Indulge in the delightful taste of Crunchy Pistachio Cheesecake Bars, a perfect treat that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the nutty crunch of pistachios and the sweet tang of cherry preserves. This recipe guide offers a straightforward approach to creating these irresistible bars, ensuring a dessert that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to savor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, these cheesecake bars promise to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup roasted pistachios, chopped
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cherry preserves
- Whole cherries and extra pistachios for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and butter. Mix until crumbly, then press into the bottom of your prepared pan. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios and bake for 15 minutes.
- Drop cherry preserves by spoonfuls over crust layer and gently swirl with a knife.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sour cream. Pour over the cherry layer.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Cut into bars and garnish each with a cherry and a sprinkle of pistachios before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes | Kcal: 350 | Servings: 24 bars
Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Potassium: 95mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 16g
- Vitamin A: 10% DV
- Vitamin C: 0.5% DV
- Calcium: 5% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
These bars are a good source of iron and vitamin A, contributing to your daily nutritional needs. The combination of nuts and dairy provides a balance of monounsaturated fats and protein, making it a satisfying treat.
Notes
- Storage: Keep the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Variations: Feel free to substitute the cherry preserves with any fruit preserve of your choice for a different flavor profile.
- Nut Allergy: For those with nut allergies, omit the pistachios and use a nut-free crust alternative.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of preserves? Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Pit and halve them, then cook with a bit of sugar over medium heat until they release their juices and thicken slightly before using.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend to make the crust.
Can I freeze these cheesecake bars? Yes, these bars freeze well. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
How do I know when the cheesecake filling is set? The filling should not jiggle excessively when gently shaken. A slight jiggle in the center is fine as it will set further upon cooling.
Enjoy crafting these delightful Crunchy Pistachio & Cherry Cheesecake Bars, a treat that promises to be as enjoyable to make as it is to eat!
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Crunchy Pistachio Cheesecake Bars: A Sweet Delight
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Crunchy Pistachio Cheesecake Bars, a perfect treat that combines the rich, creamy texture of cheesecake with the nutty crunch of pistachios and the sweet tang of cherry preserves. This recipe guide offers a straightforward approach to creating these irresistible bars, ensuring a dessert that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to savor. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, these cheesecake bars promise to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, chilled and diced
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup roasted pistachios, chopped
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cherry preserves
- Whole cherries and extra pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, combine flour, powdered sugar, and butter. Mix until crumbly, then press into the bottom of your prepared pan. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios and bake for 15 minutes.
- Drop cherry preserves by spoonfuls over crust layer and gently swirl with a knife.
- In another bowl, beat the cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sour cream. Pour over the cherry layer.
- Bake for an additional 25-30 minutes or until the filling is set. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours.
- Cut into bars and garnish each with a cherry and a sprinkle of pistachios before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Keep the cheesecake bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Serving Suggestion: For an extra touch of elegance, serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Variations: Feel free to substitute the cherry preserves with any fruit preserve of your choice for a different flavor profile.
- Nut Allergy: For those with nut allergies, omit the pistachios and use a nut-free crust alternative.
