Crunchy and Creamy Pistachio Cream Cheese Bars: The Ultimate Sweet Indulgence!
Indulge in the irresistible taste of Pistachio Cream Cheese Bars – a sweet treat that combines the rich, creamy texture of cream cheese with the nutty crunch of pistachios. But what secret ingredient gives this dessert its unique and addictive flavor? Only one way to find out…
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Indulge in a decadent treat that’s both creamy and nutty with these Pistachio Cream Cheese Bars! This dessert is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth who loves the rich and complex taste of pistachios.
These bars have a buttery and flaky crust that serves as a perfect base for the creamy and velvety cheesecake filling. The surprise element in this recipe is the crushed pistachios, which add a delightful crunch and nuttiness that contrasts beautifully with the smooth and creamy cheesecake layer.
Believe it or not, the use of pistachios in desserts is not a new concept. Pistachios are one of the oldest nuts, with their first recorded use in recipes dating back to around 6750 BC. In fact, they were even used by ancient Greeks and Romans to make medicinal remedies. Pistachios have long been considered a symbol of health, happiness, and good fortune, and have recently gained popularity for their surprising versatility and unique flavor profile in desserts.
This recipe is perfect for those who are looking to experiment with new ingredients and flavors. If you’re a pistachio lover, you’ll be delighted by the generous amount of chopped pistachios throughout the cheesecake layer. And if you’re looking for a simple but impressive dessert, this recipe will certainly impress any guests at parties or gatherings.
With just the right amount of sweetness and a crunchy, nutty flavor, these Pistachio Cream Cheese Bars are sure to be a hit. So why not try out this amazing dessert recipe today and indulge in the joy of a beautifully balanced sweet treat?
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Pistachio Cream Cheese Bars
Room Temperature is Key
Make sure the butter and cream cheese are at room temperature before using. This helps them mix together more easily and produce a smoother, creamier texture.
Chill the Crust
After pressing the crust mixture into the pan, chill it in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before baking. This will help it hold its shape better and prevent it from crumbling.
Use a Parchment Liner
Using a parchment paper liner helps to easily remove and cut the bars, and also prevents them from sticking to the pan.
Be Gentle With the Filling
To prevent the cream cheese mixture from becoming too dense and heavy, gently fold in the ingredients and avoid overmixing.
Coarsely Chop the Pistachios
Chop the pistachios coarsely to add a nice texture to the bars. This provides a good contrast between the creamy filling and the crunchy nuts.
Let It Cool Completely
Let the bars cool completely before removing them from the pan and cutting them. This helps the bars set properly and become easier to cut.
Store It Right
These bars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 1 month. Bring them back to room temperature before serving.
How Many Calories are in Pistachio Cream Cheese Bars?
Nutrition Facts
12 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 380
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 18g
- Added Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 6g
What Drinks Pair Best with Pistachio Cream Cheese Bars?
Wine pairing: A suitable wine pairing for these Pistachio Cream Cheese Bars would be a sweet Riesling. The wine’s sweetness will complement the cream cheese and pistachio flavors, while its acidity will cut through the richness of the dessert.
Beer pairing: A Belgian Dubbel with its notes of dark fruit and caramel sweetness would complement the nutty and sweet flavors of the pistachio cream cheese bars.
Cocktail pairing: Cocktail Pairing: A Pistachio Cream Cheese Bar would pair well with a classic Whiskey Sour. The sweetness and nuttiness in the dessert would balance well with the tartness of the cocktail.
How to Make Pistachio Cream Cheese Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, room temperature
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, coarsely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and confectioners’ sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add flour mixture to the butter mixture, and beat on low speed until just combined.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared pan, using a spatula to press it into an even layer.
- Bake until the edges are lightly browned, 18-20 minutes.
- In a separate large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until well combined and smooth.
- Add eggs and vanilla extract, and beat on low speed until just combined.
- Fold in pistachios.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture onto the baked crust, and smooth the top.
- Bake until set, about 25 minutes.
- Let cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
- Using the overhangs, lift the bars out of the pan and place on a cutting board.
- Cut into bars with a sharp knife.
- Serve and enjoy!
