Description
Creamy no-bake vanilla pistachio cheesecake with a buttery biscuit crust and silky pistachio topping. An easy, elegant dessert that requires no baking – perfect for impressing guests!
Ingredients
Crust:
- 250g (2 cups) digestive biscuits or graham crackers
- 60g (¼ cup) melted butter
Filling:
- 450g (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 4 vanilla beans, seeds scraped (or 2 tsp vanilla bean paste)
- 250g (1 cup) pistachio spread
- 75g (⅓ cup) granulated sugar
- 200g (¾ cup) heavy whipping cream (35% fat)
Topping:
- 200g (¾ cup) pistachio spread, warmed
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- Place the biscuits in a food processor and blend until they form fine, even crumbs.
- In a medium bowl, combine the biscuit crumbs with the melted butter. Mix thoroughly until the mixture reaches a “wet sand” consistency.
- Transfer the mixture to a springform pan. Start by pressing it evenly up the sides of the pan, then press the remainder firmly and evenly into the bottom.
- Place the pan in the freezer or refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, use a wooden spatula to work the room-temperature cream cheese until it is soft and smooth.
- Add the pistachio spread and mix until fully combined and uniform in color.
- Split the vanilla beans lengthwise and scrape out the seeds with the back of a knife. Add the seeds to the cream cheese mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
- In a separate, clean, and dry bowl, whip the heavy cream and sugar together until soft peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the pistachio and cream cheese mixture until no white streaks remain.
Assemble and Set
- Remove the chilled crust from the freezer. Pour the filling into the crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or ideally overnight, until the cheesecake is completely set.
Decorate and Serve
- Once set, gently warm the pistachio spread until it is fluid but not hot.
- Pour the spread over the chilled cheesecake and use an offset spatula to spread it into a smooth, even layer that covers the entire top.
- Return the cheesecake to the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to allow the topping to set slightly.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- For the best texture, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you begin.
- If you can’t find vanilla beans, you can substitute with 2 teaspoons of high-quality vanilla bean paste.
- When whipping the cream, make sure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry for the best volume.
- For a decorative touch, add a few tablespoons of crushed pistachios to sprinkle around the edges of the cheesecake after adding the crust to the pan.
- To create perfectly clean slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it dry between each cut.
- This cheesecake can be made 1-2 days in advance, making it perfect for entertaining.
- Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg