I absolutely love this No Bake Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe because it combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the subtle, nutty flavor of pistachios in such a refreshingly simple way. It’s fantastic for those cozy weekends when you want a show-stopping dessert without turning on the oven or spending hours baking. Plus, it’s got this lovely texture that’s velvety smooth yet just a little crunchy thanks to the pistachio bits in the base.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how easy it was to pull together, yet so elegant and indulgent—perfect for dinner parties or a treat to myself. You’ll find that this No Bake Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe is a lifesaver whenever you need a quick dessert with a wow factor that can be prepared well in advance. It’s definitely become one of my go-to desserts, especially in warmer months or when I want to impress without stress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Elegance: No oven needed—perfect for hot days or last-minute dessert plans.
- Deliciously Nutty: The pistachio spread and crunchy nuts combine for irresistible flavor and texture.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Freeze overnight and defrost when ready, making entertaining stress-free.
- Creamy Yet Light: The mix of cream cheese, Greek yogurt, and whipped cream gives it a perfect balance of richness and freshness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this No Bake Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe serves a special purpose—from the buttery, crunchy base to the creamy, funky filling and the glossy pistachio-topped finish. Using good quality pistachio spread and fresh nuts really elevates the flavor, so keep an eye out for those when shopping.
- Digestive biscuits (graham crackers): I like these for a nice, sturdy base that holds up well without getting soggy.
- Pistachios: Chopped ones add texture and little pops of nutty goodness—fresh is best!
- Melted butter: Helps bind the crust so it stays firm and flavorful.
- White chocolate: Adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess in both filling and topping.
- Pistachio spread: The star ingredient that gives this cake its unmistakeable flavor.
- Cream cheese: For that classic cheesecake tang and thick creamy texture.
- Double cream: Whipped separately to fold in lightness and volume.
- Unsweetened plain Greek yogurt: Adds a touch of luscious tang and cuts the richness beautifully.
- Vanilla bean paste: Brings warm, aromatic notes without overpowering the pistachio flavor.
- Chopped pistachios (optional): For garnish and added crunch on top.
Variations
I love how versatile this No Bake Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe is — once you master the base recipe, it’s easy to customize it to your taste or dietary needs. Play around with add-ins or toppings to make it your own.
- Nut-Free Alternative: I swapped pistachios for toasted coconut flakes once and still got a remarkable texture and flavor profile.
- Vegan Version: When I tried using vegan cream cheese and coconut cream, the cheesecake was surprisingly rich and creamy, though the flavor shifted slightly.
- Fruit Topping: Adding fresh raspberries or a drizzle of pomegranate molasses gives a beautiful tangy contrast that my guests adored.
- Chocolate Swirl: Mixing some melted dark chocolate into the filling before setting adds a lovely chocolate-pistachio combo.
How to Make No Bake Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Make the Perfect Crunchy Base
Start by crushing the digestive biscuits—either pop them in a food processor or use a rolling pin inside a sealed bag. Then add in the pistachios, pulsing just enough to break them into small pieces without turning them to dust. If you don’t have a processor, a quick chop with a knife works just fine. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until lump-free, then press the mixture firmly into the base of a lined springform pan. Popping it into the freezer helps it set nicely and makes it sturdier for the filling.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Pistachio Cheesecake Filling
In a bowl, beat together the cream cheese, vanilla bean paste, and pistachio spread for a smooth, fragrant base. Stir in melted white chocolate and Greek yogurt until everything is beautifully combined — make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to avoid any lumps. In a separate bowl, whip the double cream to medium peaks, so it just holds its shape but still folds easily. Gently fold this whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture until blended but still airy—this lightness is key!
Step 3: Assemble and Chill
Remove the base from the freezer and spread the cheesecake filling evenly over it. Pop it back into the freezer for at least 6 hours, or overnight if you can—this really helps it set perfectly and develop flavors. Patience is your friend here!
Step 4: Finish with the Glossy Pistachio Topping
To make the luxurious topping, gently melt white chocolate, pistachio spread, and double cream together over simmering water—make sure the water doesn’t touch your bowl to prevent overheating. Whisk often to get a glossy smooth finish, then let it cool enough so it’s safe to touch but still pourable. Spread this over your chilled cheesecake and sprinkle with chopped pistachios for that extra crunch. Let it chill in the fridge for half an hour so the topping sets properly before slicing.
Pro Tips for Making No Bake Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe
- Use full-fat cream cheese: It makes the filling richer and more luscious—low fat just doesn’t give the same texture.
- Don’t overwhip cream: Stop at medium peaks to keep the cream foldable and soft, or the cheesecake can turn dense.
- Freeze before topping: Freezing the cake base and filling ensures your topping layer stays neat and sets quicker.
- Gentle folding technique: Mixing the whipped cream gently prevents the cheesecake from losing its airy texture.
How to Serve No Bake Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
I love to garnish this cheesecake with extra chopped pistachios right on top for that crunch. Sometimes, I add a small sprinkle of edible rose petals or a dusting of matcha powder for an unexpected but beautiful pop of color—plus a little herbal tone that balances the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of strong coffee or a light herbal tea like mint or chamomile. If serving for brunch, I like to offer fresh berries or a citrus salad alongside it—you’ll find the bright fruits cut through the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve served this No Bake Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe in individual glasses or small jars layered with crushed pistachio crust and topped with whipped cream. It looks stunning and makes portioning a breeze at parties! You can also pipe swirls of whipped cream with a star tip around slices for an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cheesecake tightly covered in the fridge, usually wrapped with plastic wrap over the top of the springform pan to avoid fridge odors. It keeps really well for 3 to 4 days without drying out or losing texture.
Freezing
This cheesecake freezes beautifully. After assembling and freezing fully, I wrap it well in cling film and then foil, which helps avoid freezer burn. When I want to enjoy it, I defrost it slowly in the fridge overnight for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since it’s a no bake cheesecake, reheating isn’t necessary. Just let it defrost thoroughly in the fridge or at room temperature as described, and you’ll get that creamy, luscious texture each time.
FAQs
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Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios in this No Bake Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe?
Absolutely! While pistachios give this cheesecake its signature flavor, you can swap in almonds, hazelnuts, or even walnuts. Just be mindful that changing the nut will alter the flavor profile, so choose ones that complement the cream cheese and white chocolate base well.
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How long does the no bake pistachio cheesecake need to set?
It needs at least 6 hours in the freezer, but I recommend overnight for the best texture and flavor development. This also ensures it slices beautifully without melting or falling apart.
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Can I make this cheesecake without white chocolate?
You can, but the white chocolate adds an important sweetness and creamy texture I wouldn’t skip. If you can’t use white chocolate, try substituting with a little extra cream cheese and perhaps a touch of honey or sugar to balance flavors.
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How do I prevent the topping from cracking when chilling?
Let the topping cool to just above room temperature before pouring it over the chilled cheesecake. Pouring it too hot can cause cracking. Also, gentle whisking while it cools keeps it smooth and glossy.
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Is it possible to prepare this cake a day ahead?
Definitely! This cheesecake actually benefits from resting overnight, as it allows the flavors to meld perfectly and the texture to firm up. Just be sure to cover and refrigerate it properly.
Final Thoughts
This No Bake Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to share with friends and family because it feels special without being complicated. I love how it comes together with simple ingredients and patience, delivering a silky, nutty, and subtly sweet dessert that everyone raves about. Give it a try next time you want a fuss-free yet impressive treat—you might just find it becomes your signature dessert too!
PrintNo Bake Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes (including freezing time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Western
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This luscious No Bake Pistachio Cheesecake combines a crunchy digestive biscuit and pistachio base with a creamy pistachio and white chocolate filling, crowned with a glossy pistachio and white chocolate topping. Perfectly chilled with no baking required, it offers a decadent yet refreshing dessert ideal for special occasions or a fancy treat.
Ingredients
Base
- 180 gr digestive biscuits (graham crackers)
- 20 gr pistachios
- 80 gr melted butter
Cheesecake Filling
- 150 gr white chocolate, melted
- 150 gr pistachio spread
- 280 gr cream cheese
- 250 gr double cream
- 150 gr unsweetened plain Greek yoghurt
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
Topping
- 80 gr white chocolate
- 80 gr pistachio spread
- 55 ml double cream
- 30 gr chopped pistachios (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Crush the digestive biscuits using a food processor or place in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form. Add the pistachios to the processor and pulse a few times until small pieces are achieved, not a powder. If no processor is available, chop pistachios finely by hand.
- Mix Base Ingredients and Set: Combine melted butter with the crushed biscuits and pistachios. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 20 cm (8 inch) springform pan lined with baking paper. Place in the freezer to firm up while preparing the filling.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat cream cheese, vanilla bean paste, and pistachio spread until smooth and combined. Add melted white chocolate and Greek yoghurt, mixing well, making sure to scrape the bowl to fully incorporate all ingredients.
- Whip Double Cream and Fold In: In a separate bowl, beat double cream to medium peaks—when lifted, the peaks should form small mountains that do not stand straight. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture until fully combined.
- Assemble and Freeze: Remove the base from the freezer and spread the cheesecake filling evenly over it. Return to the freezer for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight to set properly.
- Defrost Options: For best texture, defrost in the refrigerator overnight by moving the cheesecake from freezer to fridge. Alternatively, leave it at room temperature for 1 hour then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
- Prepare the Topping: Over a pot of simmering water (double boiler), heat white chocolate, pistachio spread, and double cream together until the chocolate melts completely and the mixture becomes glossy. Stir regularly to prevent setting and allow to cool until comfortable to touch.
- Finish the Cheesecake: Pour the cooled topping over the defrosted cheesecake evenly, spreading with a spoon or spatula. Sprinkle chopped pistachios on top if desired. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the topping to set before serving.
Notes
- Use a springform pan for easy removal of the cheesecake.
- Freezing time is crucial for the cheesecake to set properly since it’s no bake.
- For a smoother topping, whisk occasionally as it cools to prevent premature setting.
- Toasting chopped pistachios before sprinkling can add an extra nutty flavor.
- The dessert is best consumed within 2-3 days of preparation for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg