Description
Delight in these chewy Pistachio Bars topped with a luscious homemade cream cheese frosting. Made with instant pistachio pudding mix and chopped pistachios, these bars offer a perfect blend of nutty flavor and creamy sweetness, ideal for dessert or a special treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 2 (3.4 oz) boxes instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
Cream Cheese Frosting
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp butter, softened
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup chopped pistachios (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together all purpose flour, instant pistachio pudding mix, granulated sugar, and baking powder until well combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add melted butter, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, folding gently until you have a consistent batter. Stir in the chopped pistachios evenly throughout the mixture.
- Bake the Bars: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bars: Remove the pan from the oven and allow the bars to cool completely on a wire rack. This ensures the frosting will not melt when applied.
- Make the Frosting: Using a mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until creamy and smooth. Add vanilla extract and gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until you achieve a spreadable consistency.
- Frost the Bars: Once the bars are completely cool, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top using a spatula.
- Add Final Touch: Sprinkle the chopped pistachios evenly over the frosting to garnish and add extra crunch and flavor.
- Serve: Cut into 24 bars and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Chewy pistachio sugar cookie bars, topped with a homemade cream cheese frosting!
- Ensure bars are completely cooled before applying frosting to avoid melting.
- Chopped pistachios add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to both batter and topping.
- These bars keep well refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- You can substitute half of the vegetable oil with applesauce for a slightly healthier twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
