If you are ready to wow your friends and family with a dessert that’s as luscious as it is eye-catching, then this Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake with White Chocolate Ganache Recipe is exactly what you need! Picture a silky smooth cheesecake infused with the rich, nutty goodness from fresh pistachios, sitting atop a buttery, crisp crust that’s flecked with pistachio bits. Then, it’s all crowned with a luxurious white chocolate ganache that adds just the right touch of sweetness and creaminess. Every bite is a heavenly blend of texture and flavor, making it the perfect treat for special celebrations or whenever you crave a truly indulgent dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with smooth, greenish-brown pistachio cream sits in the center of a white marbled surface. The cream has a shiny, thick texture with a slight mound in the middle. Around the bowl, scattered pistachio nuts with green and brown hues add contrast and detail. The lighting softly highlights the creamy surface, making it look fresh and rich. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the ingredients for this cheesecake is simpler than you might think, yet each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, achieving the perfect creamy texture, and gifting that beautiful pale green color that makes this dessert such a stunner.

Peeled roasted pistachios (14.1 oz): Blended into a smooth paste, they bring the distinctive nutty flavor and gorgeous color to the cheesecake.
Whole pistachios (1/3 cup): Used sparingly in the crust and as garnish for texture and visual appeal.
Graham crackers or biscuits (5.6 oz): Crumbled finely, they provide the buttery, crisp base that supports the creamy filling.
Melted butter (6 tablespoons): Helps bind the crust ingredients together with rich flavor.
Milk (1 tablespoon): Adds moisture and helps create the perfect crust texture.
Cream cheese (4 cups): The heart of the cheesecake, supplying that signature smooth, tangy creaminess.
Sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling just right without overpowering the pistachio.
Pistachio paste (3/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons): Intensifies that nutty taste in the filling and ganache topping.
Eggs (4): Beaten in one at a time, they provide structure and creaminess without toughening the texture.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, subtle aroma that enhances all the flavors.
Heavy cream (1/4 cup plus 1/4 cup for ganache): Creates a silky texture in both cheesecake and ganache.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Gives a lovely tang and rich mouthfeel to the filling.
Cornstarch (1½ tablespoons): Natural thickener that helps the cheesecake set perfectly with a slight wobble.
White chocolate (120 g): Melts into the ganache, adding decadent sweetness while highlighting the pistachio flavor.

How to Make Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake with White Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Step 1: Make the Pistachio Paste

To get that authentic pistachio flavor, start by blending peeled, roasted pistachios in a high-speed blender until you have a smooth, creamy paste—this usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. It’s worth the effort because homemade pistachio paste contains zero additives, giving your cheesecake a clean, natural nutty taste. If the paste feels warm from blending, pop it in the refrigerator until it chills before using it in the cheesecake batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Crust and Preheat the Oven

Next, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a food processor, pulse the graham crackers and 1/3 cup of pistachios until you get fine crumbs. Mix in the melted butter and milk, then press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 7 to 8 minutes, which sets the crust perfectly and enhances the buttery flavor. Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool while you lower the oven temperature to 300°F (150°C).

Step 3: Whip Up the Cheesecake Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Then, add 3/4 cup of your pistachio paste and mix thoroughly so that the entire filling takes on that gorgeous green hue and rich nutty taste. Add the eggs one by one, mixing just enough to combine each before adding the next—you want to avoid overmixing to keep the cheesecake tender. Finally, stir in vanilla extract, sour cream, heavy cream, a pinch of salt, and cornstarch, mixing on low speed until everything is perfectly smooth.

Step 4: Bake Your Cheesecake in a Water Bath

To achieve that creamy, crack-free finish, wrap your springform pan in foil carefully to prevent water leaks. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and place the pan into a larger roasting dish. Pour hot water into the roasting dish until it comes about halfway up the sides of your cheesecake pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, keeping an eye out for set edges while leaving the center gently jiggling. This gentle cooking method ensures a silky texture without drying out the filling.

Step 5: Cool and Chill the Cheesecake

Once baked, turn off the oven but leave the cheesecake inside for an hour—this slow cooling helps prevent cracks. Afterward, let it cool completely at room temperature for another hour. Then transfer it to the fridge for at least four hours or, ideally, overnight. This chilling step is essential for the cheesecake to firm up and develop its full flavor.

Step 6: Make the White Chocolate Pistachio Ganache

Heat 1/4 cup of heavy cream on the stove until it’s just simmering, then pour it over chopped white chocolate in a bowl. Let it sit for a minute to soften the chocolate, then stir gently until silky smooth. Add 3 tablespoons of pistachio paste and blend thoroughly to create a luscious ganache bursting with nutty sweetness. Pour this on top of your chilled cheesecake and spread evenly. Chill for another hour so the ganache can set to a glossy finish.

Step 7: Decorate and Serve Your Masterpiece

For the final flourish, finely grind some pistachios and use a sieve to dust them along the edges of the ganache-topped cheesecake. You can also sprinkle chopped pistachios or pipe a bit more pistachio paste decoratively on top. Slice your Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake with White Chocolate Ganache Recipe generously and prepare for compliments!

How to Serve Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake with White Chocolate Ganache Recipe

A round cake with three distinct layers sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a thin, light brown crust. Above it is a thick, smooth pale green middle layer that looks creamy and slightly airy. The top layer is a shiny, dark green gel-like layer, covered evenly with a fine green powder in a concentric circle pattern. Around the edge of the top, there is a ring of chopped nuts sprinkled in a neat line. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding texture and a pop of color is easy with chopped pistachios, crushed meringue bits, or edible flowers. These simple touches not only enhance appearance but also add delightful crunch or subtle floral notes that complement the rich creaminess.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake shines as a stand-alone dessert but pairs wonderfully with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. Fresh berries such as raspberries or blackberries also provide a tangy contrast that balances the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping presentation, serve individual mini cheesecakes in clear glasses layered with crushed pistachio crust and ganache drizzle. Alternatively, slice the cake into neat squares and arrange on a platter with fresh mint leaves and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover cheesecake tightly covered in the refrigerator to protect its delicate flavor and creamy texture. Stored properly, it will stay delicious for up to 5 days, making it perfect for enjoying a few slices over several days.

Freezing

If you want to save the cheesecake for longer, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw slowly in the fridge overnight to maintain its luscious texture.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best served chilled, so reheating is generally not recommended. However, if you prefer it at room temperature, simply let the slice sit out for 15 to 20 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pistachio paste for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought pistachio paste is a convenient alternative if you’re short on time. Just choose one that’s 100% pistachios without added sugars or oils for the best flavor and texture results in this Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake with White Chocolate Ganache Recipe.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

While a springform pan is ideal for easy unmolding, you can use a regular round cake pan lined with parchment paper. Just be extra careful when removing the cheesecake, and chill it well to help it hold its shape.

How long does the cheesecake need to chill before serving?

It’s best to chill the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, but overnight chilling is recommended. This helps the cheesecake fully set and intensifies the lovely pistachio flavor in this Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake with White Chocolate Ganache Recipe.

Can I substitute sour cream with something else?

Yes! Crème fraîche works wonderfully as a substitute for sour cream, adding the same creamy tanginess that enriches the cheesecake’s texture and flavor without overpowering the pistachio notes.

Is it necessary to bake the cheesecake in a water bath?

Baking in a water bath ensures gentle, even heat that prevents cracks and creates that famously silky texture. While not absolutely mandatory, it is highly recommended to achieve the perfect result for this Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake with White Chocolate Ganache Recipe.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have the full scoop on making the gorgeous, indulgent Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake with White Chocolate Ganache Recipe, I encourage you to roll up your sleeves and give it a try. The combination of nutty pistachio and sweet white chocolate ganache is utterly irresistible and will quickly become a dessert favorite in your household. Trust me, this cheesecake is one slice closer to creating beautiful memories filled with smiles and satisfied sweet tooths.