If you have a sweet tooth and love the decadent combination of nuts and chocolate, you are going to fall head over heels for this White Chocolate and Pistachio No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe. It’s a delightfully creamy dessert that elegantly blends the smooth sweetness of white chocolate with the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios, all without the fuss of baking. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping treat for special occasions or just a luxurious finish to a cozy dinner, this cheesecake is pure magic in every slice, guaranteed to impress your friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital part in achieving that perfect balance of texture and flavor. From the crunchy biscuit base that gives a satisfying snap to each bite, to the luscious filling that’s light yet indulgent, these components come together simply but spectacularly.
- Digestive biscuits (300 g): The base of the cheesecake, providing that classic crumbly texture with subtle sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, melted (150 g): Binds the biscuit crumbs together and adds richness without overpowering.
- Full fat soft cream cheese (400 g): The creamy hero that gives structure and smoothness to the filling.
- Double cream (300 ml plus 150 ml for decoration): Essential for that airy, whipped texture in the filling and extra creaminess when decorating.
- Icing sugar (75 g): Sweetens the filling just right, without any graininess.
- White chocolate (100-300 g for the filling plus 25 g for decoration): Adds a luscious, sweet, and velvety flavor that melts perfectly into the cream cheese mixture.
- Pistachio spread (100-200 g for filling plus 25 g for decoration): Brings out the distinct nutty taste and a subtle, natural green hue that makes the cheesecake visually stunning.
- Chopped pistachios (50-100 g for filling plus 25 g for garnish): Sprinkled throughout and on top for a delightful crunch and beautiful contrast.
How to Make White Chocolate and Pistachio No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Biscuit Base
Start by blitzing the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs. This is best done in a food processor, but a rolling pin and a sturdy bag work just as well if you want to stick with what’s in your kitchen. The goal is a consistent crumb that will hold together once mixed with the melted butter. Speaking of which, add your melted unsalted butter to the crumbs and stir or pulse until the mixture looks like wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch springform tin, ensuring it’s even and compacted. This firm base is the foundation of your cheesecake, so don’t be shy about packing it down well. Set it aside while you move on to the creamy filling.
Step 2: Melt the White Chocolate
Gently melt the white chocolate so it becomes soft and luscious, either in short bursts in the microwave or over a pan of simmering water. Patience is key here because white chocolate can seize if overheated. Once melted, let it cool slightly—this prevents it from scrambling the cream cheese when combined later.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, beat the full fat soft cream cheese together with the icing sugar until smooth and lump-free. This blending creates the perfect creamy canvas for your cheesecake. Slowly fold the cooled melted white chocolate into the cream cheese mixture, taking care not to overmix, so the texture remains light and smooth. Next, whip the double cream until it reaches soft peaks—you want it fluffy but still able to hold its shape. Fold the cream gently into the cream cheese and chocolate mixture, infusing it with airy lightness.
Step 4: Add the Pistachio Flavor and Nuts
Time to swirl in the pistachio magic. Add the pistachio spread and chopped pistachios to the mixture, folding just enough to create subtle swirls of nutty flavor without fully blending everything. This way, every slice will have bursts of vibrant pistachio goodness and delightful crunch spots. Spread this beautiful filling evenly over your biscuit base and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into the fridge to set for at least 5 to 6 hours—overnight chilling is even better to achieve that perfect sliceability and flavor melding.
Step 5: Decorate Your Masterpiece
Once your cheesecake is fully set, it’s time to dress it up. Whip the reserved double cream with the pistachio spread until you get a smooth, lightly flavored cream to pipe elegantly around the edges. Then sprinkle chopped pistachios and either melted white chocolate drizzles or white chocolate chips on top for texture and a gorgeous finish. This final touch not only amplifies taste but elevates the cheesecake’s visual appeal, making it impossible to resist.
How to Serve White Chocolate and Pistachio No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple yet thoughtful garnishes can make your cheesecake feel extra special. Whole or chopped pistachios lend a fresh crunch and highlight the nutty flavor. White chocolate curls or chips add sweetness and textural contrast, while a light dusting of edible gold leaf or a sprinkle of rose petals can add an elegant flair for celebrations.
Side Dishes
This cheesecake pairs beautifully with light and fruity accompaniments. Fresh berries, like raspberries or strawberries, offer a tart counterpoint that balances the richness. A drizzle of berry coulis or a delicate spoonful of lemon curd can add brightness. For drinks, consider a glass of chilled Moscato or a smooth cup of coffee to complement the creamy indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual slices on pretty dessert plates with a small piped rosette of whipped pistachio cream on the side for a café-style experience at home. Alternatively, use clear glass jars layered with crumbled biscuits, cheesecake filling, and chopped pistachios for a portable, charming dessert presentation. Another idea is to make mini no-bake cheesecakes in cupcake tins lined with cupcake cases—just scale down the portions and chill thoroughly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your White Chocolate and Pistachio No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe fresh by tightly covering it with plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious and maintain its texture for up to 3 days, making it a perfect treat to prepare ahead for gatherings or to enjoy leftovers with your afternoon tea.
Freezing
This cheesecake freezes surprisingly well, though the texture of the pistachios might soften slightly. Wrap the cheesecake tightly in cling film and then foil to prevent freezer burn, and place it in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Reheating
Since this is a no-bake cheesecake, reheating isn’t really necessary or recommended because you want to preserve its creamy, cool consistency. If you want to bring it closer to room temperature for serving, simply let it sit out of the fridge for about 20-30 minutes.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pistachio spread with something else?
Absolutely! If pistachio spread isn’t available, you can use finely ground pistachios mixed with a bit of honey or maple syrup, or even almond butter for a different but delicious nutty twist. Just keep in mind it will alter the flavor profile slightly.
Is it necessary to use full fat cream cheese?
Full fat cream cheese is best for richness and the proper thick texture of the cheesecake. Using low-fat versions may result in a less creamy filling and can affect how well the cheesecake sets.
Can I make this cheesecake vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan or dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and cream with plant-based alternatives such as cashew cream or coconut cream, and use vegan white chocolate. Keep in mind that texture and flavor might vary slightly, but it can still be a fantastic dessert.
What if I don’t have a springform tin?
If you don’t have a springform tin, you can use a regular cake pan lined with parchment paper or grease it well to help with removal. Just be extra gentle when unmolding the cheesecake to keep its shape.
How do I prevent the white chocolate from seizing during melting?
White chocolate is sensitive to heat, so melt it slowly in short bursts in the microwave or over a double boiler with gentle heat. Stir frequently and avoid any water contact, which can cause it to seize and become grainy.
Final Thoughts
This White Chocolate and Pistachio No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe is one of those feel-good desserts that you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s so satisfying to make, requires no oven time, and delivers flavors and textures that feel truly special. Whether you’re treating yourself or delighting guests, this cheesecake promises smiles all around. Give it a try—you just might have found your new favorite no-bake creation!
PrintWhite Chocolate and Pistachio No-Bake Cheesecake Recipe
This no-bake White Chocolate and Pistachio Cheesecake is a luscious and creamy dessert perfect for lovers of cheesecake, white chocolate, and pistachios. Featuring a crunchy digestive biscuit base and a smooth, swirled filling with pistachio spread and chopped pistachios, this cheesecake is chilled to set and decorated with whipped cream, pistachio spread, and white chocolate chips for a stunning finish. Ideal for a special occasion or a delightful treat, this recipe requires no baking and delivers rich flavors and textures.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 15 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Western
Ingredients
Biscuit Base
- 300 g digestive biscuits
- 150 g unsalted butter or baking spread (melted)
Cheesecake Filling
- 400 g full fat soft cream cheese
- 300 ml double cream
- 75 g icing sugar
- 100–300 g white chocolate (melted)
- 100–200 g pistachio spread
- 50–100 g pistachios (chopped)
Decoration
- 25 g pistachios (chopped)
- 25 g white chocolate (melted or chips)
- 150 ml double cream
- 25 g pistachio spread
Instructions
- Prepare Biscuit Base: Blitz the digestive biscuits into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a bowl and crushing with a rolling pin. Mix in the melted unsalted butter until fully combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of an 8-inch (20 cm) deep springform tin to form an even base, and set aside.
- Melt White Chocolate: Gently melt the white chocolate either in a microwave using short bursts or by placing a bowl over a pan of simmering water. Set the melted chocolate aside to cool slightly before use.
- Mix Cream Cheese and Sugar: In a separate bowl, blend the full fat soft cream cheese with icing sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in White Chocolate: Carefully fold the cooled melted white chocolate into the cream cheese mixture until evenly combined.
- Whip Cream: Add the double cream to the mixture and whip until soft peaks form and the cream holds its shape. Alternatively, whip the cream separately and fold it gently into the cheese and chocolate mixture.
- Add Pistachios and Spread: Fold in the chopped pistachios and pistachio spread lightly to create a subtle swirl effect throughout the cheesecake filling.
- Assemble and Chill: Spread the cheesecake filling evenly over the biscuit base and smooth the top. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 5-6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cheesecake to set firmly.
- Prepare Decoration: Whip the double cream with the pistachio spread until fluffy. Pipe this cream mixture around the edges of the set cheesecake. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios and white chocolate chips or drizzle melted white chocolate for a decorative finish.
Notes
- Use full fat cream cheese and double cream for the richest taste and best texture.
- The amount of white chocolate and pistachio spread can be adjusted according to taste preference; start with less and add more for stronger flavors.
- For an even smoother biscuit base, blitz the biscuits until very fine before mixing with butter.
- Chilling the cheesecake overnight is recommended for the firmest set and best flavor melding.
- You can substitute digestive biscuits with graham crackers if desired.
- This cheesecake should be stored in the refrigerator and best consumed within 2-3 days.
