The dessert my husband would say is his favorite, and definitely the one he requests for his birthday every year, is this gluten-free pistachio pudding dessert recipe. This layered pudding dessert takes some time but isn’t difficult at all.
One of the hardest recipes for me to convert to gluten-free, besides chocolate chip cookies, was this family favorite dessert called Pistachio Pudding Dessert.
Recreating it gluten-free is just not as simple as substituting the all-purpose flour for some all-purpose gluten-free flour. I tried many times, with many flour blends, and failed every time. The crust was always too wet, even after baking, and would just slide right out of the pan.
Finally this year I succeeded in making a gluten-free Pistachio Pudding Dessert, much to my hubby’s delight.
Soon after my husband and I started dating, on a visit home to see his family in the town neighboring our college town, I was introduced to this dessert. I’ll admit, I totally turned my nose up at it. Pistachio Pudding just did NOT sound good to me! His mom always made it with walnuts, which I can’t stand the taste of, so I always passed on this dessert.
When we got married, my sweet mother-in-law gave me a recipe book and included this family recipe written out beautifully on a recipe card. Even though I didn’t like eating it myself, I definitely wanted to be able to make my hubby his favorite dessert for his birthday.
Over time I started subbing almonds in for the walnuts, and not only did my husband like it, so did I. Now I too look forward to eating this dessert and our boys do as well.
I finally had success re-making this recipe gluten-free when I got the idea to involve a pie crust mix in the recipe for the crust. Since this is not a totally from scratch recipe anyway, I didn’t want the crust to be complicated.
This recipe is supposed to be easy, and made with some convenient products like Jell-o pudding and Cool Whip, so I kept with that theme of convenience with the crust.
I buy and use Gluten Free Mama’s Pie Crust Mix (pack of 6 from Amazon) or you can buy one or two bags at a time directly from Gluten Free Mama. I use 1/2 of a bag of pie crust mix to make this recipe, with the addition of almonds and other ingredients listed below. You can save the other half of the bag of pie crust mix for another time, or you can make up another batch of the crust for this recipe with the other half of the bag. You can then roll the dough into a ball, wrap with Saran Wrap, place in a freezer bag and freeze so you’ll have it already made for the next time you want to make this dessert.
If you can’t purchase this pie crust mix, I suggest trying another gluten-free pie crust mix, or make up your own from-scratch gluten-free pie crust and add a half cup of almonds to it.
Another crust alternative that I would recommend is to follow the crust recipe for my gluten-free apple tart.
Here’s a look at the crust as I make it in the food processor and then I use a gloved hand to press it into my pan:
You can also use other flavors of gluten-free instant pudding in this recipe. I have a friend that makes a similar version with lemon pudding and another that makes it with chocolate fudge pudding, both would be amazing with the almonds as well.
This is a fantastic make-ahead pistachio dessert that is perfect for birthday or holiday gatherings or church potlucks! Let me know if you have a chance to make this, and what pudding you used in yours!
If you like layered desserts, be sure to try my gluten-free brownie trifle next!
Pistachio Pudding Dessert Recipe:
This cool, layered dessert is enjoyed year-round at our house and at potlucks. You can choose a different flavor of Jell-o pudding for a completely different result! You are also welcome to whip up your own whipped topping from heavy cream instead of using Cool Whip. I often do that! As always, verify all of your ingredients are gluten-free. As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.Gluten-free Pistachio Pudding Dessert
Ingredients
Crust:
First Layer:
Second Layer:
Third Layer:
Instructions
Crust:
First Layer:
Second Layer:
Third Layer:
Notes
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Brenda
Tuesday 13th of October 2020
if it is pistachio flavor why not just add pistachios instead of other nuts
Michelle Palin ~ My Gluten-free Kitchen
Wednesday 14th of October 2020
You sure can! People have a little harder time finding unshelled pistachios at their local store, whereas almonds or walnuts are easy to find on the baking aisle, ready to use.
Lindsey | Cafe Johnsonia
Tuesday 11th of November 2014
I'm trying not to drool...haha. My mom made this with chocolate pudding (which is good) BUT I have to try it with pistachio pudding. That is blowing my mind. So pretty, Michelle!