Silky Pistachio Cheesecake with Honey Pistachio Crust
This pistachio cheesecake is all about silky texture and bright nutty flavor — a cream cheese filling flecked with finely ground pistachios and a honey-scented crust that adds a delicate caramel note. It looks elegant for guests but is straightforward enough to make any weekend special.
You’ll find the method is gentle: grind pistachios, fold them into room-temperature cheese, and bake low and slow (a water bath helps keep the surface smooth). Chill it well for clean slices and garnish with chopped pistachios and a drizzle of honey when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition (per serving)
Directions
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1
Preheat oven to 325°F. Wrap the outside of a 9-inch springform pan in a double layer of heavy-duty foil (to protect from water) and lightly grease the inside.
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2
Make the crust: In a bowl combine 1/2 cup finely ground pistachios, graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tbsp honey. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Chill while you make the filling.
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3
Make the filling: In a large bowl beat the room-temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and beat until creamy and incorporated, scraping the bowl as needed.
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4
Reduce speed and beat in sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla, lemon zest, and salt until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined. Gently fold in the remaining ground pistachios until evenly distributed — don’t overmix.
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5
Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top. Place the springform pan in a large roasting pan and pour hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the springform (water bath).
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6
Bake for 55–65 minutes, until the edges are set and the center still slightly wobbles when shaken. Turn off the oven and leave the door slightly ajar for 30 minutes to cool gradually.
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7
Remove from the water bath, run a thin knife around the edge to loosen, and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate at least 6 hours or overnight to fully set.
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8
Before serving, remove the springform ring, dust lightly with powdered sugar if using, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top, and drizzle a little honey over each slice.
Ingredients
- Shelled pistachios, finely ground:1 cup
- Shelled pistachios, chopped (garnish):1/4 cup
- Graham cracker crumbs:1/2 cup
- Unsalted butter, melted:6 tbsp
- Honey (for crust):2 tbsp
- Cream cheese, room temperature:32 oz
- Granulated sugar:3/4 cup
- Sour cream:1/2 cup
- Heavy cream:1/2 cup
- Large eggs:3 pieces
- Vanilla extract:1 tbsp
- Lemon, zested:1 piece
- Salt:1/4 tsp
- Powdered sugar (optional, dusting):1 tbsp
Tips & Notes
- Bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature for a smoother, lump-free filling.
- A water bath reduces cracking — wrap the pan well and use hot water to bake gently.
- For a more intense green color, gently pulse a small handful of extra pistachios into a paste and fold into the batter sparingly.
