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Rich Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe

Featured in Sweet Endings and Treats.

Want a unique twist on classic cheesecake? This Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake delivers rich flavor without fussy techniques. The recipe combines real pistachio paste, cream cheese, and white chocolate for an incredibly smooth filling. The crust adds extra crunch and flavor with chopped pistachios mixed into traditional graham crackers. Best of all, you don't need to mess with a traditional water bath - just place a pan of water on the bottom rack while baking. Let it chill overnight and you'll have a perfectly creamy, pistachio-packed dessert that's sure to impress!
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Updated on Sun, 19 Jan 2025 17:12:37 GMT
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Smooth and creamy pistachio cheesecake with a nutty flavor and velvety texture, perfect for any occasion. Pin it
Smooth and creamy pistachio cheesecake with a nutty flavor and velvety texture, perfect for any occasion. | tasteofcook.com

A luxurious blend of rich cream cheese and nutty pistachio creates a cheesecake that's both sophisticated and comforting. This Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake elevates the classic dessert with its delicate nutty flavor and beautiful pale green hue. The combination of smooth, creamy filling and crunchy pistachio-graham crust offers a delightful contrast in textures that makes every bite memorable.

Through many test batches, I've discovered that the key to perfect pistachio flavor lies in using high-quality pistachio paste and proper temperature control. The moment you achieve that perfect slice - smooth, creamy, and perfectly set - is truly satisfying.

Essential Ingredients Selection

  • Cream Cheese: Full-fat, room temperature for smoothness
  • Pistachios: Fresh, unsalted for best flavor
  • White Chocolate: Premium quality for melting
  • Pistachio Paste: Pure, no artificial additives
  • Sour Cream: Full-fat for richness
  • Pure Extracts: Real vanilla and almond

Detailed Baking Instructions

Step 1: Perfect Crust Creation
Process pistachios until finely ground. Mix with crumbs thoroughly. Press firmly but gently. Pre-bake until fragrant. Cool completely.
Step 2: Filling Excellence
Beat cream cheese until completely smooth. Add sugar gradually. Mix in pistachio paste thoroughly. Add eggs one at a time. Fold in white chocolate gently.
Step 3: Proper Baking Method
Use water bath for moisture. Monitor temperature carefully. Check edges for setting. Look for slight wobble. Cool gradually.
Step 4: Setting Process
Cool in oven first. Move to room temperature. Chill thoroughly. Cover properly. Wait patiently.
Step 5: Final Presentation
Remove from pan carefully. Clean edges if needed. Add decorative touches. Slice with hot knife. Garnish thoughtfully.
Decadent pistachio cheesecake featuring a rich, creamy filling and a hint of nutty sweetness. Pin it
Decadent pistachio cheesecake featuring a rich, creamy filling and a hint of nutty sweetness. | tasteofcook.com

My favorite moment is garnishing with chopped pistachios - the way they add both visual appeal and textural contrast to the smooth surface creates such an elegant finish.

Creamy pistachio cheesecake with a buttery crust and vibrant pistachio flavor in every bite. Pin it
Creamy pistachio cheesecake with a buttery crust and vibrant pistachio flavor in every bite. | tasteofcook.com

Storage and Make-Ahead Strategies

Perfect timing ensures best results: Crust can be made 2 days ahead. Complete cheesecake keeps 5 days refrigerated. Freeze whole cake up to 2 months. Add garnishes just before serving. Individual slices freeze well.

Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions

  • Variations: Dark chocolate marble swirl, rose water accent, honey pistachio topping, white chocolate ganache layer, cardamom spice addition.
  • Serving Suggestions: Candied pistachios, gold leaf accents, fresh berries, Persian rose petals, honey drizzle.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why don't I need a water bath for this cheesecake?
This recipe uses a pan of hot water on the bottom rack instead, which creates enough moisture to prevent cracks while being much simpler than a traditional water bath.
→ What is pistachio paste and where can I find it?
Pistachio paste is made from ground pistachios. You can find it at specialty food stores, online, or substitute with pistachio butter.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This cheesecake actually benefits from being made ahead. It needs 6-8 hours to chill and can be made up to 2 days in advance.
→ Why do ingredients need to be room temperature?
Room temperature ingredients blend together smoothly, preventing lumps and ensuring a creamy texture in your finished cheesecake.
→ Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Yes, wrap it well and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Easy Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake

This Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake combines real pistachios and white chocolate in a rich, smooth filling atop a nutty graham cracker crust.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Graham Cracker Crust

01 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
02 ½ cup roasted salted pistachios, shelled and chopped
03 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
04 Pinch of salt

→ Cream Cheese Filling

05 2 (8-oz) blocks cream cheese, room temperature
06 ½ cup granulated sugar
07 ¾ cup sour cream, room temperature
08 2 oz pistachio paste or pistachio butter
09 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 ½ teaspoon almond extract
11 3 large eggs, room temperature
12 6 oz white chocolate, roughly chopped

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line bottom of 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.

Step 02

Combine graham cracker crumbs, chopped pistachios, melted butter, and salt. Press mixture firmly into bottom of prepared pan.

Step 03

Beat cream cheese until fluffy (2-3 minutes), then add sugar and beat 2 more minutes. Mix in sour cream and pistachio paste until smooth.

Step 04

Mix in vanilla and almond extracts. Taste and adjust pistachio flavor if needed. Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Stir in white chocolate.

Step 05

Pour into pan and tap to remove air bubbles. Place pan on middle rack with a roasting pan of hot water on bottom rack. Bake at 325°F for 30 minutes, then at 300°F for 15 minutes until set.

Step 06

Turn off oven, leave door slightly open with cheesecake inside for 1 hour. Run knife around edges, then refrigerate 6-8 hours or overnight.

Notes

  1. This cheesecake doesn't require a traditional water bath, making it easier to prepare.
  2. The amount of pistachio paste can be adjusted to taste, up to double the amount listed.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch springform pan
  • Electric mixer (hand or stand)
  • Roasting pan
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy
  • Eggs
  • Nuts (pistachios)
  • Wheat (graham crackers)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 262
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 27 g
  • Protein: 3 g