Strawberry Pistachio Cheesecake is a deliciously creamy dessert that combines the rich flavors of cheesecake with a crunchy pistachio crust and a fresh strawberry topping. This stunning cheesecake is perfect for special occasions or as a delightful treat any time of year!

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups pistachios (shelled and finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Strawberry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (sliced)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)

Timing

Making Strawberry Pistachio Cheesecake takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 60-70 minutes for baking, plus additional time for cooling and chilling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix Crust Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped pistachios, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined.
3. Press into Pan: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust.
4. Bake: Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

1. Beat Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy.
2. Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract, sour cream, heavy cream, and lemon zest. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
3. Pour into Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled pistachio crust, spreading it evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake

1. Bake: Bake the cheesecake in the oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly ajar for about 1 hour.
2. Cool Completely: Remove the cheesecake from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Topping

1. Mix Strawberries: In a bowl, combine the sliced strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Let sit for about 10-15 minutes to macerate.
2. Thicken Sauce: In a small saucepan, heat the strawberry mixture over medium heat. Once it starts to simmer, stir in the cornstarch mixed with water. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 5: Serve

1. Top Cheesecake: Once the cheesecake is chilled, remove it from the springform pan. Top with the strawberry mixture.
2. Garnish: Optionally, garnish with additional chopped pistachios or whipped cream.
3. Enjoy: Slice and serve your Strawberry Pistachio Cheesecake chilled. Enjoy this delightful dessert!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Strawberry Pistachio Cheesecake (per slice, based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Slice
Calories	320
Protein	6g
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	30g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	14g

Tips for Customization

• Nut Variations: Substitute pistachios with almonds or walnuts for a different flavor.
• Fruit Toppings: Experiment with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a variation on the topping.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce over the top for an extra indulgent touch.

Conclusion

Strawberry Pistachio Cheesecake is a beautiful and delicious dessert that combines creamy cheesecake with a crunchy pistachio crust and fresh strawberry topping. Perfect for any celebration or as a special treat, this cheesecake is sure to impress. Enjoy this delightful recipe!