
This luxurious pistachio cheesecake recipe blends creamy cheesecake filling with aromatic pistachios for a dessert that is rich, nutty, and irresistibly smooth. Built on a buttery graham-pistachio crust, filled with a silk-textured pistachio cream mixture, and finished with a glossy pistachio ganache, this pistachio cheesecake stands out as a showstopper at any gathering. Whether you’re preparing a dessert for a feast, celebration, or simply craving something decadent, this recipe brings gourmet flavor with achievable steps and a beautifully balanced texture.
Why This Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe Works
- The crust blends pistachios + graham crackers, adding depth and crunch.
- The filling uses real pistachio paste, full-fat cream cheese, and a touch of heavy cream for a velvety consistency.
- A creamy pistachio-white-chocolate ganache enhances the nutty flavor and adds a glossy finish.
- The method ensures a smooth, crack-free pistachio cheesecake with softness that melts on the tongue.
- The topping of chopped pistachios offers contrast, making every slice both creamy and crisp.
Ingredients
For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup pistachios, ground (unsalted)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 90 g melted butter
For the Pistachio Cheesecake Filling
- 480 g full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 100 g sour cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 50 g pistachio paste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, lightly whisked
For the Pistachio Ganache Topping
- 200 g white chocolate
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 40 g pistachio paste
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and ground pistachios.
- Add the melted butter and mix until all crumbs are fully coated.
- Press the crust mixture firmly into a prepared 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake for 5–8 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and cool completely.
- Reduce oven temperature to 280°F (138°C).
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and sour cream until smooth and lump-free.
- Add heavy cream, vanilla, and salt; mix again until integrated.
- Blend in the pistachio paste until the mixture becomes pale green and uniform.
- Sift in the cornstarch and mix gently to avoid lumps.
- Add the whisked eggs and fold the batter until silky, avoiding over-mixing.
3. Bake the Pistachio Cheesecake
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust.
- Tap the pan lightly to release air bubbles.
- Bake at 280°F for approximately 60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a soft jiggle.
- Turn off the oven and allow the cheesecake to cool with the oven door cracked open for 1 hour.
- Remove from the oven and cool at room temperature for an additional 1–2 hours.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 5 hours, preferably overnight.
4. Prepare the Pistachio Ganache
- Warm the heavy cream in a small saucepan until just steaming.
- Pour the cream over the white chocolate and let sit for 1 minute.
- Stir until smooth and glossy, then add pistachio paste.
- Mix thoroughly until the ganache becomes a light green, creamy topping.
5. Assemble and Serve
- Pour the pistachio ganache over the chilled cheesecake and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped pistachios across the top for contrast.
- Chill for another 30 minutes before slicing.
- Serve cold, savoring the creamy filling and crunchy nutty topping.

Tips for a Perfect Pistachio Cheesecake
- Use room-temperature ingredients to avoid lumps.
- Mix gently to prevent incorporating excess air.
- Let the cheesecake cool gradually to avoid cracks.
- A water bath can be used for extra smoothness, though optional.
- For halal preferences, all ingredients in this recipe are compliant (no gelatin, no alcohol-based flavoring).









