the dough firmly into the bottom of the pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly set.
  4. Meanwhile, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
  5. Add dry pudding mix, eggs, milk, and almond extract to the cream cheese. Beat until thick and creamy.
  6. Pour filling over the hot crust and spread evenly.
  7. Crumble the remaining dough over the top and sprinkle with remaining pistachios.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until filling is set and topping is golden. Cool completely, then chill for 2 hours before cutting.

Notes

Ensure the bars are fully chilled before cutting to get clean layers.