Pistachio Pudding Icebox Cake
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An easy no-bake pistachio pudding dessert recipe made with lush layers of pistachio pudding, whipped topping, graham crackers, and chopped nuts.
For another easy pistachio dessert try my easy 5-ingredient watergate salad recipe.
Today I want to share a super easy icebox cake recipe perfect for pistachio lovers like my husband.
My husband loves this no-bake pistachio dessert so much, he is already asking me when I will be making it again.
What is an Icebox Cake?
Icebox cakes are easy no-bake desserts that are stored in the refrigerator (referred to as an “icebox” back in the day).
They are typically made by layering cookies or graham crackers with whipped cream, pudding and/or no-bake cheesecake. Other common mix-ins and toppings are often included as well, such as fruit, chocolate syrup, or crushed candy.
After sitting in the fridge overnight the cookie layer softens which results in a cool and delicious treat.
Icebox cakes may also be referred to as dessert lasagna, dream dessert, lush, or layered dessert.
But no matter what you call them, one thing is certain. They taste incredible and couldn’t be easier to make.
Just like my lemon icebox cake, strawberry icebox cake, and this easy pistachio pudding icebox cake!
Ingredient Notes
This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.
Pistachio instant pudding mix – You will need two 3.4 ounce boxes. Make sure you get instant pudding mix and not the cook and serve type.
Milk – Use whole milk for an extra creamy filling – although 2%, 1% or skim milk will work, too.
Whipped topping – Two 8 ounce tubs or one 16 ounce tub, thawed. You can also use homemade Cool Whip if you prefer.
Graham crackers – You will use almost an entire box, although you will have some extra for snacking.
How to Make Pistachio Pudding Icebox Dessert
This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.
You will make this pistachio pudding dessert by first combining your pudding mix with milk and cool whip to create the filling.
Then, you will create alternating layers of graham crackers, pistachio pudding, and whipped topping (e.g., Cool Whip) in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
Next, you will place the cake in the fridge for at least 4 hours to allow it to chill and the graham crackers absorb the pudding and soften up.
Finally, sprinkle on some chopped pistachios just before slicing and serving (or graham cracker crumbs would be a good alternative with less crunch).
I always prepare my icebox cakes the day before I would like to serve them. They can chill overnight and I don’t have to worry about making them early in the day to allow for the 4 hour chill time.
I hope you and your family enjoy this easy pistachio pudding dessert recipe.
If you like no-bake desserts, be sure to try our strawberry Jello pie, strawberry cheesecake bars, banana pudding icebox cake, key lime icebox cake, and lemon lush as well.
What people are saying
Made this yesterday for a gathering last evening. It was a huge hit with nothing left. Wouldn’t change a thing about this recipe…
– Brenda
If you do decide to give it a shot, please come back and let me know how you liked it! I always love checking out comments and reviews from readers!
Pistachio Icebox Cake
Ingredients
- 6.8 ounces instant pistachio pudding mix
- 2 ¾ cups milk
- 16 ounces whipped topping thawed and divided
- 14.4 ounce graham crackers (1 box)
- chopped pistachios optional topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk pudding mix and milk together for 2 minutes. Fold in ½ of the whipped topping.
- Cover the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish with a single layer of whole graham crackers. Add half the pudding mixture, and spread into an even layer. Repeat with another layer of graham crackers and then the rest of the pudding. Top with a final layer of graham crackers and the remaining whipped topping.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for at least 4 hours.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios if desired, slice, and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Updated 3/20/25 with new photos and improved recipe. Recipe now uses 1/4 more milk for the pudding mixture and includes another layer of graham crackers before the cool whip. You can see some of the original images below.
Hello❗ While making the Pistachio Icebox Cake❗ The difficulty I had was placing the layer of pudding the graham crackers were mixing with the pudding ❗❓🤔 Was hard to smooth out the pudding without the pudding picking up the graham crackers❗ Any suggestions to make the preparation easier❗❓❓💕🥰 Thank You for Your Reply to help❗Sharon A Barnes
Did you happen to use graham cracker crumbs rather than whole graham crackers?
The photo of the cake looks like the crackers are crushed, & it doesn’t say t0 put whole crackers down. If I were to make it I would’ve crushed them, like the photo shows…. explain please.
The graham crackers are placed down whole and in a single layer for this recipe. I will try to add in-process photos to the post soon to help clear up any confusion. In the meantime, you can use the photos in my no-bake eclair cake recipe as a guide as the process in the same.
Definitely glad I read these comments, like the previous poster I too would have crushed the crackers
Sorry for the confusion. I just updated the recipe card to hopefully make it clearer that the recipe uses whole graham crackers.
I’ve been making these desserts for years but I use crushed graham crackers and only the bottom layer
My mom makes a similar version of this dessert with thin slices of angel food cake in place of the graham crackers. It’s great for the summer months when you want something sweet but don’t want to heat up the house by turning on the oven.
This pistachio dessert looks delicious. Could this recipe be made in a 15”X10” sheet pan? And if so, what would the measurements be.
A sheet pan wouldn’t be deep enough. You really need a casserole dish or baking dish.
Can this be frozen to eat at a later date?
Yes, you can freeze the icebox cake for up to 3 months. Then thaw in the fridge before serving. Enjoy!
Made this yesterday for a gathering last evening. It was a huge hit with nothing left. Wouldn’t change a thing about this recipe…
I am so glad that everyone enjoyed it! Thank you for taking the time to come back and leave a review, I truly appreciate it 🙂
made it yesterday almost gone My wife loves it
Does the Graham Cracker have to be crushed?
No, do not crush them. Just lay the sheets of graham crackers down whole. They will soften as it chills.