The Best Homemade Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe (2024)

Posted on March 4, 2011 by Sheryl

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The Best Homemade Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe: Are you ready to indulge in a decadent and creamy dessert that will leave your taste buds craving for more? Look no further than the mouthwatering combination of pistachios and cheesecake. Pistachio is one of the top three favorite flavors for dessert, and cheesecake has been a beloved dessert since ancient Greece. So why not combine these two irresistible flavors to create a truly unforgettable dessert experience? Scroll down for tips about creating the perfect homemade version. Get ready to tantalize your senses and satisfy your sweet tooth with our ultimate guide to pistachio cheesecake. Same great recipe from 2011 with new helpful information.

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The Best Homemade Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe (2)

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If pistachio is your favorite flavor. You might also like these recipes: SUGAR FREE PISTACHIO ICE CREAM, PISTACHIO CRANBERRY QUICK BREAD, and LARGE BAKERY SIZE PISTACHIO COOKIES. Don’t see what you like here? CLICK HERE FOR 18 PISTACHIO RECIPES (including these pistachio recipes)→PISTACHIO

The Best Homemade Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe (6)

HOW TO MAKE PISTACHIO CHEESECAKE

Yes! A pistachio cheesecake! The tallest cheesecake I’ve ever made. Beautiful green color. Perfect for a special occasion especially St. Patrick’s Day or Christmas! This cheesecake is very creamy texture and doesn’t have the traditional graham cracker crust. With a mixture of ground almonds, butter and almond extract serving as the crust for this amazing cheesecake it really sets this cheesecake above the rest. Your guests will love the delicious pistachio flavor!

PISTACHIO CHEESECAKE INGREDIENT LIST-full printable recipe below in the recipe card

FOR THE CRUST:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup roasted ground almonds
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

FOR THE PISTACHIO CHEESECAKE BATTER:

  • 6 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (14 ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 (3.4 ounce) boxes instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 5 large eggs
  • garnish with whip cream and almond slivers (optional)

FOR THE SWEET VANILLA WHIPPED CREAM:

2 cups heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
1 cup powdered sugar

PISTACHIO CHEESECAKE INSTRUCTION LIST

FOR THE CRUST:

  1. Add the flour, almonds and sugar to a food processor; pulse a couple of times to combine.
  2. Place in the butter and almond extract; process until combined and crumbly.
  3. Pour crust mixture into a 9OR10-inch springform pan (I used a 9-inch pan), press up the sides (about 1-inch) and in the bottom; refrigerate 30 minutes.

FOR THE PISTACHIO CHEESECAKE FILLING:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°
  2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, milk and pudding mixes until smooth.
  3. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined.
  4. Pour over crust, smooth the cheesecake batter using an offset spatula.
  5. Place pan on a baking sheet.
  6. Bake pistachio cheesecake 55-60 minutes or until the center is almost set.
  7. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
  8. Carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer.
  9. Refrigerate overnight.
  10. Loosen and remove sides of pan; garnish and serve.

FOR THE SWEET VANILLA WHIPPED CREAM TOPPING:

  1. Place a mixing bowl and whisk attachment of a stand up electric mixer in the freezer 15 minutes (This is great for hot summer days).
  2. Add the heavy cream , vanilla, and sugar to the cold bowl.
  3. Start on low until the cream starts to thicken (making sure to scrape down the sides).
  4. Once the cream starts to thicken turn the mixer on high.
  5. Whip until stiff peaks form. DO NOT OVER BEAT
  6. Spoon whipped cream into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe around the edges of the cheesecake and in the center OR cover the top of the cheesecake with whipped cream. Garnish with slivered almonds.

Homemade Pistachio Paste

How to Freeze Pistachio Cheesecake

Freezing for more than 3 months is not recommended.

  • To use the bottom of springform pan: Once the cheesecake is completely cooled and has been in the refrigerator (in the pan) for at least 4 hours preferably overnight. Release the outer rim of the pan, leaving the cheesecake sitting on the bottom of the pan. Wrap the cheesecake with several layers of plastic wrap and a layer of foil. For added protection, store in an airtight container.
  • To use a cardboard bottom:Once the cheesecake has been refrigerated and if completely cooled and firm, use a knife to separate the cheesecake from the pan bottom. Slice it onto a foil wrapped piece of heavy hardboard. Then wrap with several layers of plastic wrap and a layer of foil. (This method scares me)
  • For a cheesecake with fruit topping:ALWAYS freeze cheesecake WITHOUT the topping. Add the topping before serving
  • Always thaw a cheesecake overnight in the refrigerator: When partially thawed, transfer if from the cardboard or springform bottom to a serving plate.

HOW TO SLICE A CHEESECAKE

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The Best Homemade Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe (9)

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LEMON DREAM CHEESECAKE 2. BUTTERFINGER CANDY BAR CHEESECAKE 3. SIX LAYER BROOKIE CHEESECAKE 4. APPLE BUTTER CHEESECAKE BARS 5. MISSISSIPPI MUD CHEESECAKE 6. APPLE PECAN CREAM CHEESE BARS

THE BEST HOMEMADE PISTACHIO CHEESECAKE RECIPE FAQ’s

CAN I USE THE WATER BATH METHOD TO BAKE THE PISTACHIO CHEESECAKE?

Yes, Wrap the springform pan TWICE with heavy duty aluminum foil or a larger roasting pan on the bottom and up the sides.
Place the cheesecake pan in a large roasting pan. Fill the cheesecake pan with filling. Then fill the roasting pan with about 1/2 inch – 1 inch of hot water. I usually fill with water once placed in the oven to bake because it is hard to transfer a water-filled roasting pan with a cheesecake inside of it into the oven and not spill.

WHAT IS ANOTHER NUT I CAN ADD TO THE PISTACHIO CHEESECAKE?

Using chopped pistachios instead of almonds is also a great choice. Also, use vanilla extract instead of the almond extract.

CAN I ADD A SWIRL OF MELTED WHITE CHOCOLATE TO THE TOP OF THE CHEESECAKE?

Yes, a White Chocolate Ganache on top of this Pistachio Cheesecake would be delicious!
8 ounces white chocolate
4 ounces heavy cream
In a microwave-safe container, microwave the heavy cream for 20-30 seconds.
Pour the heated heavy cream over the white chocolate, making sure that most of the white chocolate is covered. Let stand for 5 minutes.
Stir in a gentle, circular motion until the white chocolate has melted completely and the mixture is smooth( the mixture can be microwaved a few seconds more is needed).
Pour the white chocolate ganache on top of the pistachio cheesecake (make sure the cheesecake is cooled before adding the white chocolate ganache).
Refrigerate the cheesecake until chocolate sets up, about 30 minutes, then remove the springform pan.

CAN I SWAP OUT THE VANILLA CRUST FOR A CHOCOLATE CRUST?

Yes, you can either use chocolate graham crackers ground into fine crumbs or Oreo cookies.

CAN I ADD PISTACHIO EXTRACT?

Yes, Things you should know about pistachio extract. Pistachio extract is a concentrated form of the nut’s flavor and aroma. It has a distinct nutty and slightly sweet flavor. Use in moderation. My favorite brand for flavors is LorAnn Oils. They offer a measurement chart that will fit what you’re trying to create whether that be candy or baked goods.The Best Homemade Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe (16)

The Best Homemade Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe (17)

Yield: Serves 12 regular portions or 18 smaller portions

Prep Time: 1 hour

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 2 hours

This cheesecake is very creamy and doesn’t have the traditional graham cracker crust. With a mixture of ground almonds, butter and almond extract serving as the crust for this amazing cheesecake it really sets this cheesecake above the rest.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup roasted ground almonds
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

For the Filling:

  • 6 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese, softened
  • 1 (14 ounces) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 (3.4 ounce) boxes instant pistachio pudding mix
  • 5 large eggs

For the Sweet Vanilla Whipped Cream Topping:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • Garnish with slivered almonds

Instructions

For the Crust:

  1. Add the flour, almonds and sugar to a food processor; pulse a couple of times to combine.
  2. Place in the butter and almond extract; process until combined and crumbly.
  3. Pour into a 9 OR 10-inch springform pan (I used a 9-inch pan), press up the sides (about 1-inch) and in the bottom; refrigerate 30 minutes.

For The Filling:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°
  2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, milk and pudding mixes until smooth.
  3. Add eggs; beat on low speed just until combined.
  4. Pour over crust.
  5. Place pan on a baking sheet.
  6. Bake 55-60 minutes or until the center is almost set.
  7. Cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
  8. Carefully run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen; cool 1 hour longer.
  9. Refrigerate overnight.
  10. Loosen and remove ring.

For the Sweet Vanilla Whipped Cream:

  1. Place a mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer 15 minutes (This is great for hot summer days).
  2. Add the heavy cream , vanilla, and sugar to the cold bowl.
  3. Start on low until the cream starts to thicken (making sure to scrape down the sides).
  4. Once the cream starts to thicken turn the mixer on high.
  5. Whip until stiff peaks form. DO NOT OVER BEAT.
  6. Spoon whipped cream into a piping bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe around the edges of the cheesecake and in the center OR cover the top of the cheesecake with whipped cream. Garnish with slivered almonds. SCROLL DOWN TO NOTES FOR AN ALTERNATIVE TOPPING IDEA

Notes

WHITE CHOCOLATE GANACHE TOPPING:

  • 8 ounces white chocolate
  • 4 ounces heavy cream
  • In a microwave-safe container, microwave the heavy cream for 20-30 seconds.
  • Pour the heated heavy cream over the white chocolate, making sure that most of the white chocolate is covered. Let stand for 5 minutes.
  • Stir in a gentle, circular motion until the white chocolate has melted completely and the mixture is smooth( the mixture can be microwaved a few seconds more is needed).
  • Pour the white chocolate ganache over the cooled cheesecake.
  • Refrigerate the cheesecake until chocolate sets up, about 30 minutes, then remove the springform pan.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment and rate the recipe card so others can enjoy the recipe too!♥

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The Best Homemade Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What not to do when making cheesecake? ›

16 Mistakes You're Making With Homemade Cheesecake
  1. Working with cold ingredients. Hobo_018/Getty Images. ...
  2. Using whipped cream cheese. ...
  3. Using low-fat cream cheese. ...
  4. Undermixing your cheesecake. ...
  5. Not diversifying your cheeses. ...
  6. Not being careful with your eggs. ...
  7. Only making plain cheesecake. ...
  8. Baking in anything but a springform pan.
May 29, 2023

What does adding an extra egg to cheesecake do? ›

Adding richness and a smooth texture, the proteins in the eggs set up during the gentle baking process, solidifying the dense network of dairy and sugar into a sliceable whole. Too many eggs will create a cracked and sunken cheesecake with an overly firm texture. Too few eggs and the cheesecake won't set well.

What makes cheesecake taste so good? ›

The major component of this dessert's delicious flavour is undoubtedly high-quality cream cheese. After that, you add sugar, full cream, or sour cream. For a baked variant, some recipes ask for eggs and flour, while those for unbaked cheesecakes call for gelatin or its plant-based equivalent (agar-agar).

How can I enhance my pistachio flavor? ›

Orange flower water works as an aromatic to amplify the inherent flavors and aromas in pistachio. Roasted pistachio oil intensifies the overall flavor, and improves the texture of the paste.

What happens when you overbeat cheesecake batter? ›

When making your filling, overmixing can lead to incorporating too much air into the batter. Once baked, the air bubbles will burst, and the cheesecake will fall and crack. THE FIX: The number one reason why you'd overbeat your batter is because you're having dificulty incorporating cold ingredients.

What happens if you overbeat cheesecake batter? ›

Overmixing may lead to cracks and a grainy texture

With a batter mainly composed of cream cheese, sugar, and egg yolks, you can quickly form cracks in your cheesecake with the excess air that comes from overmixing (via Cheesecakes World).

Is sour cream or heavy cream better for cheesecake? ›

Sour cream supports the underlying tang of the cream cheese, but, if overdone, it takes over as the dominant flavor. You need a little of each -- cream for texture and sour cream for flavor. With our ingredients settled, we focused in on how to keep the cheesecake from baking up grainy and cracked.

What happens if you add too much lemon juice to cheesecake? ›

You could add a few drops extra if you wish but be careful as too much acid could start to curdle the other ingredients. If you wanted something sharp to act as a foil then you could always serve the cheesecake with a sauce made from slightly sharp berries, such as raspberries or blackberries.

What happens if you put too much sour cream in cheesecake? ›

Sour cream adds tanginess and moisture, so if you use too much, it can make the cheesecake too tangy and the additional moisture can make it runny.

What is the best cheesecake flavor? ›

Here are ten of the very best cheesecakes you can find:
  • New York-Style Cheesecake. ...
  • Chocolate Cheesecake. ...
  • White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake. ...
  • Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake. ...
  • Strawberry Cheesecake. ...
  • Key Lime Cheesecake. ...
  • Banana Cream Cheesecake. ...
  • No-Bake Cheesecake.
Apr 14, 2023

Why do you add sour cream to cheesecake? ›

Cheesecake is clearly a different animal from bundts or cupcakes, but sour cream has a place here too! Combined with even more densely rich cream cheese, sour cream actually tempers the star ingredient a touch, softening its texture. It also adds another layer of tangy flavor and moisture to a cheesecake.

What are the key factors when making a cheesecake? ›

Some important factors to consider when making a cheesecake, is to be patient, use full fat ingredients, and don't stop looking at your mixer. These three points are so key it is insane!

What flavor pairs well with pistachio? ›

Flavor pairings
  • Chocolate (dark, milk or white)
  • Citrus: orange, blood orange, lemon, Meyer lemon.
  • Candied orange.
  • Orange blossom water and rose water.
  • Wildflower or orange blossom honey.
  • Dried fruits: dates, apricots, raisins.
  • Spices: saffron, cardamom, clove, sea salt, pink peppercorns.

What complements pistachio? ›

Naturally tart fruit flavors such as raspberry, blueberry, cranberry, orange, pineapple, and passionfruit perfectly complement pistachio's distinctive taste profile. These fruits add fresh top notes and a bright acidity that balances the nutty richness of pistachio.

What's the best frosting for pistachio cake? ›

Frosting- you can use your favorite frosting that fits pistachio flavor well like vanilla buttercream, mascarpone whipped cream, and cream cheese frosting. Green color- if you want your cake to have a green color you can add a few drops of green food coloring or instant pistachio pudding.

What happens if you don't use a water bath for cheesecake? ›

But it's less possible to bake an excellent cheesecake without one. Big, showstopper cheesecakes baked without a water bath are more likely to overbake, which will give them a curdled texture, cracks in the surface, and lopsided tops.

Should you grease a springform pan when making cheesecake? ›

Generally, you do not grease the sides of the springform pan. The delicate batter rises higher if it can cling to ungreased sides of the pan. However, some recipes direct that you need to lightly grease the side of the springform pan. Be sure to follow those specific directions.

When should you not eat cheesecake? ›

Eggs and milk have high protein and moisture content, and they're the primary ingredients in cheesecake, so when cheesecake is left at room temperature, conditions are ripe for bacteria to multiply. According to the USDA's Food Keeper App, cheesecake should be consumed within 5 to 7 days of refrigeration.

How do you keep a cheesecake from cracking after baking? ›

Cool the cheesecake slowly.

The dramatic shift in temperature can cause cracks to form. Place an inverted plate or cookie sheet over the cheesecake as it cools to protect the surface. After the cheesecake drops to room temperature, refrigerate it for another six hours or until it fully solidifies.

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