Introduction

Pistachio Blondies swirled with creamy cheesecake offer a delightful twist on a classic treat. These rich, buttery bars combine nutty pistachio flavors with a luscious cheesecake swirl, creating a marbled masterpiece that’s perfect for any occasion.

The image shows two square slices of a layered dessert stacked on each other on brown parchment paper. Each slice has three main layers: a light brown dense base with a slightly crumbly texture at the bottom, a thick green middle layer that appears soft and slightly coarse, and a creamy white layer in the center with smooth texture. The top layer has a marbled pattern made of brown and green swirls blending into creamy white, giving a rich and artistic look. Around the slices, there are some loose pistachios scattered, and the background is blurred with a warm tone on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
1 1/4 cups (250g) packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour
8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 egg yolk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup pistachio paste (store-bought or homemade)
Optional: A drop of green food coloring for vibrant swirls

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until the batter is glossy and well combined. Stir in the salt and flour until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, then mix until fully blended.
Step 4: Drop spoonfuls of the cheesecake mixture and pistachio paste evenly over the blondie batter. If desired, add a drop of green food coloring to the pistachio paste for a more vibrant swirl. Use a skewer or thin knife to gently swirl the mixtures together, creating a marbled effect without overmixing.
Step 5: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the edges are golden and the center is just set. A slight jiggle in the center is normal; it will firm up as it cools.
Step 6: Allow the blondies to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. For the cleanest slices, chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before cutting into squares.

Tips & Variations

For a crunchy texture, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top before baking.
Use unsweetened pistachio paste if you prefer a less sweet swirl, or make your own by blending shelled pistachios with a bit of oil.
To make cheesecake swirls more colorful, add a few drops of lemon zest or almond extract to the mixture.
If you don’t have an 8×8-inch pan, a 9×9-inch pan can work but baking time may need slight adjustment.

Storage

Store these blondies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Reheat slightly in the microwave for a soft texture, but avoid overheating to preserve the cheesecake swirl.

How to Serve

The image shows seven square slices of a marble cake arranged on a white marbled surface. Each slice has three main visible layers with swirls of light yellow, dark brown, and greenish colors blending together in a smooth, wavy pattern. The outer edges of the cake are golden brown and slightly crusty, while the inner layers look soft and moist. The mixture of colors creates a beautiful, artistic look on each piece. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I substitute cream cheese with another ingredient?

Cream cheese is essential for the smooth, tangy cheesecake swirl. However, you can try mascarpone for a milder flavor or ricotta for a lighter texture, though the swirl might be less creamy.

Is pistachio paste necessary for the recipe?

Pistachio paste gives a rich, nutty flavor and beautiful color to the swirls, but if unavailable, you can use finely ground pistachios mixed with a bit of oil or butter as a substitute.