Pistachio Crusted Cherry Cheesecake. Okay, real talk: have you ever craved a fancy dessert but just couldn’t face turning on the oven? I get it. Your Pinterest board is loaded with stunning sweets, but it’s too hot out, or maybe you’re just short on time and patience (hey, me too). Well, this one’s for you. No stress, no-bake, and it tastes like you wrestled it out of a five-star restaurant. Curious? Good. Keep reading.
No Bake Cherry and Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe
So here’s the scoop. Making this Pistachio Crusted Cherry Cheesecake is surprisingly simple, which is wild because it always gets those “oohs” and “aahs” at every single potluck. You start by blitzing up pistachios with a handful of cookies and a bit of melted butter (do not skimp here, butter = flavor), give it a good squish in your pan, and boom, your crust is good to go. For the cheesecake part? Just cream cheese, a bit of tangy Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and some vanilla. Mix it till smooth. Plop it on your pistachio crust and let it chill. The grand finale? Pile on that cherry topping (from a can or homemade, honestly, no judgment). Pop it in the fridge overnight and bask in your effortless masterpiece.
If you’re the type who needs measurements (me, always losing the recipe), I can send you the deets, but trust me, you’ll nail it even if you’re a little heavy-handed now and then. It’s basically foolproof—my favorite kind of dessert.
“Made this Pistachio Crusted Cherry Cheesecake for my cousin’s baby shower and not a single bite was left. People cornered me for the recipe. One woman asked if I had a backup cheesecake in my car. Wild.” – Lisa, actual human dessert-lover
Variations of Cherry and Pistachio Cheesecake
Alright, maybe cherries aren’t your jam. Or maybe you love to tinker—nothing wrong with that. I’ve swapped the cherries for blueberries when they’re in season (so good, maybe even better). Raspberry preserves with fresh raspberries? Fabulous. If you’re all about that citrus burst, try a lemon curd swirl into your cheesecake layer before chilling. Don’t even get me started about chocolate chips folded in or orange zest on top (dangerous combo, in a good way).
You can also change up the base. Animal crackers out of stock? Graham crackers work. Vanilla wafers. Heck, even shortbread cookies got the job done once when I was desperate. Just always keep those pistachios in the mix. That’s where all the magic lives. The biggest win with this recipe is how you can spin it a dozen different ways and it still totally slaps every time.
Tips for Perfecting No Bake Desserts
Let’s keep this simple, yeah? Don’t overthink it, but a couple tricks might save your dessert (and your sanity). First, always use room temperature cream cheese. Cold cream cheese loves to clump up and give you a lumpy cheesecake. Yuck. Whip the filling until it’s glossy, not just smushed together. That extra minute makes it super smooth.
Low-fat substitutions? If you’re trying, hey, I hear you, but honestly go full-fat for better flavor and texture. Trust me, I’ve tried every combo, and full-fat is just happier. For your pistachio crust, lightly toasting the nuts makes a big difference—brings out the flavor and gives your crust a little extra crunch. Lastly, give your cheesecake proper time to chill. Overnight is best, if you can resist eating it right away. It sets up firmer and slices cleaner.
Nutritional Information
Let’s keep it real here: no one eats Pistachio Crusted Cherry Cheesecake for their health. It’s creamy, a tiny bit decadent, and oh so worth it. The nuts add a little protein and healthy fats (that’s my excuse, anyway). If you’re worried about sugar or calories, you can swap in a sugar substitute or lighter ingredients. But again, sometimes you just need to treat yourself.
Rough estimate—each slice crunches in at around 350-400 calories, depending on how generous you are with the topping (cherry lovers, I see you). If you want to shave off a few calories, go for a lighter topping or smaller slices. But honestly, it’s dessert. Enjoy it.
Suggestions for Serving and Pairing
The fun’s just beginning—getting creative with how you serve this Pistachio Crusted Cherry Cheesecake can make it feel special every time. Here’s my go-to moves:
- Serve ice cold out of the fridge with more fresh cherries on top if you’ve got ‘em
- Pair a slice with hot coffee or, fancier yet, a splash of Amaretto if it’s that kind of night
- Try little jars for individual servings at a picnic—adorable and super easy to transport
- If you’re hosting a party, a dollop of extra whipped cream never hurt anybody
Dress it up or dress it down, it’s a winner. And seriously, folks grab seconds whether you plate it fancy or just cut big ol’ chunks.
Common Questions
Q: Do I have to use pistachios in the crust?
A: For the “Pistachio Crusted Cherry Cheesecake” flavor, pistachios really shine, but you could swap for almonds in a pinch.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It actually tastes better after it’s had time to chill overnight.
Q: Is it okay to use frozen cherries?
A: For the topping, yes—just thaw them out first and maybe simmer with a little sugar.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yep. Wrap tightly and toss slices in the freezer. Thaw in the fridge for best texture, though.
Q: Do you need any fancy equipment?
A: Nada. Just a hand mixer and a springform pan if you want pro looking slices.
Go On, Treat Yourself
Let’s be real, making Pistachio Crusted Cherry Cheesecake is so much easier than folks make it out to be, and it lands with a wow factor that’ll have people thinking you’re hiding a pastry chef diploma. If you’re itching to mix things up or go keto-style, check out this Pistachio nut crust for my keto friendly cheesecake… If you’re after even more creative crust combos (hello, animal crackers), peek at this Cherry and Pistachio No Bake Cheesecake with Animal Cracker Crust. You’ve got all the info you need, so I say—get in that kitchen, make a mess, sneak a taste, and don’t forget to pat yourself on the back. Your tastebuds (and maybe your friends) will thank you.
No Bake Cherry and Pistachio Cheesecake
Ingredients
Method
- In a food processor, pulse the pistachios, crushed cookies, and melted butter until a coarse mixture forms.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a springform pan to form a solid crust.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and glossy.
- Add in the Greek yogurt, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined and smooth.
- Spread the cheesecake mixture over the prepared crust.
- Top with cherry pie filling evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, to set.
- Serve chilled with extra cherries if desired.