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A slice of pistachio cheesecake being taken out with a cake server.

Pistachio Cheesecake

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Cooling time:: 3 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Yields: 9-inch cheesecake
Calories: 626kcal
Rich and creamy pistachio cheesecake with real pistachio flavor, a naturally soft green color from real pistachio butter, and just the right sweetness. My easy tips will help you bake a silky smooth cheesecake without cracks or overbaking!
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Ingredients

Crust:

  • ½ cup (60 g) graham cracker crumbs Note 1
  • ½ cup (50 g) fine pistachio flour
  • 4 tablespoons (56 g) unsalted butter melted

Cheesecake Filling:

  • 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese softened Note 2
  • 7 oz (200 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • ½ cup (125 g) Greek yogurt
  • 1/3 cup (90 g) pistachio butter Note 3
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt
  • 3 large eggs at room temperature

Pistachio Whipped Cream:

  • ½ cup (120 ml) cold heavy whipping cream
  • 3 tablespoons (68 g) pistachio butter
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

To prepare the pan:

  • Layer 2 large, heavy-duty foils and place a 9-inch springform pan in the middle. Tightly wrap the pan with foil, being careful not to make a hole.

To make the pistachio crust:

  • In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, pistachio flour, and melted butter. Mix until evenly moistened.
  • Transfer the crumbs into the prepared pan. Press the mixture onto the bottom of the pan. Refrigerate while working on filling.

To make the cheesecake filling:

  • In a mixing bowl with a paddle attachment, beat cream cheese on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  • Stir in sweetened condensed milk, yogurt, pistachio butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat the mixture until smooth, about 2 minutes, scraping the sides of the bowl halfway.
  • Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition on medium-low speed. Scrape the sides of the bowl again and mix for another 30 seconds.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared crust. Tap it on the counter a couple of times to burst any trapped air bubbles.

To bake:

  • Place the cheesecake in a large roasting pan or baking sheet, then pour 1 cup of hot water into the pan. (Alternatively, place a baking pan of water on the bottom rack if you don't have a large enough roasting pan to fit the cheesecake pan.)
  • Bake the cheesecake for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 145ºF/63ºC. The edges of the cheesecake are set, but the center is slightly wobbly.
  • Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven for 1-2 hours.
  • Remove from the oven, run an offset spatula (or a butter knife) around the edges, and cool completely.
  • Then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour, preferably overnight.

To make the pistachio whipped cream:

  • In a mixing bowl with a whisk attachment, whip heavy cream on medium-high speed until hard peaks form, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the pistachio butter and vanilla extract. Gently fold the mixture until smooth and well combined. (TIP: Don't walk away from the mixer, as it's easy to overwhip the whipped cream, which will turn grainy and separated.)
  • Transfer the whipped cream into a piping bag with a decorative tip. Pipe the cream over the cheesecake and garnish with chopped pistachios and/or white chocolate.

Notes

Note 1: To save time, buy already crushed graham cracker crumbs. You can find it in the baking aisle. Or, you can crush 8 full sheets of graham crackers into fine crumbs.
Note 2: Use brick-style full-fat cream cheese and make sure it’s fully softened to avoid lumps.
Note 3: Use a smooth, lightly sweetened pistachio butter made mostly from pistachios. While you can use homemade pistachio paste, I prefer pistachio butter for its creamier and sweeter taste.
Storing Tips:
- Store any leftover pistachio cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. 
- You can also freeze the slices for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
- You can make it the day before and keep it in the fridge. I suggest making the whipped cream right before serving so it holds its texture.

Nutrition

Servings: 1 slice
Calories: 626kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 52g
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 439mg
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