Description
This Pistachio Raspberry Crunch Cheesecake combines a velvety pistachio-infused cheesecake filling with a buttery pistachio-cookie crust, a layer of bright raspberry compote, and a stunning crunchy pistachio topping.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pistachio Crunch Crust
- 1 ½ cups pistachio cookie crumbs (or graham crumbs + ½ cup ground pistachios)
- ¼ cup finely chopped pistachios
- 6 tbsp melted butter
- 2 tbsp sugar
- Pinch of salt
For the Pistachio Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 ¼ cups sour cream
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup pistachio paste or finely ground pistachios
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp almond extract (optional for extra nutty flavor)
For the Raspberry Layer
- 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
For the Pistachio Crunch Topping
- ½ cup chopped pistachios
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp honey
Instructions
1. Make the Raspberry Layer
- In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Simmer 5–7 minutes until berries break down.
- Add cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened.
- Cool completely and set aside.
2. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mix pistachio crumbs, chopped pistachios, sugar, salt, and melted butter.
- Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake 8–10 minutes, then cool.
3. Make the Pistachio Cheesecake Filling
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Mix in pistachio paste/ground pistachios, sour cream, and heavy cream.
- Add vanilla and almond extract.
- Mix in eggs one at a time—do not overbeat.
- Add cornstarch and mix briefly until incorporated.
4. Assemble
- Pour half the cheesecake batter into the crust.
- Spoon half the raspberry mixture on top and swirl gently.
- Add remaining batter.
- Add the remaining raspberry mixture in dollops and swirl lightly.
5. Bake the Cheesecake
- Place the springform pan into a water bath (wrap the pan in foil).
- Bake 60–70 minutes, until edges are set but center jiggles slightly.
- Turn oven off; cool inside with door cracked for 45 minutes.
- Chill at least 6 hours or overnight.
6. Make the Pistachio Crunch Topping
- Mix chopped pistachios, sugar, melted butter, and honey.
- Toast in a skillet for 2–3 minutes.
- Cool until crisp, then sprinkle over cheesecake before serving.
Notes
- For a greener cheesecake, add a tiny drop of pistachio or green food coloring.
- If your pistachio paste is unsweetened, taste filling and add 1–2 tbsp extra sugar.
- Let cheesecake chill fully—the flavor and texture improve dramatically.
- Prep Time: PT25M
- Cook Time: PT01H00M
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 470 Kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
