Pistachio Cheesecake With Pistachio Topping Recipe

Quick & Dreamy Pistachio Cheesecake With Pistachio Topping Recipe

Pistachio cheesecake tantalizes taste buds with its rich, nutty essence and creamy texture.

This delectable dessert changes ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Subtle green hues hint at the delightful pistachio flavor waiting to surprise you.

Smooth cream cheese blends seamlessly with ground pistachios, creating a luxurious base that melts in your mouth.

Crisp nutty undertones provide a perfect counterpoint to the silky, decadent filling.

Each slice promises a harmonious balance of sweetness and earthy notes that dance across your palate.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this dessert elevates any gathering with its elegant presentation and irresistible taste.

Toppings and Beverages That Match Pistachio Cheesecake

  • Pair with Sweet Dessert Wine: Enhance the rich, nutty flavors of the pistachio cheesecake with a glass of Sauternes or moscato, which complement the creamy texture and provide a delightful sweet contrast.
  • Match with Pistachio Liqueur: Elevate the dessert experience by serving a small shot of pistachio-flavored liqueur alongside the cheesecake, intensifying the nutty profile and creating a harmonious flavor connection.
  • Serve with Espresso or Strong Coffee: Cut through the cheesecake's richness with a bold espresso or dark roast coffee, which balances the sweetness and brings out the subtle pistachio undertones.
  • Garnish with Fresh Berries: Add a burst of freshness by serving a small side of mixed berries like raspberries or strawberries, which provide a tart counterpoint to the creamy, sweet cheesecake.

Ways to Change Up the Classic Pistachio Profile

  • Nutty Chocolate Swirl: Incorporate melted dark chocolate into half the cheesecake batter, creating a marbled effect with the pistachio base for a rich, two-toned dessert.
  • Salted Caramel Crunch: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the pistachio topping and sprinkle extra crushed pistachios for added texture and depth of flavor.
  • Mediterranean Honey Glaze: Replace white chocolate topping with a honey and orange blossom water glaze, garnishing with roasted pistachios for a Middle Eastern-inspired finish.
  • Raspberry Pistachio Fusion: Add a layer of fresh raspberry compote between the crust and cheesecake filling, creating a tangy contrast to the nutty, creamy base.

Pistachio Cheesecake with a Nutty, Velvety Finish

  • Craft a Luxurious Nutty Dessert: This pistachio cheesecake transforms a classic dessert into an elegant, gourmet experience with its rich, complex flavor profile and stunning presentation.
  • Enjoy Creamy Texture Perfection: The carefully blended cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream create an ultra-smooth, velvety texture that melts perfectly in your mouth, while the pistachio paste adds a subtle, sophisticated nuttiness.
  • Master Foolproof Baking Technique: The low-temperature baking method and gradual cooling process ensure a crack-free, perfectly set cheesecake that looks professional, making it an impressive dessert for both novice and experienced bakers.

What Goes Into Pistachio Cheesecake with Crunchy Topping

Crust Ingredients:
  • Graham Cracker Crumbs, Ground Pistachios: Classic base with nutty twist, fine texture is key for smooth crust.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds light sweetness and helps binding.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides rich flavor and helps crust hold together, room temperature works best.
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, full-fat variety ensures creamy texture, always use room temperature.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create soft, silky consistency.
  • Heavy Cream: Enhances richness and contributes to smooth texture.
  • Pistachio Paste: Core flavor component, high-quality paste brings authentic nutty essence.
  • Sugar: Balances flavors and sweetens the cheesecake.
  • Cornstarch: Helps stabilize and prevents cracking.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile, use pure extract.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates taste.
  • Eggs: Provides structure and helps bind ingredients.
Topping Ingredients:
  • White Chocolate: Creates smooth, creamy base for topping.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps melt and blend chocolate.
  • Pistachio Paste: Reinforces nutty flavor.
  • Chopped Pistachios: Adds crunch and visual appeal, raw or roasted work well.

How to Make a Smooth Pistachio Cheesecake at Home

Step 1: Craft the Crunchy Crust

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Graham cracker crumbs
  • Ground pistachios
  • Granulated sugar

Drizzle melted butter over the mixture and blend until everything looks perfectly coated. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch cake pan, creating a smooth, even base. Pop it in the oven at 350°F for 5-8 minutes until lightly golden. Let it cool completely.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheesecake Base

Lower the oven temperature to 280°F. In a large mixing bowl, grab your electric mixer and blend:
  • Room-temperature cream cheese
  • Sugar
  • Sour cream
  • Heavy cream
  • Salt
  • Vanilla extract

Mix until silky smooth. Swirl in pistachio paste until fully incorporated. Sift cornstarch into the mixture, ensuring no lumps remain. Gently fold in whisked eggs until the batter looks dreamy and uniform.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious batter over the cooled crust. Tap the pan to release any sneaky air bubbles. Slide into the oven and bake for approximately 1 hour. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges look set but the center still has a subtle jiggle.

Step 4: Create the Cooling Magic

Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake rest for 1-2 hours. Once cooled, wrap it carefully in plastic and refrigerate for at least 5 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Prepare the Pistachio Topping

In a medium bowl, combine:
  • Chopped white chocolate
  • Pistachio paste
  • Heavy cream

Melt using a microwave or double boiler, stirring between intervals until perfectly smooth. Fold in chopped pistachios for an extra crunch.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Carefully run a knife around the cheesecake’s edges. Spread the pistachio topping evenly across the surface. Slice into beautiful wedges and serve this show-stopping dessert that’ll make taste buds dance with joy!

Tips to Nail the Texture and Nutty Finish

  • Prevent Cracking: Bake the cheesecake in a water bath to ensure even, gentle heat distribution and minimize surface cracks.
  • Achieve Smooth Texture: Bring all ingredients to room temperature before mixing to create a silky, lump-free batter that blends seamlessly.
  • Master the Crust: Press graham cracker and pistachio crust firmly and evenly to create a solid, crisp base that won't crumble when slicing.
  • Control Baking Time: Watch the cheesecake closely during baking; a slightly jiggly center indicates perfect doneness, preventing dry, overcooked texture.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast chopped pistachios before adding to the topping to intensify their nutty essence and bring out a richer, more complex taste.

How to Keep Pistachio Cheesecake Fresh and Creamy

  • Refrigerate: Wrap the cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Keep chilled for up to 5 days to maintain its creamy texture and flavor.
  • Freeze: Place individual slices in freezer-safe containers or wrap them securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month to preserve quality.
  • Thaw: Transfer frozen cheesecake to the refrigerator overnight. Let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and enhance its smooth, rich taste.
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Pistachio Cheesecake With Pistachio Topping Recipe

Pistachio Cheesecake With Pistachio Topping Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Luxurious pistachio cheesecake delivers Mediterranean elegance with creamy layers and nutty richness. Silky filling nestled in a graham cracker crust promises sensational taste sensations you cannot resist.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 480 grams (17 ounces) full-fat cream cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 50 grams (1.8 ounces) pistachio paste
  • 200 grams (7 ounces) white chocolate
  • 1 ½ cups graham crackers crumbs
  • ½ cup pistachios, ground (unsalted)

Support Ingredients:

  • 100 grams (3.5 ounces) sour cream
  • 90 grams (3.2 ounces) butter, melted
  • ¼ cup heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

Finishing Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ cup pistachios, chopped
  • 40 grams (1.4 ounces) pistachio paste

Instructions

  1. Craft a delectable foundation by pulverizing graham crackers and pistachios, then blend with granulated sugar until uniformly mixed.
  2. Incorporate melted butter into the crumb mixture, ensuring each particle is thoroughly coated and glossy.
  3. Compress the mixture meticulously into a 9-inch cake pan, creating a compact and even base layer.
  4. Toast the crust in a preheated oven at 180°C for 5-8 minutes, watching carefully to prevent scorching. Allow to cool completely.
  5. Reduce oven temperature to 140°C. Utilize an electric mixer to transform cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, heavy cream, salt, and vanilla into a silky, homogeneous blend.
  6. Introduce pistachio paste into the cream cheese mixture, stirring until fully integrated and color is consistent.
  7. Gently sift cornstarch through the mixture, eliminating potential lumps and ensuring a smooth texture.
  8. Delicately incorporate whisked eggs, folding carefully to maintain the batter’s airy consistency.
  9. Transfer the velvety batter onto the prepared crust, using gentle taps to disperse any trapped air bubbles.
  10. Bake at 140°C for approximately 1 hour, monitoring until edges solidify and center maintains a subtle wobble.
  11. Allow cheesecake to cool gradually within the oven, leaving the door slightly ajar for 1-2 hours.
  12. Wrap the cooled cheesecake and refrigerate for a minimum of 5 hours, preferably overnight.
  13. Construct the pistachio topping by melting white chocolate, pistachio paste, and heavy cream using microwave or bain-marie technique until smooth and glossy.
  14. Fold chopped pistachios into the decadent topping mixture.
  15. Carefully release the cheesecake from its pan by running a knife along the edges.
  16. Artfully spread the pistachio topping across the surface using a spatula, creating an even, appetizing layer.
  17. Slice into elegant portions and savor this luxurious pistachio-infused dessert.

Notes

  • Crust requires careful mixing and pressing to create a solid, flavorful foundation that complements the creamy cheesecake.
  • Cream cheese mixture needs room temperature ingredients and gentle folding to achieve a smooth, lump-free texture.
  • Baking at a low temperature ensures a perfectly creamy cheesecake with minimal cracking and even cooking.
  • Cooling process is crucial – leaving the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly open prevents sudden temperature changes that can cause cracks.
  • Pistachio topping adds a luxurious, nutty finish that elevates the entire dessert with its rich, creamy consistency.
  • Refrigeration time is essential for setting the cheesecake and allowing flavors to develop fully, so patience is key.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 405
  • Sugar: 27g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 83mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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