Description
A creamy, nutty dessert with rich pistachio flavor swirled into a classic baked cheesecake. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a modern Southern twist.
Ingredients
1½ cups crushed graham crackers
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
3 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
1 cup pistachio paste
¾ cup sugar
3 large eggs
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
½ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional)
½ cup chopped pistachios for topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F. Prepare a 9-inch springform pan with parchment or greasing.
Combine crushed crackers, melted butter, and sugar for crust. Press into pan and chill.
In a large bowl, blend softened cream cheese until smooth. Add pistachio paste and sugar.
Mix in eggs one by one, then stir in sour cream, lemon juice, vanilla, and cardamom.
Pour mixture over crust. Smooth evenly using a spatula.
Bake for 55 minutes or until the center jiggles slightly. Let stand for 1 hour in oven with the door ajar.
Chill in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight.
Before serving, sprinkle with chopped pistachios and optional drizzle of honey.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are room temperature before mixing.
Pistachio paste quality directly influences flavor.
Wrap slices individually when freezing for quick future servings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: pistachio cheesecake, nutty dessert, southern cheesecake, creamy pistachio dessert