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Creamy St. Patrick’s Green Crème Pudding Bars

Creamy St. Patrick’s Green Crème Pudding Bars - featured image
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These creamy, minty pudding bars feature a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious green pudding layer, perfect for St. Patrick’s Day and holiday celebrations. Easy to make and crowd-pleasing, they deliver a festive and nostalgic treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets, finely crushed)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 (3.4 oz/96 g) package instant vanilla pudding mix
  • 1 ½ cups whole milk (can substitute almond or oat milk if dairy-free)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon mint extract
  • Green food coloring, a few drops (or natural matcha powder)
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • Optional garnish: whipped cream, green sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and granulated sugar. Mix until crumbs are evenly coated and resemble wet sand.
  2. Press the crust mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9×9-inch baking pan. Compact tightly using the back of a spoon or flat-bottomed glass.
  3. Bake crust for 8-10 minutes until golden and fragrant. Let cool completely on a wire rack.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together instant vanilla pudding mix and whole milk until thickened, about 2 minutes. Set aside to firm up.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
  6. Add mint extract and green food coloring to the cream cheese mixture and mix until evenly tinted.
  7. Slowly add the prepared pudding to the cream cheese mixture, blending gently to combine without lumps.
  8. In a chilled bowl, beat cold heavy whipping cream to stiff peaks using a mixer (about 3-4 minutes).
  9. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture using a spatula to keep it light and airy.
  10. Pour the creamy green pudding mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top evenly.
  11. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
  12. Cut into squares and optionally garnish with whipped cream and green sprinkles or crushed peppermint candies before serving.

Notes

Use softened cream cheese for smooth mixing. Whip cream to stiff peaks but avoid over-whipping. Fold whipped cream gently to keep airiness. Chill bars overnight for best texture and flavor. For dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives. Use a sharp knife warmed under hot water for clean cutting.

Nutrition

Keywords: St. Patrick’s Day, pudding bars, creamy dessert, mint dessert, holiday treat, easy dessert, graham cracker crust

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/creamy-st-patricks-green-cr-e-me-pudding-bars-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-holidays/