Ingredients
Crust: 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup roasted shelled pistachios (finely chopped or ground), 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted), pinch of salt
Filling: 24 oz full-fat cream cheese (room temperature), 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 cup sour cream (room temperature), 1/3 cup pistachio paste or pistachio butter, 3 large eggs (room temperature), 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp almond extract, 1/2 cup chopped white chocolate (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, ground pistachios, melted butter, and salt. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan to form the crust.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Add sugar and beat until combined.
- Mix in sour cream, pistachio paste, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Adjust pistachio flavor to taste.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition.
- Gently fold in chopped white chocolate if using.
- Pour filling into crust and smooth the top. Tap pan gently to release air bubbles.
- Place cheesecake on middle oven rack. On a lower rack, place a baking dish filled with hot water to create steam.
- Bake at 325°F for 30 minutes, then reduce temperature to 300°F and bake another 15 minutes or until center is almost set.
- Turn off oven, crack door slightly, and cool cheesecake inside for 1 hour.
- Run a sharp knife around edges to loosen, then refrigerate in pan for at least 6–8 hours or overnight before slicing.
Notes
- Use crushed almonds or chocolate cookies for a different crust variation.
- Skip white chocolate for a lighter, nut-forward flavor.
- Make mini cheesecakes in a muffin pan for faster baking and party servings.
- Top with crushed pistachios or drizzle white chocolate before serving for extra flair.
- Room temperature ingredients and slow cooling help prevent cracks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 110mg