Festive green desserts are the perfect way to celebrate St Patrick’s Day or any occasion that calls for a touch of whimsy and deliciousness! I remember baking green tinted cookies with my grandmother every year leading up to St Patrick’s Day. The kitchen would be filled with the sweet aroma of vanilla and the playful energy of trying to make the greenest dessert possible. These memories inspired me to create a simple, yet delightful recipe for festive green desserts to share with all of you. The joy of baking and sharing these St Patrick sweet treats is something I cherish, and I hope this recipe brings a little luck and a lot of sweetness to your day!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This festive green desserts Recipe
This pistachio pudding dessert recipe is a total winner for a few reasons! Of course, its vibrant green hue makes it a festive addition to any table, especially as St Patrick sweet treats. But beyond the looks, it is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and ingredients. The creamy texture and nutty flavor of the pistachio pudding create a comforting and satisfying dessert that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great make ahead dessert, perfect for busy schedules. It is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients Needed for This festive green desserts Recipe
- For the Crust:
* 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
* ⅓ cup granulated sugar
* 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the Filling:
* 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
* 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
* 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix
* 1 ½ cups cold milk
* 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
- For the Topping (Optional):
* Chopped pistachios
* Maraschino cherries
How to Make This festive green desserts Recipe
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, mixing until well combined.
- Incorporate Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pistachio pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Let it sit for a minute or two to thicken slightly.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the pistachio pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture until well blended.
- Add Whipped Topping: Fold in the thawed whipped topping.
- Assemble the Dessert: Pour the filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
- Chill: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the dessert to set completely.
- Garnish (Optional): Before serving, garnish with chopped pistachios and maraschino cherries, if desired. I personally feel this topping takes your festive green desserts to the next level.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy your St Patrick sweet treats!
How to Serve This festive green desserts Recipe
Serve this delightful festive green dessert chilled. It’s a fantastic standalone treat or paired with a cup of coffee or tea. If you want to elevate the presentation, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a sprig of mint. For a themed party, serve alongside other St Patrick sweet treats!
How to Store This festive green desserts Recipe
Store any leftover pistachio pudding dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cream cheese and whipped topping may change upon thawing. Enjoy these festive green desserts while they are fresh!
Tips to Make This festive green desserts Recipe
- Crust Consistency: If your graham cracker crust seems too dry, add a little more melted butter, one tablespoon at a time, until it holds together when pressed.
- Cream Cheese: Using softened cream cheese is crucial for a smooth and lump free filling. Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before using.
- Pudding Mix: Make sure you are using *instant* pistachio pudding mix, not cook and serve. This will ensure the filling sets properly.
- Whipped Topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping to maintain its light and airy texture. Avoid overmixing. You could also consider a festive green popcorn for a contrasting flavor!
- If you are planning a St Patrick sweet treats desserts table, you may also want to consider these Irish Themed Desserts.
Helpful Notes for This festive green desserts Recipe
For a richer flavor, you can use a full fat cream cheese. If you cannot find pistachio pudding mix, you can substitute it with vanilla pudding mix and add a few drops of green food coloring. Be careful not to add too much food coloring, as it can affect the taste. I recommend using a high quality whipped topping for the best flavor and texture.
Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes and St Patrick sweet treats ideas!
Variation of This festive green desserts Recipe
- Chocolate Pistachio: Add a layer of chocolate ganache to the top of the dessert for a decadent twist.
- Coconut Pistachio: Mix shredded coconut into the filling for added texture and a subtle coconut flavor.
- Mini Desserts: Make individual desserts by pressing the crust into mini muffin tins and filling with the pistachio mixture.
- For another festive snack you might like Festive Green Popcorn.
What are the best festive green desserts for St. Patrick’s Day?
Some popular festive green desserts include mint chocolate chip cookies, pistachio pudding, key lime pie, and green velvet cupcakes. Recipes using matcha or spirulina can also add a natural green color and unique flavor.
How can I naturally color desserts green for a festive look?
You can naturally color desserts green by using ingredients like spinach puree (ensure it’s tasteless), matcha powder, or spirulina powder. These options provide a natural green hue without artificial food coloring.
Are festive green desserts only for St. Patrick’s Day?
No, festive green desserts are not just for St. Patrick’s Day! They can be enjoyed any time of year for themed parties, celebrations, or simply to add a pop of color and fun to your dessert table.
What are some easy green dessert recipes for beginners?
Simple options include green-tinted sugar cookies, pistachio pudding parfaits, or even adding green food coloring to a boxed cake mix. These recipes require minimal effort and ingredients.
Conclusion
This festive green dessert is a delightful treat that is perfect for St Patrick’s Day or any occasion that calls for a touch of green. It’s easy to make, delicious, and always a crowd pleaser. So gather your ingredients, put on some Irish music, and get ready to create a little bit of magic in your kitchen. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these festive green desserts with your loved ones! Please let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
Festive Green Desserts: 5 Easy St Patrick Sweet Treats
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A creamy and delicious pistachio pudding dessert with a graham cracker crust, perfect for St Patrick’s Day or any festive occasion. Easy to make and always a crowd pleaser!
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- For the Filling:
- 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold milk
- 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
- For the Topping (Optional):
- Chopped pistachios
- Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, mixing until well combined.
- Incorporate Pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk together the pistachio pudding mix and cold milk until smooth. Let it sit for a minute or two to thicken slightly.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the pistachio pudding mixture into the cream cheese mixture until well blended.
- Add Whipped Topping: Fold in the thawed whipped topping.
- Assemble the Dessert: Pour the filling over the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
- Chill: Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the dessert to set completely.
- Garnish (Optional): Before serving, garnish with chopped pistachios and maraschino cherries, if desired.
- Serve: Cut into squares and serve chilled. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: pistachio, pudding, dessert, cream cheese, St Patrick's Day, green