Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake

This image shows a delicious dessert, likely a cheesecake topped with cherries and pistachios. It has a crumbly base, a creamy cheese layer with visible pistachio pieces, and a topping of glazed cherries and chopped pistachios.

Here’s a basic recipe to make a similar dessert:

Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake

 Ingredients:

**For the Crust:**
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, melted

**For the Cheesecake Filling:**
– 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– ½ cup sour cream
– ½ cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chopped pistachios

**For the Cherry Topping:**
– 1 cup cherry pie filling or fresh cherries (pitted)
– ¼ cup water
– 1 tbsp cornstarch (if using fresh cherries)
– ¼ cup granulated sugar (if using fresh cherries)
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– ½ cup chopped pistachios for garnish

 Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Crust:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
– In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
– Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form a crust.
– Bake the crust for 10 minutes and let it cool.

**2. Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:**
– In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
– Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
– Stir in the vanilla extract, sour cream, and heavy cream until smooth.
– Fold in the chopped pistachios.
– Pour the filling over the cooled crust.

**3. Bake the Cheesecake:**
– Bake the cheesecake at 325°F (163°C) for about 1 hour or until the center is almost set.
– Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
– Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

**4. Prepare the Cherry Topping:**
– If using fresh cherries, in a saucepan, combine the cherries, water, cornstarch, sugar, and lemon juice.
– Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
– Let it cool before spreading on the cheesecake.

**5. Assemble the Cheesecake:**
– Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and place it on a serving platter.
– Spoon the cherry topping over the cheesecake.
– Garnish with chopped pistachios.

Enjoy your Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake!