Description
Indulgent cherry pistachio cheesecake bars blend creamy richness with nutty crunch, offering a delightful dessert experience. Sweet-tart cherries and crunchy pistachios create a perfect harmony you’ll savor with each luxurious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese (softened)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) cherry pie filling
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pistachios
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups (180 grams) graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter (melted)
Flavoring Ingredient:
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325F (165C) and prepare a 9×13-inch pan by lining with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for easy removal.
- Create the crust by thoroughly mixing graham cracker crumbs with melted butter until the texture resembles wet sand, then firmly press the mixture into the pan’s bottom to form a compact, even layer.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, whip cream cheese and sugar until achieving a silky, lump-free consistency, then incorporate vanilla extract and blend smoothly.
- Gradually introduce eggs into the cream cheese mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition to maintain a uniform texture and prevent curdling.
- Fold in sour cream, stirring gently until completely integrated and the filling appears creamy and homogeneous.
- Transfer the cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
- Strategically distribute cherry pie filling across the cheesecake layer, using a knife to create elegant marbled swirls throughout the surface.
- Generously scatter chopped pistachios over the top, ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor and crunch.
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring until the edges turn golden and the center appears set but slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely at room temperature, which helps prevent cracking and ensures proper texture.
- Refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the cheesecake to firm up and develop optimal flavor, then slice into squares for serving.
Notes
- Softening Cream Cheese Ensures a smooth, lump-free filling by letting cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing.
- Swirling Technique Use a toothpick or thin knife to create delicate marbled patterns with cherry filling, avoiding over-mixing for a beautiful visual effect.
- Nut Alternatives Swap pistachios with almonds or pecans for different flavor profiles or to accommodate nut allergies.
- Gluten-Free Option Replace graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almond meal to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 329 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg