Pistachio Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

If you’re anything like me and adore pistachios and that perfect cream cheese frosting, then you’re in for a treat with this Pistachio Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe. These bars are chewy, nutty, and topped with creamy, tangy frosting that just melts in your mouth. When I first tried making these, I was amazed at how simple they turned out and how quickly they disappeared at my family’s gatherings. Stick around, and I’ll share all my tips and tricks so you can nail these pistachio bars every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Pistachio Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe plays a role in achieving that perfect chewy texture and vibrant flavor. I always recommend using good quality pistachio pudding mix and fresh nuts to really make these bars pop.

• All-purpose flour: The base for the bars; make sure to spoon and level to avoid dense texture.
• Instant pistachio pudding mix: Provides that unmistakable pistachio flavor and moist crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
• Baking powder: Gives the bars a little lift without being cakey.
• Egg: Helps bind everything together and adds richness.
• Butter (melted): Adds moisture and a rich flavor; don’t skip melting for even mixing.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the bars tender and chewy.
• Milk: Just enough to bring the dough together smoothly.
• Vanilla extract: A little something extra to deepen all the flavors.
• Chopped pistachios: For crunch and that nutty punch both inside the bars and as garnish.
• Cream cheese (softened): The star ingredient of the frosting, creamy and tangy.
• Butter (softened for frosting): Makes the frosting luscious and spreadable.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.

Variations

I love to tweak this Pistachio Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe depending on the season or my mood. Don’t be shy to play around with add-ins or substitutes—some family and friends even prefer less frosting or adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top!

• Nut-Free Variation: Substitute chopped pistachios with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch without nuts—my niece is allergic, and this worked beautifully!
• Extra Chocolatey: Adding mini chocolate chips into the batter is a sweet surprise that my kids absolutely adore.
• Lower Sugar Option: Reduce the granulated and powdered sugar slightly, but keep an eye on texture as frosting sweetness balances the bars.
• Seasonal Twist: Swap pistachios for chopped pecans or walnuts during fall for a cozy flavor change.

How to Make Pistachio Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Whisk together the dry ingredients

Start by combining 2 cups of all-purpose flour, both boxes of instant pistachio pudding mix, ½ cup granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon baking powder in a large bowl. I find sifting these together helps avoid lumps and gives the bars a finer crumb. This little step always makes a difference in the final texture.

Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat 1 egg slightly before adding ½ cup melted butter, ¼ cup vegetable oil, ½ cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. I always use room temperature ingredients here since it speeds up blending and prevents any curdling of the batter.

Step 3: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined—you want to avoid overmixing, or the bars might turn tough. Fold in ½ cup chopped pistachios at this point for that lovely nutty texture in every bite.

Step 4: Bake until chewy and golden

Pour your batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan, smoothing out the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until the edges turn golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. I like to check a minute or two before the timer because every oven bakes a bit differently.

Step 5: Prepare the cream cheese frosting

While the bars cool, beat together 4 ounces softened cream cheese, 3 tablespoons softened butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 3 cups powdered sugar until smooth and fluffy. It’s important the cream cheese and butter are at room temperature to get that perfect creamy frosting you can easily spread.

Step 6: Frost and garnish

Once the bars are completely cooled (patience is key here!), spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top and sprinkle with the remaining ⅓ cup chopped pistachios for a beautiful, crunchy finish. I promise this step makes them irresistible!

How to Serve Pistachio Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few whole or chopped pistachios on top of the frosting for crunch and an inviting look. Sometimes, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate makes these bars look even more festive for special occasions.

Side Dishes

This dessert goes wonderfully with a cup of strong coffee or a lightly brewed green tea to balance the sweetness. For an afternoon treat, I often serve these bars alongside fresh berries or a citrus salad to add a fresh zing.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or tea parties, I’ve cut these bars into bite-sized squares and arranged them on tiered trays with colorful edible flowers and fresh mint leaves. Another fun idea is to sandwich two bars together with extra frosting for mini pistachio bar cupcakes—you can’t go wrong with that!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Pistachio Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge to keep the frosting fresh and prevent drying out. They stay moist and delicious for about 4-5 days this way—though honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

The bars freeze beautifully if you wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When I freeze these bars frosting-and-all, I usually thaw overnight in the fridge to avoid sogginess. It’s handy to have them ready for unexpected guests!

Reheating

If you want to warm them up, I recommend gently reheating unfrosted bars in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, then adding frosting afterward. This keeps the cream cheese frosting cool and fresh, while the bars get that lovely soft, freshly baked feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Pistachio Bars With Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe brings a little bit of old-fashioned comfort combined with a fresh, nutty twist. It’s a recipe I keep coming back to because it’s reliably delicious and fairly quick to whip up—even on busy days. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just treating yourself, these bars will make everyone smile. Give them a go, and I promise they’ll become a staple in your recipe box, just like they did in mine!

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