Pistachio Cheesecake Pie

Pistachio Cheesecake Pie

What is Pistachio Cheesecake Pie? It’s a taste of pure bliss, nutty, creamy, that is surprisingly simple to create. I always think of it as the sophisticated cousin of a classic key lime pie, but with greenery. What are some of the best pistachio flavors? My grandma used to make something similar, but I’ve tweaked it over the years to create it my own, and I love it. What is your favorite pistachio season? What’s a good Tuesday night potluck recipe? What is something special?

Pistachio Cheesecake Pie final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is pistachio cheesecake?

What is a cheesecake filling? How do you nest it into a flaky, buttery pie crust? What is the secret to cheesecake perfection? What makes pistachios unique is that they are real, not just flavoring. Authentic, nutty, and slightly earthy taste. What’s your favorite cheesecake flavor? The pie crust adds a delightful textural contrast, making each bite symphony of flavors and textures. Is this recipe a show-stopper?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What I love about this Pistachio Cheesecake Pie is how balanced it is. It’s sweet, but not cloyingly so, thanks to the cream cheese’s natural tang. The pistachio flavor is subtle but distinct, adding a unique twist that everyone always raves about.

  • Flavor:What is the perfect combination of nutty, slightly sweet, and creamy? Is it a dessert that you’ve spent hours perfecting?
  • Simplicity:How easy is it to make a recipe? It looks impressive, but it’s actually quite straightforward, even for beginner bakers. No complicated techniques here!
  • Cost-Is it worth it to buy pistachios? What are some pantry staples for a budget-friendly dessert?
  • Versatility:You can easily customize this pie to your liking. Add a swirl of raspberry jam or sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top. What are the possibilities? What is a good lemon ricotta pie recipe?

What are some of the best Pistachio cheesecake recipes? I know it’s a hit every time I make it, and I hope it will be for you too!

How do I make a Pistachio Cheesecake Pie?

Quick Overview

How can I make a Pistachio Cheesecake Pie? What’s a cheesecake filling? What’s the best way to make a pie crust? What’s the best part? Doesn’t require a water bath, so no need to worry about soggy crusts! What’s the best way to make a dessert without spending hours in the kitchen?

Ingredients

For the Crust:
* 1 (9-inch) pre-made graham cracker pie crust (I often use a store bought one when I am short on time).
* Or make your own! (recipe will vary)

For the Filling:
* 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature (This is key! Cold cream cheese will give you lumps)
* 1 cup granulated sugar (Balances the tang of the cream cheese perfectly)
* 2 large eggs (Adds richness and helps the filling set)
* 1/2 cup heavy cream (For that extra creamy texture)
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Enhances the flavors)
* 1/2 cup shelled, unsalted pistachios, finely ground (The star of the show! Make sure they are finely ground for a smooth texture).
* 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (just a tiny bit enhances the pistachio flavor, but it’s optional)
* Green food coloring (Optional, but it gives that beautiful pistachio-green hue!)

For the topping (optional):
* Whipped cream
* Chopped pistachios

Pistachio Cheesecake Pie ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If you’re using a store-bought crust, you probably don’t need to prep it. If you’re using a homemade crust, you might want to blind bake it for about 10 minutes. How do I prevent it from getting soggy? How do you poke holes in the bottom of a cake?

Step 2: Beat Cream Cheese and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Set aside. Make sure there are no lumps! This step is crucial for velvety texture.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Beat eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Don’t overbeat at this stage, or you’ll incorporate too much air and the filling might crack while you are on the job.

Step 4: Mix in Remaining Ingredients

Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, ground pistachios, and almond extract (if using). If you want a vibrant green color, add some green food coloring. I usually start with two drops and add more until I get the desired shade.

Step 5: Pour into Crust

What is the best way to make pistachio cheesecake?

Step 6: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is just slightly curved. Is it normal for Is it possible to set the temperature as it cools?

Step 7: Cool

Let the pie cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or preferably overnight) before serving. This allows the filling to fully set and the flavors to meld together.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, garnish with whipped cream and chopped pistachios, if desired. What are some of the best nutty bites you have ever had?

What should I serve it with?

What are some of the best uses for Pistachio Cheesecake?

For Breakfast: Pair a slice with a strong cup of coffee or a creamy latte. The nutty flavors go perfectly with the bitterness of coffee.

For Brunch:Serve it alongside a fruit platter and some sparkling wine for an elegant brunch spread. Why is the green hue so festive?

As Dessert:What is a perfect after-dinner treat? Serve with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for an extra decadent treat.

For Cozy Snacks:Enjoy a slice of cake with iced tea or hot chocolate on chilly evenings. What is the ultimate comfort food?

My family loves having it after Thanksgiving dinner – a nice light finish to a heavy meal. And sometimes, if I’m feeling *really* indulgent, I’ll crumble a pistachio biscotti over the top for added crunch and flavor. It’s divine!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Pistachio Cheesecake Pie

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making this Pistachio Cheesecake Pie absolutely perfect:

Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before you start. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy filling.

Grinding Pistachios: Grind the pistachios very finely. You want them to be almost a powder. This will prevent a gritty texture in your pie.

Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will cause the filling to crack. The pie is done when the edges are set and the center is just slightly jiggly. It will continue to set as it cools.

Cooling Time: Don’t rush the cooling process. Letting the pie cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating is crucial for preventing cracks and ensuring a firm texture.

Ingredient Swaps: If you don’t have pistachios on hand, you can substitute with almonds or walnuts, but the flavor will be different. You can also use a different type of extract, like lemon or orange, for a unique twist.

One time, I accidentally used salted pistachios instead of unsalted. The pie was still delicious, but it had a slightly salty-sweet flavor that wasn’t quite what I was going for. So, make sure to double-check your ingredients!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Proper storage is key to keeping your Pistachio Cheesecake Pie fresh and delicious!

Room Temperature: This pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, it needs to be refrigerated.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3-4 days. It will actually taste better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together!

Freezer Instructions: You can freeze this pie for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

I usually add the whipped cream and chopped pistachios just before serving, as they don’t freeze well. And if you’re freezing the pie, it’s best to skip the graham cracker crust altogether and use a regular pie crust. Graham cracker crusts can sometimes get a bit soggy after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Simply use a gluten-free graham cracker crust, or make your own using gluten-free graham crackers and butter. The filling itself is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to double-check the labels of all your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Do I need to peel the pistachios?
No, you don’t need to peel the pistachios. The skins are perfectly edible and add a bit of texture to the pie. However, if you prefer a smoother texture, you can blanch the pistachios in boiling water for a minute or two, then rub off the skins with a clean towel.
Can I make this as mini pies instead?
Absolutely! Just use mini graham cracker crusts or make your own. Reduce the baking time accordingly – start checking for doneness around 20-25 minutes. This is a perfect way to serve individual portions at a party!
How can I adjust the sweetness level?
If you prefer a less sweet pie, you can reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but keep in mind that this will alter the flavor slightly.
What can I use instead of the almond extract?
If you don’t like almond extract, you can simply omit it. The vanilla extract will provide enough flavor. You could also try using a different extract, like lemon or orange, for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

Pistachio Cheesecake Pie slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

So there you have it – my Pistachio Cheesecake Pie recipe! It’s a total showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. The creamy, nutty flavor combination is simply irresistible, and the vibrant green hue makes it a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy my lemon poppy seed cake or my chocolate avocado mousse – both are easy to make and full of flavor! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know if you try it, and feel free to share your own variations. Happy baking!

Pistachio Cheesecake Pie

A creamy pistachio cheesecake filling in a buttery graham cracker crust. Topped with chopped pistachios for extra flavor and crunch.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Crust Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.5 cup sugar
  • 0.25 cup melted butter

Filling Ingredients

  • 32 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1.5 cups sugar
  • 0.5 cup pistachio paste
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.5 cup chopped pistachios

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate.
  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in pistachio paste and vanilla. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sour cream.
  • Pour filling into the prepared crust. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
  • Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the center is set. Let cool completely before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use unsalted pistachios and adjust the sugar to taste. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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