Description
The Heavenly Pistachio White Chocolate Cheesecake is an indulgent dessert that combines the smooth, rich texture of traditional cheesecake with the crunchy, nutty flavor of pistachios and the sweet, creamy essence of white chocolate. It’s a sophisticated dessert that is perfect for special occasions, holidays, or a refined treat for any day of the week.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
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1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
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1/2 cup crushed pistachios (unsalted)
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1/4 cup sugar
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
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2 cups cream cheese, softened
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1 cup white chocolate chips
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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2 large eggs
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1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely ground or chopped
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Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
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1/4 cup white chocolate chips
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1/4 cup shelled pistachios, chopped
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Optional: a drizzle of melted white chocolate for extra decoration
Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust:
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
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In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, crushed pistachios, sugar, and melted butter. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined, and the crumbs are coated in the butter.
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Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. Use the back of a spoon to make sure it’s packed tightly.
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Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until it turns golden and slightly crisp. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.
2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:
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In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the white chocolate chips with the heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth. Once melted, set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes of beating, but it will help prevent lumps in the filling.
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Add the cooled white chocolate mixture and vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture, beating until fully combined and smooth.
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Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This ensures the eggs are fully incorporated without overbeating the mixture.
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Stir in the finely ground pistachios and a pinch of salt, ensuring an even distribution throughout the filling.
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Pour the cheesecake mixture into the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
3. Bake the Cheesecake:
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Bake the cheesecake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set, and the center is slightly jiggly but not runny. The center should firm up as it cools.
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Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour to cool gradually. This helps prevent cracking.
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Once it has cooled, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.
4. Prepare the Topping:
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In a small saucepan, melt the white chocolate chips over low heat, stirring constantly. Once melted, drizzle the white chocolate over the chilled cheesecake.
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Sprinkle the chopped pistachios on top to add some crunch and extra flavor.
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For an even more indulgent touch, drizzle a little extra melted white chocolate over the top for a glossy, elegant finish.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
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Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving platter.
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Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy the heavenly combination of pistachios and white chocolate in every bite!
Notes
For an extra touch of luxury, garnish with crushed pistachios and a drizzle of melted white chocolate just before serving. This cheesecake also pairs wonderfully with a cup of espresso or green tea. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days—if it lasts that long!
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
Keywords: Heavenly Pistachio White Chocolate Cheesecake