Triple Layer Pistachio Pudding Pie

This impressive no bake Triple Layer Pistachio Pudding Pie takes just minutes to prepare with only 4 simple ingredients! This pie is no bake, creamy, light, fluffy, and just absolute dessert perfection. Learn how to make it with all my helpful tips for success. 

If you want even more pistachio recipes then you must also try my Pistachio Cheesecake Pie, this ultra moist Pineapple Pistachio Cake that starts with a cake mix + crushed pineapple in the cake, and this impressive layered Pistachio Pudding Dessert.

No Bake Pie Recipe with Pistachio Instant Pudding (Triple Layers!)

I’ve always been a big fan of instant pudding mixes, especially when it comes to no bake pies! It’s an easy way to prepare an impressive dessert with very minimal ingredients. 

Pistachio is such a bright, cool, and delicious flavor which makes it perfect for this triple layer pudding pie. I also have this family favorite Triple Layer Lemon Pudding Pie that is just as easy with a bright lemon flavor thanks to the lemon instant pudding.

I like to always make a green dinner & dessert for St. Patrick’s Day and this layered green pie is the perfect option for that. 

 

Ingredients Needed

• Ready-to-Use Graham Cracker Crust or Shortbread Crust : These are the prepared crusts that you can find in the baking aisle at the grocery store. I think the graham cracker crust or shortbread crust tastes the best in this pie. 
• Pistachio Instant Pudding Mix : Make sure you are using the instant pudding mix and not the cook n’ serve. This recipe won’t work with anything besides the instant pudding. 
• Half & Half : This is half milk + half cream. It’s the only milk I recommend for making this pie because it has the fat and thickness that a no bake pie needs in order to set properly. 
• Extra Creamy Cool Whip
• Chopped Pistachios : These are an optional garnish and add a really nice texture and salty crunch. 

Step-by-Step Instructions For How To Make Pistachio Pudding Pie

You won’t believe how easy it is to make this pistachio pudding pie! Yes, you really only need 4 ingredients and it takes just minutes to prepare. Be sure and read to the bottom of the page where there is a detailed recipe card, a printable option, and a pin it button so you can save the recipe later. 

• Pudding Mix + Milk : Add the dry instant pudding mix and half & half milk to a mixing bowl. Stir with a wire whisk for 1-2 mintues until it is nicely thickened. 
• 1st Layer : Evenly spread 1 1/2 cups of the pudding into the graham cracker crust. 
• 2nd Layer : Add half of the Cool Whip into the remaining pudding and stir well to combine. Evenly layer this on top of the 1st layer inside the pie. 
• 3rd Layer : Spread the remaining Cool Whip on top for the final layer. 
• Fridge Time : Use the enclosed plastic lid (from the graham cracker crust) and refrigerate the pie for at least 8 hours, or up to 24 hours. 
• Serve : Garnish with chopped pistachios and serve!

Triple Layer Pistachio Pudding Pie FAQ’s

• Can I Make a No Bake Pie Ahead of Time?

  • Yes! In fact, this pie needs at least 8 hours of refrigeration time before slicing and serving. Which makes it the perfect make-ahead dessert. You can even make it 1-2 days in advance and let it refrigerate. It does really well in the fridge and gets better and better as it sits in there. 
  • The crust will eventually soften and get soggy so I don’t suggest storing the pie in the fridge, before serving it, for longer than 24 hours. 

• How To Store Leftovers

  • Leftovers keep well, stored in the fridge, for up to 5 days. 
  • The graham cracker crust does eventually soften and get soggy, and the pudding tends to give off liquid, the longer it sits in the fridge. I have found that 5 days is the perfect amount for it to be in the fridge without the crust becoming soggy and the pudding leaking. 
  • The great thing about the prepared store-bought crusts is that they come with a plastic lid. So use that lid to cover the pie and store the pie inside the aluminum pie tin. 

• Can a No Bake Pudding Pie Be Frozen?

  • I don’t recommend freezing no bake pies. No bake pies usually use a lot of dairy (Cool Whip, milk, cream cheese, etc) and dairy tends to separate and curdle once frozen and then thawed. I also worry that once thawed, the pie would be loose and not as pretty with the thick and creamy, and easily seen triple layers. 
  • It does keep well in the fridge for several days.

• Variation & Substitution Ideas

  • There are a few ways to switch this recipe up and make it your own. 
    • Pudding Mix : Use any pudding mix you want! Don’t like pistachio? Try banana cream, coconut cream, lemon, vanilla, chocolate, butterscotch, or white chocolate. There are so many options!
    • Cool Whip : I prefer the extra creamy Cool Whip in this pie but you can use any other variety you want. Lite Cool Whip, regular Cool Whip, or even the Fat Free Cool Whip will all work. 
    • Sugar-Free Instant Pudding : I have never tried using sugar-free instant pudding in this recipe so I can’t say for sure if it would work or not. I definitely think it’s a worth a try if that’s what you are needing (a sugar-free version). 
    • Crust : Feel free to make your own graham cracker crust. You can also use a chocolate crust or an Oreo crust if wanted. 

Recipe Tips

Here are a few of my helpful tips so that you can have success recreating this recipe in your own kitchen ♥

• Fridge Time : This is so important with no bake pies! The fridge time allows the pudding layers to thicken and set, and the flavor intensifies. You need to refrigerate it for a minimum of 8 hours so plan ahead. 
• Use Instant Pudding Mix : One of the biggest mistakes when making a recipe with instant pudding is mistakingly using the cook n’ serve version. It is not the same and won’t yield the same results. Make sure you are using the instant pistachio pudding mix. 
• Pudding Tip : No need to follow the directions on the box of pudding. We are changing it up so follow the directions in the recipe below by adding the dry pistachio pudding powder + the half & half called for in the recipe. 
• Don’t Substitute The Half & Half : For the best thick texture, and creamy taste, do not use anything other than half & half. The pie needs the fat from the half and half in order to set properly and be thick enough to cut nicely. You could of course try substituting whole milk, and it could work great, but I have only ever used half and half in this recipe. 

More No Bake Pie Recipes You’ll Love

• Millionaire Pie – A tropical flavor explosion with cherries, pineapple, and pecans for crunch. 
• Easy Nutella Pie – Only a few ingredients for this rich and creamy pie. 
• No Bake Peanut Butter Fudge Swirl Pie – Peanut butter + fudge is an irresistible combo. 
• No Bake Key Lime Pie – Sweet, tangy, and velvety smooth. 
• No Bake Jello Pie – Use any flavor of jello!
• Banana Cream Pie – This one uses banana cream instant pudding mix. Easy peasy!
• Oreo Cream Pie – Everyone’s favorite cookie in a creamy pie. 
• Snickers Cheesecake Pie – A no bake cheesecake stuffed with chopped Snickers.