pistachio pudding pie

I used to have this dessert as a child and I've been searching for the recipe for what seems like forever! I finally found a similar version on this blog and I was so excited! I made it that same night.
It's one of my favorites because 1. I love Cool Whip. Like really love. 2. I love pistachio flavored anything. and 3. because I suck in the kitchen and this is pretty easy to make.

So, ladies and gentlemen, here's the recipe!

Pistachio Pudding Pie

Pie crust:
1 stick butter (softened) 
1 cup flour
1 cup chopped walnuts

Layer 1:
1 cup powdered sugar
1 (8oz) cream cheese
1 cup Cool Whip (equal to 1 8oz tub)
*see additional option below

Layer 2:
2 regular sized pkgs. of instant pistachio pudding mix
3 cups milk

Topping:
1 cup Cool Whip 
almonds (chopped or sliced)


Mix butter, flour, nuts; press into 9x13 inch pan. Bake 350 for 20 min. Cool. Mix powdered sugar, cream cheese and cool whip (*and optional ingredients below); spread on cooled crust. Beat together pudding mix and milk until thick. Spread on top of cream cheese layer. Top with a layer of cool whip and chopped/sliced almonds. Refrigerate and serve chilled.


*Optional: Mix in thinly sliced bananas and/or pineapple chunks into layer one. -- I personally love this option!

Recipe adapted from Today's My Best Creative Day Blog.