These Pistachio Pudding Tarts are a light, refreshing treat made with a naturally vibrant pistachio pudding nestled in a crisp graham cracker tart shell. The pudding is made creamy with pistachio milk, sweetened with maple sugar, and subtly enhanced with almond extract and a sneaky nutritional boost from spinach (you won’t taste it!). Finished with a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream and chopped pistachios, these paleo-friendly tarts are perfect for spring holidays like St. Patrick’s Day or anytime you’re craving something unique and wholesome.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

Tart Shell:

• 1 graham cracker crust recipe (from cookbook, or substitute your favorite tart or pie crust)

Pistachio Pudding:

• 1 cup pistachio milk

• ¼ cup maple sugar

• ¼ cup packed spinach

• 1 tbsp cassava flour

• ⅛ tsp almond extract

• Pinch of fine sea salt

• ½ cup dairy-free whipped cream

Garnish (optional):

• 2 tbsp raw, unsalted pistachios, chopped

• ¼ cup additional dairy-free whipped cream

Directions

1. Prepare Tart Shells:
   Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll out graham cracker dough and cut into 4½” circles. Press each circle into a 4″ mini tart pan. Prick the bottoms with a fork to prevent bubbling. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden. Cool completely.

2. Make Pistachio Pudding:
   In a high-speed blender, combine pistachio milk, maple sugar, spinach, cassava flour, almond extract, and salt. Blend until smooth and spinach is fully incorporated.

3. Cook the Pudding:
   Pour the blended mixture into a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Transfer to a heatproof bowl, cover with plastic wrap touching the surface, and refrigerate until fully cooled (about 2 hours).

4. Finish the Filling:
   Once cooled, fold in ½ cup whipped cream to lighten the pudding.

5. Assemble Tarts:
   Carefully remove tart shells from pans. Spoon ¼ cup pudding into each of 5 tart shells (freeze extras for later). Chill assembled tarts until set.

6. Garnish and Serve:
   Top with more whipped cream and chopped pistachios before serving, if desired.

Nutrients (per tart, approx.)

• Calories: 290 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 21 g

• Protein: 3 g

• Fat: 22 g

• Saturated Fat: 8 g

• Sugar: 10 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sodium: 75 mg

• Calcium: 45 mg

• Iron: 1.1 mg

A Fresh Take on Pistachio Pudding

Traditional pistachio pudding often leans on artificial colorings and boxed mixes for its signature green hue and nutty taste. In contrast, this version uses real pistachio milk and maple sugar for a more nuanced, naturally sweet flavor profile. The pudding gets its beautiful pale green color not from food dyes but from a small amount of spinach—a clever and undetectable addition that boosts the nutritional value without compromising taste or texture. Almond extract enhances the nutty flavor and evokes the nostalgic notes people associate with classic pistachio desserts, while cassava flour thickens the mixture into a silky, spoonable filling.

What results is a pudding that’s creamy, flavorful, and refined—perfectly sweetened without being cloying and rich enough to satisfy without overwhelming. It’s the kind of dessert that feels light and nourishing yet totally satisfying, thanks to the balance of plant-based ingredients and traditional dessert techniques.

The Crisp Graham Cracker Shell

Every great tart begins with a dependable crust, and here the graham cracker shell adds the perfect contrast to the smooth pudding inside. Slightly sweet with a toasty, caramelized flavor, this crust offers structure and a pleasant crunch that complements the airy filling. Whether you use a favorite graham cracker crust recipe or adapt one from your trusted baking book, the key lies in achieving the right golden hue and a texture that holds its shape while remaining tender enough to cut through with a fork.

Mini tart pans are ideal for this recipe, creating individual servings that are easy to plate and perfect for gatherings. The crust’s warm, slightly spiced notes pair beautifully with the subtle nutty and vegetal notes of the pudding, offering a complete flavor experience with each bite.

Wholesome Ingredients with a Gourmet Flair

These tarts take a health-conscious approach without sacrificing the indulgent feel of a traditional dessert. Pistachio milk is not only a flavorful alternative to dairy, but also a good source of antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential minerals. Spinach, used in a small but effective amount, adds nutrients like iron and vitamin K without altering the flavor. Maple sugar, a less processed alternative to white sugar, contributes a warm, mellow sweetness and contains trace minerals not found in refined sweeteners.

Cassava flour is another standout ingredient, prized for being grain-free and suitable for paleo or gluten-sensitive diets. It mimics the texture of cornstarch or flour as a thickener, resulting in a pudding that is glossy, smooth, and satisfying. These smart substitutions make this dessert accessible to a wider range of dietary needs while still feeling like a treat.

A Lightened and Airy Finish

Once chilled and set, the pudding is folded with dairy-free whipped cream to create a mousse-like texture that feels indulgent yet light. This extra step softens the density of the pudding and enhances its creaminess, making it easier to spoon and enjoy. The whipped cream also adds an airy dimension that balances the density of the tart shell and the richness of the pudding, ensuring each layer has a unique and complementary texture.

For garnish, more whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped raw pistachios add both visual appeal and crunch. The pistachios not only echo the flavors in the pudding but also introduce a textural contrast that makes the tart more exciting to eat. A single tart delivers multiple textures—crisp, creamy, airy, and crunchy—all in one petite serving.

Visually Stunning and Seasonally Appropriate

One of the most striking features of these tarts is their color. The natural green of the pudding, enhanced by spinach and pistachio milk, creates a soft, inviting tone that feels perfect for spring. Topped with bright white whipped cream and the golden-green of pistachios, each tart looks like it belongs on a bakery display case or the centerpiece of a festive dessert table.

These tarts are especially fitting for spring holidays like Easter and St. Patrick’s Day, where their colors and flavors align with the seasonal themes. They also work beautifully for Mother’s Day, bridal showers, or even afternoon tea gatherings—any occasion that calls for a dessert that’s a little more elevated than your average cupcake or cookie.

Perfect for Make-Ahead Desserts

Another advantage of this recipe is its make-ahead friendliness. The tart shells can be baked a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The pudding can be prepared and chilled ahead of time as well, then folded with the whipped cream just before serving. Once assembled, the tarts hold up well in the refrigerator for several hours, making them perfect for parties or special events where you want to minimize last-minute prep.

Because they’re made in individual portions, they’re also easy to transport and serve. There’s no need for slicing or plating—just grab a tart, add a dollop of whipped cream, and you’re ready to impress.

Easy to Customize for Flavor Variations

This recipe also provides a fantastic base for creative experimentation. You can swap out the pistachio milk for almond or oat milk, replace the almond extract with vanilla or even rosewater for a floral note, or fold in fruit purée like mango or raspberry for added brightness. The spinach can be left out if color isn’t a priority, and the whipped cream can be flavored with citrus zest or a dash of cinnamon for seasonal flair.

If you’re looking to make a larger tart, the recipe can be scaled and pressed into a 9-inch tart pan, then sliced and served like a traditional pie. You can also top the tarts with thin slices of kiwi, candied citrus, or edible flowers for a more extravagant presentation.

Conclusion

Pistachio Pudding Tarts are the kind of dessert that bridges the gap between wholesome and indulgent, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or elegance to make a treat that’s mindful of ingredients. With a crisp graham cracker shell, naturally vibrant and creamy pistachio pudding, and airy whipped topping, they offer a dessert experience that is satisfying, unique, and visually stunning. Perfect for spring celebrations or everyday moments that call for a special touch, these tarts are a testament to the power of thoughtful ingredients and smart preparation. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or savoring one on your own, each tart is a little celebration of freshness, creativity, and joy.