Dreamy Easy Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe No-Fuss Delight

Magic happens when cherries meet creamy cheesecake in this stunning pistachio-packed dessert.

Sweet kernels of nutty goodness crunch through each silky slice.

Rich cream cheese blends perfectly with tart cherry notes.

Smooth textures contrast against crisp pistachio elements that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean flavors weave elegantly through classic American cheesecake techniques.

Minimal ingredients guarantee maximum satisfaction in every delectable bite.

Let’s transform your kitchen into a gourmet paradise with this irresistible treat.

FAQs

• Are pistachios necessary for this cheesecake?

Pistachios provide a delightful nutty crunch and unique flavor to the cheesecake, but you can omit them if you have nut allergies or prefer a smoother texture.

• Can I use frozen cherries for the topping?

Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly. Just thaw and drain them before cooking to ensure the right consistency for your cherry topping.

• How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Use room temperature ingredients, avoid overmixing the batter, and bake in a water bath to help prevent cracks in the cheesecake filling.

• What if my cream cheese isn't soft enough?

Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes before mixing. You can also microwave it in short 10-second bursts to soften it gently.

Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake That’s Easy, Nutty, and Sweet

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up this show-stopping dessert that impresses guests without requiring professional baking skills, making it perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks.
• No-Bake Convenience: Skip the oven stress with this chilled cheesecake that sets beautifully in the refrigerator, saving time and energy while delivering maximum flavor and creamy texture.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Elevate your dessert game with a sophisticated combination of sweet cherries and nutty pistachios, creating a gourmet-style treat that works for casual gatherings or elegant dinner parties.
• Prep-Ahead Potential: Make this cheesecake in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing you to prepare the dessert hours or even a day before serving, reducing last-minute kitchen chaos and providing stress-free entertaining.

Flavor Combo That Builds Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake

• Graham Cracker Crumbs, Granulated Sugar: Provides a sweet and crunchy base for the cheesecake, classic foundation for a creamy dessert.
• Butter: Helps bind the crust ingredients together, adds richness and helps create a sturdy crust.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth and tangy base that gives the cheesecake its signature creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds lightness and helps create a fluffy, rich filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the filling and helps create a smooth consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste.
• Pistachios: Adds nutty crunch and distinctive green color to the filling.
• Sour Cream: Contributes to a creamy texture and adds subtle tangy flavor.

• Cherries: Sweet and tart fruit that creates a vibrant, fruity topping.
• Sugar: Helps sweeten and balance the cherry's natural tartness.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor and helps balance the sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry sauce, creating a smooth, glossy texture.

Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Easy Prep

Step 1: Create Crumbly Crust Foundation

Grab a medium bowl and mix graham cracker crumbs with granulated sugar.

Pour in melted butter and stir until the ingredients bind together perfectly.

Press this delightful mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even and compact layer.

Pop the pan into the refrigerator for half an hour to let the crust solidify.

Step 2: Whip Creamy Cheesecake Filling

Use an electric mixer to transform cream cheese into a silky smooth base.

• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat everything until the mixture becomes wonderfully thick and fluffy.

Gently fold in chopped pistachios and sour cream, blending until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Layer and Chill Cheesecake

Carefully spoon the luscious cheesecake filling over the chilled crust.

Smooth the top with a spatula to create a gorgeous, even surface.

Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the cheesecake to set completely.

Step 4: Craft Vibrant Cherry Topping

In a small saucepan, combine fresh cherries with sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture transforms into a rich, syrupy consistency.

This should take approximately 5-7 minutes.

Remove from heat and let the topping cool to room temperature.

Step 5: Finish and Serve Decadent Dessert

Once the cheesecake has set completely, spread the cooled cherry topping evenly across the surface.

Slice into beautiful portions and serve chilled for a truly spectacular dessert experience.

Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Baking Tips

• Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure a firm, creamy texture that slices beautifully.
• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to achieve a smooth, lump-free filling.
• Lightly toast chopped pistachios in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the cheesecake.
• Adjust cornstarch amount to control the thickness of the cherry sauce – less for a runnier sauce, more for a thicker, jam-like topping.
• Bring eggs, cream cheese, and sour cream to room temperature to ensure a silky-smooth cheesecake filling that blends perfectly.

Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Storage

• Store leftover cheesecake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover the top with plastic wrap to prevent moisture absorption and protect the delicate cherry topping.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Enjoy this cheesecake cold for the best texture and flavor. If desired, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
• Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture and keep the crust crisp when storing in the refrigerator.

Sweet Matches for Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake

• Brew Complementary Espresso: A rich, dark espresso cuts through the cheesecake's creaminess, enhancing the nutty pistachio and sweet cherry notes with its robust flavor profile.
• Pair Dessert Wine: Select a late-harvest Riesling or Moscato d'Asti, whose honeyed sweetness and light effervescence beautifully balance the cheesecake's rich texture and fruity cherry topping.
• Refresh with Herbal Tea: Choose a chamomile or lavender tea to provide a delicate, soothing counterpoint to the dessert's dense and sweet characteristics, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Complement with Sparkling Water: Serve a chilled sparkling water with a hint of lemon to cut through the cheesecake's richness and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast.

Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Sweet Versions

• Gluten-Free Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake: Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free almond flour or crushed gluten-free cookies for a celiac-friendly dessert.
• Vegan Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace butter with coconut oil for a plant-based version.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake: Substitute granulated and powdered sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use fresh cherries instead of sugary syrup to reduce overall sugar content.
• Dairy-Free Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives like almond or coconut-based cream cheese, and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a lactose-free option.

Easy Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet indulgence meets nutty perfection in this cherry pistachio cheesecake, where creamy textures dance with bold flavors. Dessert enthusiasts can savor each rich bite of this delightful creation that promises pure culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

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Crust Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups (354 ml) graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:

• 2 packages (16 ounces / 454 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (60 g) powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (30 g) pistachios, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream

Cherry Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh or canned cherries, pitted
• 2 tablespoons (30 g) sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon (8 g) cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Craft a robust foundation for the dessert by blending graham cracker crumbs with granulated sugar and melted butter until thoroughly integrated.
2. Press the crumbly mixture firmly into the base of a springform pan, ensuring an even, compact layer. Chill in the refrigerator to solidify the crust’s structure.
3. Whip softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency.
4. Incorporate heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, continuously beating until the mixture transforms into a luxurious, aerated texture.
5. Delicately fold chopped pistachios and sour cream into the cream cheese mixture, gently stirring to maintain the mixture’s voluminous nature.
6. Transfer the velvety filling onto the chilled crust, using a spatula to create a smooth, level surface. Return to the refrigerator for an extended setting period, ideally overnight.
7. Prepare the cherry compote by combining cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a saucepan over medium heat.
8. Simmer the mixture, stirring periodically, until it thickens and develops a glossy, syrup-like consistency, approximately 5-7 minutes.
9. Allow the cherry topping to cool to room temperature, ensuring it doesn’t compromise the cheesecake’s delicate structure.
10. Once the cheesecake has completely set, elegantly drape the cooled cherry topping across its surface, creating an enticing visual and flavor contrast.
11. Slice and serve the cheesecake chilled, revealing its creamy interior and vibrant cherry adornment.

Notes

• Crush graham crackers finely to ensure a smooth, compact crust that holds together perfectly when sliced.
• Use room temperature cream cheese to prevent lumps and create a silky, smooth cheesecake filling that blends seamlessly.
• Toast pistachios briefly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cheesecake.
• Replace fresh cherries with frozen or canned options if needed, adjusting sugar levels to maintain the perfect sweet-tart balance.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for topping)
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 445
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 275 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg