Greek Honey Pistachio Cheesecake (Printable)
Creamy cheesecake infused with Greek honey and topped with crunchy pistachios on a buttery base.
# What You Need:
→ Crust
01 - 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
02 - 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
03 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
04 - 2 tablespoons honey
→ Cheesecake Filling
05 - 16 oz cream cheese, softened
06 - 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
07 - 1/3 cup honey
08 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
09 - 2 large eggs
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
12 - Pinch of salt
→ Topping
13 - 1/3 cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
14 - 2 tablespoons honey, warmed
# How-To:
01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing overhang for easy removal.
02 - Combine graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped pistachios, melted butter, and honey in a medium bowl. Mix until texture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
03 - Bake the crust for 8 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
04 - Beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add Greek yogurt, honey, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and salt. Mix until fully combined and silky, taking care not to overmix.
05 - Pour cheesecake filling over cooled crust and smooth top with spatula. Bake for 30-32 minutes until center is just set but still slightly jiggly.
06 - Remove from oven and cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight, until fully chilled.
07 - Drizzle bars with warmed honey and sprinkle with roughly chopped pistachios. Slice into 12 bars before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The tang from Greek yogurt balances honey's floral sweetness in ways regular cheesecake never could
- That crust with ground pistachios creates something between a shortbread and a nut brittle
02 -
- Room temperature ingredients eliminate lumps and prevent overmixing which leads to cracks
- The gentle wobble in the center is perfect since residual heat finishes the cooking
03 -
- A water bath in the oven guarantees ultra creamy texture though these bars are forgiving without one
- Toasting the topping pistachios for three minutes intensifies their nutty flavor