Pistachio & White Chocolate Cheesecake Perfection is a luxurious dessert that brings together the nutty richness of pistachios with the smooth sweetness of white chocolate in a creamy, decadent cheesecake. With a crisp pistachio-graham crust and elegant toppings, this is a showstopping dessert ideal for special occasions or an indulgent treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheesecake is irresistibly smooth, subtly nutty, and beautifully balanced in flavor. The combination of white chocolate and pistachio offers a gourmet touch while maintaining classic cheesecake creaminess. It’s visually stunning, rich without being overly sweet, and surprisingly straightforward to make. Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or when you want to impress with a homemade dessert.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
4 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons sugar
¼ cup chopped pistachios

For the Filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup white chocolate chips (melted and cooled slightly)
½ cup heavy cream
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup pistachio paste

For the Topping:

Chopped pistachios
White chocolate shavings

directions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and chopped pistachios. Press firmly into the bottom of the pan.
Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add in the eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined.
Stir in the vanilla extract, pistachio paste, and heavy cream.
Fold in the melted white chocolate until the mixture is fully incorporated and smooth.
Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are slightly puffed.
Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
Before serving, top with chopped pistachios and white chocolate shavings.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Baking time: 55–65 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Chilling time: 4 hours
Total time: Around 6.5 hours

Variations

Crust Options: Substitute the graham crackers with crushed digestive biscuits or shortbread cookies.
Nut-Free Option: Omit pistachios and use almond extract and white chocolate for a similar flavor profile.
Pistachio Swirl: Add a swirl of pistachio paste on top before baking for a marbled effect.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham crackers for the crust.
Mini Cheesecakes: Bake in muffin tins for individual portions; reduce baking time to 18–20 minutes.

storage/reheating

Store the cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil (without toppings) and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
This cheesecake is best served chilled and does not require reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Yes, it’s ideal for making a day ahead. It needs time to chill and set properly.

What is pistachio paste, and where can I find it?

Pistachio paste is a smooth, sweet nut paste. You can find it online or at specialty baking stores.

Can I use white chocolate bars instead of chips?

Yes, chop the bar into small pieces and melt gently before adding to the filling.

How do I prevent the cheesecake from cracking?

Bake in a water bath or allow gradual cooling in the oven to avoid sudden temperature changes.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

For best texture and richness, full-fat cream cheese is recommended.

Is this cheesecake overly sweet?

No, the white chocolate adds sweetness, but the pistachio paste balances it with a nutty depth.

Can I add gelatin for a firmer texture?

It’s not necessary, but you can add 1 teaspoon of bloomed gelatin if you prefer a more structured set.

What’s the best way to cut clean slices?

Use a hot knife, wiping clean between each cut, for sharp and smooth slices.

Can I add a chocolate ganache topping?

Yes, a thin layer of dark chocolate ganache adds extra richness and contrasts the sweet filling.

How should I store leftovers?

Keep covered in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Conclusion

Pistachio & White Chocolate Cheesecake Perfection is a refined and luscious dessert that pairs the creamy richness of cheesecake with the nutty elegance of pistachio and sweetness of white chocolate. It’s a stunning centerpiece for any dessert table and guaranteed to impress both in taste and appearance. Whether for a dinner party or a quiet indulgence, this cheesecake delivers a slice of heaven.