Pistachio Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re a fan of pistachios and crave a dessert that’s both chewy and rich, you’re in for a treat. I’m excited to share my Pistachio Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe that has quickly become a family favorite in my house. These bars are like chewy pistachio sugar cookies with the most dreamy, tangy cream cheese frosting on top. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they disappear fast. Ready to bake up something extraordinary? Let’s dive in!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pistachio Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a special role—from the flour for structure to the pistachio pudding mix for that unmistakable flavor. I recommend using high-quality pistachios for garnish since their crunch really makes a difference on top.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for a chewy texture; don’t substitute with cake flour or it may turn too soft.
• Instant pistachio pudding mix: This is the secret ingredient that gives the bars their pistachio punch and extra moisture.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the chewy texture when combined with the fats.
• Baking powder: Offers a little lift so the bars aren’t too dense.
• Egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the tenderness.
• Butter (melted): Adds richness and flavor; I always choose unsalted so I can control the saltiness.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars moist and chewy without weighing them down.
• Milk: Helps balance the thickness of the dough and adds tenderness.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering the pistachio.
• Chopped pistachios: Mixed in and sprinkled on top, they add a delightful crunch and beautiful color.
• Cream cheese: Essential for the frosting’s creamy tang, make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
• Butter (softened) for frosting: Makes the frosting smooth and rich.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.

Variations

I love how versatile this Pistachio Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe is! Whether you’re looking to tweak the flavor or accommodate dietary preferences, there are some fun variations you can try.

• Nut substitution: I once swapped half the pistachios for chopped almonds, which gave a lovely change in texture and flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Using a gluten-free all-purpose blend works great, though I recommend adding a little xanthan gum if it’s not already included.
• Frosting twist: For a dairy-free version, try a vegan cream cheese and a butter substitute; it’s surprisingly delicious.
• Chocolate + pistachio: Adding mini chocolate chips to the base creates a decadent flavor combination my kids adored.

How to Make Pistachio Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Pan and Ingredients

I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or greasing it well. This lets the bars release easily after baking. Meanwhile, soften your cream cheese and butter for the frosting so they’ll blend smoothly later.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, instant pistachio pudding mix, sugar, and baking powder. I like to sift the dry ingredients where possible to avoid lumps, especially from the pudding mix. This also helps everything incorporate evenly later on.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the melted butter, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot or it might scramble the egg. The wet ingredients should be well combined before you add the dry mix.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together and Add Pistachios

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry bowl, folding gently until just combined. Resist the urge to overmix—that’s how you get dense bars instead of chewy. Stir in the chopped pistachios at the end so they stay nice and crunchy.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Transfer the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 20 minutes, but start checking at 18 minutes—when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. Let it cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the cream cheese.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting and Spread

Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy, then mix in vanilla and gradually add powdered sugar until you reach a spreadable consistency. I like to chill the frosting for 10 minutes if it’s too soft, then spread it over the cooled bars. Finally, sprinkle with the remaining chopped pistachios for that extra pop of flavor and crunch.

How to Serve Pistachio Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is a sprinkle of chopped pistachios on top of the frosting—it adds color and a satisfying crunch. Sometimes, I add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate touch, especially when serving for a party.

Side Dishes

I love pairing these bars with a cup of fresh coffee or green tea to balance the sweetness. For a brunch spread, they go exceptionally well with fresh fruit or a rich yogurt parfait.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special occasions, I cut these bars into bite-size squares and arrange them on a decorative platter with pistachio halves and edible flowers for a beautiful, eye-catching dessert display that never fails to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pistachio bars tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for about 4-5 days and the frosting keeps its creamy texture without getting too hard or runny.

Freezing

Frozen pistachio bars are a lifesaver when you want to make these ahead. I slice them into bars, place parchment paper between layers in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy these bars warm, I heat a piece in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. I usually remove the frosting first because it softens quickly—then you can spread a little fresh frosting or enjoy it as is.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Pistachio Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe has become one of my go-to treats when I want something that’s quick to make but feels special. Every bite brings that lovely pistachio flavor with the perfect chewy texture, elevated by the luscious cream cheese frosting that just steals the show. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company, this one’s your winner. Give it a try—I promise your taste buds and your friends will thank you.

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