Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will ensure that your bars come out effortlessly.
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Prepare the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, and powdered sugar. Mix until the ingredients form a crumbly dough. This mixture should feel soft yet hold together when pressed.
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Bake the crust: Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly golden. The baking time may vary, so watch for a subtle change in color, which indicates it’s ready.
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Make the filling: In a separate bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and milk. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens, demonstrating that it is coming together.
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Combine cream cheese and sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for achieving a tremendous texture.
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Incorporate the pudding: Mix the thickened pudding into the cream cheese mixture until fully combined. Make sure there are no lumps for a smooth filling.
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Fold in the whipped topping: Gently fold in the whipped topping, ensuring to maintain the lightness. This will give your filling a tremendous airy quality, perfect for a dessert bar.
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Spread the filling: Carefully pour the filling over the baked crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Aim for a smooth top, which will give your bars an appealing presentation.
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Chill to set: Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly. This step is essential as it ensures the bars hold together when cut.
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Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle the crushed pistachios on top. This adds a delightful crunch and enhances the overall flavor.
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Serve and enjoy! Finally, cut the bars into squares and savor the tremendous combination of flavors and textures.
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