Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake – A Luscious Dessert Recipe
This Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake is a luscious and creamy dessert featuring a nutty pistachio crust and filling, topped with vibrant cherry pie filling. Perfect for special occasions or an indulgent treat, this cheesecake combines the richness of cream cheese with the unique flavor of pistachios and a sweet cherry topping for a delightful balance of taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup ground pistachios
- 3 tbsp sugar
- 5 tbsp melted butter
For the filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup pistachio pudding mix (dry powder)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- Optional: extra chopped pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan or line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Make the crust: In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ground pistachios, sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 8 minutes, then remove and let it cool to set properly.
- Prepare the filling: Beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Then add sour cream, pistachio pudding mix, and vanilla extract, mixing just until everything is smoothly combined without overmixing.
- Bake: Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. Once done, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door cracked to cool gradually, preventing cracks.
- Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to set fully and develop flavors.
- Top and serve: Before serving, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the chilled cheesecake. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped pistachios for added texture and visual appeal. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For best results, ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to avoid lumps.
- Do not overmix the filling to prevent a dense cheesecake.
- Use a water bath if desired to prevent cracks in the cheesecake.
- Chilling overnight improves the texture and flavor.
- Chopped pistachios on top add a lovely crunch and garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: cherry pistachio cheesecake, pistachio cheesecake, cherry cheesecake, creamy dessert, nutty crust, holiday dessert
