Pistachio Cheesecake With Topping Recipe
This decadent Pistachio Cheesecake features a buttery graham cracker and ground pistachio crust, a creamy pistachio-flavored cream cheese filling, and a luscious white chocolate pistachio topping. Slow-baked to perfection and chilled for a smooth texture, this dessert is an elegant treat perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a nutty, creamy delight.
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 7 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Crust
- 180 g graham cracker crumbs
- 60 g unsalted pistachios, finely ground
- 13 g granulated sugar
- 90 g unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 480 g full-fat cream cheese, at room temperature
- 100 g sour cream
- 5 ml vanilla extract
- 60 ml heavy cream
- 2.5 g kosher salt
- 150 g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, gently beaten
- 50 g pistachio paste
- 16 g cornstarch, sifted
Topping
- 200 g white chocolate, chopped
- 80 ml heavy cream
- 32 g unsalted pistachios, chopped
- 40 g pistachio paste
- Prepare Pistachio Crust: In a medium mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and finely ground pistachios. Mix until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Incorporate Butter: Add the melted unsalted butter to the crumb mixture and combine thoroughly until the mixture is evenly moistened.
- Form Crust: Transfer the crust mixture to a prepared 23 cm springform pan. Press it firmly and evenly into the base using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass.
- Bake Crust: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the crust for 5 to 8 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. Remove from oven and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Mix Filling Base: Lower the oven temperature to 140°C (285°F). In a large bowl, combine the full-fat cream cheese, granulated sugar, sour cream, heavy cream, kosher salt, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add Pistachio Paste: Incorporate the pistachio paste into the cream cheese mixture, mixing until evenly blended.
- Add Cornstarch: Gradually sift in the cornstarch and mix until fully incorporated with no lumps remaining.
- Emulsify with Eggs: Lightly whisk the eggs, then add them to the filling mixture and blend until a smooth and cohesive batter forms.
- Fill Pan: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust. Gently tap the pan on a flat surface to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake the cheesecake in the preheated 140°C oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still slightly wobbles.
- Cool Gradually: With the oven door halfway open, allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature for 1 to 2 hours to prevent cracking.
- Chill Cheesecake: Wrap the cooled cheesecake securely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5 hours, preferably overnight, to achieve optimal texture.
- Prepare Pistachio Topping: Place chopped white chocolate, pistachio paste, and heavy cream in a medium heatproof bowl. Melt gradually in the microwave using 30-second intervals or over a bain-marie, stirring between each interval until creamy and homogenous.
- Incorporate Chopped Pistachios: Stir the chopped pistachios into the melted white chocolate mixture until well distributed.
- Release and Decorate: Run a thin knife around the inside edge of the pan to loosen the cheesecake, then unlatch the springform pan. Spread the pistachio topping evenly over the chilled cheesecake using a spoon or an offset spatula.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cheesecake immediately, or store refrigerated until ready to present.
Notes
- Ensure all dairy ingredients are at room temperature to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Use a water bath for baking if you want an extra smooth cheesecake surface and to prevent cracks.
- For best flavor, chill the cheesecake overnight before serving.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Use high-quality pistachio paste for the most authentic nutty flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8th of cake)
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
Keywords: pistachio cheesecake, pistachio dessert, creamy cheesecake, nutty cheesecake, white chocolate topping, nut-flavored dessert