Pudding Pie Dessert with Nut Crust

Graduation is just around the corner and if you have a grad, like I do, you’re probably planning a get-together with family and friends where food will be served. I thought this Pudding Pie Dessert with Nut Crust would be perfect to end the meal. I enjoyed this recipe at a family reunion a few years ago. Pistachio or chocolate puddings work well, or try your favorite! Congrats to all the graduates out there! Your hard work has paid off!

Ingredients:
Crust:
1/2 C. (one stick) butter, sliced in chunks
1 1/2 C. flour
1/2 C. chopped walnuts or pecans

Preheat oven to 375 F. Cut butter and flour using two knives until butter chunks are the size of peas. Stir in walnuts or pecans. Mixture will be pretty dry. Pat into a 9x13 pan. Bake for 20 minutes and allow to cool.

Filling:
1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 C. powdered sugar
1 (3.9 oz.) pkg. instant pudding, your favorite flavor
3 C. milk
1 16 oz. frozen whipped topping optional
extra chopped walnuts or pecans to sprinkle on top of the dessert

Beat the cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Fold in half of the whipped topping. Spread over cooled crust. Use mixer to combine pudding and milk, mixing well. Spread over the cream cheese mixture. Spread remaining half-container of whipped topping over pudding and sprinkle with nuts if desired. Refrigerate until served – can refrigerate up to a day in advance (cover with plastic wrap). Serves about 15.

Angel’s tip: I can imagine this would also taste great with banana pudding – just before serving, banana slices could be added around the border with chopped nuts. A topping of strawberry slices could be great with vanilla or cheesecake pudding. Experiment!