Name: Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake with Nutty Topper Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 7 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; ¾ cup shelled pistachios, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; 24 ounces (3 blocks) full-fat cream cheese, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; ¾ cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 to 3 drops natural green food coloring (spirulina- or spinach-based); ¼ cup chopped pistachios; Chopped toasted pistachios (about 2 tablespoons)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 55 reviews

If you have a soft spot for desserts that combine nutty richness with a velvety texture, then this Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake with Nutty Topper Recipe is going to win your heart. It features a luscious pistachio filling that’s naturally tinted a gentle green, encased in a buttery, crisp crust, and crowned with a crunchy pistachio topping. Every bite is a perfect balance of creamy smoothness and satisfying nuttiness, making it an unforgettable treat for gatherings or cozy evenings at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of eleven small clear and white bowls arranged neatly on a black surface with white marbled texture, each bowl containing different baking ingredients: three light yellow butter cubes, white granulated sugar, light brown sugar, two raw egg yolks in clear liquid, pale yellow liquid in a white bowl, round white baking chips, and green chopped pistachios. In the center is a white bowl filled with a green powdered ingredient. Two very small silver bowls contain white and off-white powders, and a small bowl holds a dark brown liquid with a small heap of orange powder on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in achieving that perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From the buttery crust to the luscious filling and crunchy topper, these simple essentials come together to create a show-stopping cheesecake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers: The base of the crust, providing a crunchy, buttery foundation.
Unsalted butter: Melts into the crust for richness and helps bind the biscuit crumbs.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and filling just enough to enhance flavors without overpowering.
Shelled pistachios: Soaked and blended to infuse the filling with a natural nutty flavor and soft green color.
Heavy cream: Adds silkiness to the pistachio blend for a luxuriously smooth cheesecake texture.
Full-fat cream cheese: Provides the creamy base essential to any cheesecake, ensuring a rich, melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Eggs: Bind the filling together and help it set perfectly without cracking.
Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and keeps the filling moist and tender.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the natural flavors, tying together the nutty and creamy elements beautifully.
Natural green food coloring: Just a few drops give that delicate pistachio hue without artificial additives.
Chopped pistachios: Mixed into the filling and sprinkled on top for a delightful crunch and nutty burst.

How to Make Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake with Nutty Topper Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by crushing your digestive biscuits or graham crackers into fine crumbs. Mix them thoroughly with melted unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into a springform pan to form an even base. This crust will bake slightly to create a sturdy yet tender foundation that holds the creamy filling perfectly.

Step 2: Soak and Blend Pistachios

While the crust chills, soak the shelled pistachios in hot water for 30 minutes to soften them up. Then drain and blend them with heavy cream until you achieve a smooth, creamy paste. This step unlocks the pistachio’s vibrant flavor and helps create the cheesecake’s signature green tint when combined with natural food coloring.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Gradually add granulated sugar and mix until fully incorporated. Then, add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition to keep the texture light. Stir in the sour cream, vanilla extract, and your pistachio cream, along with a few drops of natural green food coloring to enhance that soft green color. Finally, fold in a quarter cup of chopped pistachios for bursts of texture throughout the filling.

Step 4: Pour and Bake

Pour the filling evenly over the chilled crust and smooth the surface gently with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at a moderate temperature for about one hour. You’ll want to bake it just until the center is set but still slightly wobbly, avoiding cracks and keeping the texture creamy and luscious.

Step 5: Add the Nutty Topper and Chill

Once the cheesecake is out of the oven, sprinkle chopped toasted pistachios evenly over the top. This adds a wonderful crunch and an extra nutty aroma. Allow the cheesecake to cool to room temperature before chilling it in the refrigerator for at least six hours or overnight to fully set and develop its flavors.

How to Serve Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake with Nutty Topper Recipe

A slice of pistachio cheesecake with three visible layers sits on a white plate. The bottom layer is a light brown, crumbly crust. The middle layer is thick, creamy, and pale green, dotted with whole pistachio nuts inside it. The top layer is smooth and slightly lighter green, with some crushed pistachios sprinkled on one corner. A few whole pistachios are scattered on the white marbled surface beneath the plate. The background is soft and out of focus with a hint of warm color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the beauty and flavor of your cheesecake with a few simple garnishes. Fresh mint leaves, a dusting of powdered sugar, or whole pistachio nuts scattered artistically over the nutty topper all add a fresh and inviting touch that complements the pistachio notes perfectly.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake pairs beautifully with light, fresh accompaniments to balance its richness. Try serving it alongside fresh seasonal berries or a dollop of whipped cream infused with a hint of vanilla or lemon zest to brighten each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, slice the cheesecake carefully with a warm knife to keep edges clean and sharp. Consider layering small individual servings in clear glasses with crushed pistachio cookie crumbs and fresh fruit for an elegant mini dessert. Alternatively, serve a slice on a pastel-colored plate that complements the cheesecake’s soft green hue for added visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake with Nutty Topper Recipe keeps incredibly well in the refrigerator, tightly covered to prevent drying out. It stays fresh and delicious for up to five days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy every luscious bite.

Freezing

If you want to save cheesecake for later, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It freezes well for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge to preserve its creamy texture and nutty flavor.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best served chilled, so reheating is generally unnecessary. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, allow the chilled slice to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, which helps soften it without compromising its structure.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pistachio paste instead of blending nuts myself?

Absolutely! Store-bought pistachio paste can be a convenient shortcut, but make sure it’s high quality and unsweetened to maintain the right balance of flavors in your cheesecake.

Is the natural green food coloring necessary?

While not absolutely essential, the natural green food coloring gives the cheesecake that beautiful pistachio-green hue, enhancing its visual appeal. Using spirulina or spinach-based coloring keeps the color soft and earthy.

How do I avoid cracks on top of the cheesecake?

Baking at a moderate temperature and avoiding overbaking are key. Also, gently mixing ingredients and not overwhipping the batter helps maintain a smooth surface without cracks.

Can I make this cheesecake vegan or dairy-free?

This particular recipe relies on cream cheese, eggs, and butter for its signature texture and flavor, so adjusting it for vegan or dairy-free diets would require alternative ingredients and may change the final outcome significantly.

What’s the best way to toast pistachios for the topping?

Toast pistachios evenly in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and golden, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Let them cool before chopping and sprinkling on top.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about this Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake with Nutty Topper Recipe that brings warmth and luxury to any dessert table. Its delicate color, irresistible creaminess, and vibrant nutty flavor are sure to make it a treasured favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and watch it become the star of your gatherings and comfort moments alike.