No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Name: No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cheesecake Bars
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 275 min
Yield: 16
Ingredients: 5 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar; Pinch salt; Pinch ground cinnamon; Pinch ground nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract; 1 1/2 cups finely ground Oreo cookie crumbs (from about 19 Oreos); 1/2 cup finely ground roasted and unsalted pistachios; 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese; 1 cup confectioner’s sugar, or to taste; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, or to taste; Pinch salt; 1 heaping cup pistachio cream; 1 tablespoon tahini, or to taste; 2/3 cup cold heavy cream; 3/4 cup milk chocolate chips; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 2 teaspoons corn syrup; 2 tablespoons finely chopped pistachios, for garnish

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

Crust

5 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
1 pinch salt
1 pinch ground cinnamon
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1 1/2 cups finely ground Oreo cookie crumbs (from about 19 Oreos)
1/2 cup finely ground roasted unsalted pistachios

Filling

16 ounces cream cheese
1 cup confectioners sugar, or to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract, or to taste
1 heaping cup pistachio cream
1 tablespoon tahini, or to taste
2/3 cup cold heavy cream

Ganache

3/4 cup milk chocolate chips
3/4 cup heavy cream
2 teaspoons corn syrup
2 tablespoons finely chopped pistachios, for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Line a 9x9-inch square pan with parchment paper, making sure the paper overhangs on all sides.

Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine butter, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the mixture is bubbling and the sugar is mostly dissolved (about 2 to 2 1/2 minutes).

Step 3: Add almond extract, Oreo crumbs, and ground pistachios to the bowl. Stir until everything is well-moistened.

Step 4: Press the crust mixture into the prepared pan, evenly distributing it across the bottom and slightly up the sides. Chill the crust in the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes, until firm.

Step 5: For the filling, beat together the cream cheese, confectioners sugar, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl until smooth, about 2 minutes.

Step 6: Add vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt to the mixture and beat until fully incorporated.

Step 7: Add pistachio cream and tahini to the bowl, and mix until smooth and fully combined.

Step 8: Gradually pour in the cold heavy cream and continue to beat for about 5 minutes, until the mixture thickens.

Step 9: Remove the chilled crust from the freezer. Pour the filling mixture over the crust, smoothing it into an even layer. Tap the pan on the counter to remove any large air bubbles.

Step 10: Return the pan to the freezer and chill for at least 3 hours, or until the filling is mostly set.

Step 11: For the ganache, place chocolate chips in a bowl. In a microwave-safe measuring cup, heat 3/4 cup heavy cream and corn syrup until the cream begins to bubble, about 2 1/2 minutes.

Step 12: Pour the hot cream mixture over the chocolate chips and let it sit for 3 minutes. Stir gently until the ganache is smooth and fully combined.

Step 13: Remove the bars from the freezer. Pour the ganache over the chilled filling, spreading it into an even layer with a spatula.

Step 14: Sprinkle the chopped pistachios evenly over the top of the ganache.

Step 15: Place the pan back into the freezer to allow the ganache to set for about 15 minutes. Note that the ganache will remain slightly soft, even after setting.

Step 16: When ready to serve, remove the bars from the freezer. Lift them out of the pan using the parchment overhang and transfer them to a cutting board. Carefully peel the parchment off.

Step 17: Run a sharp knife under hot water for a few seconds, then wipe it dry. Use the hot knife to cut the bars, wiping it off between each cut. Repeat as necessary, reheating the knife as needed.

Step 18: Store any leftover bars in the freezer. Allow them to soften at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving.

Cooks Notes

Feel free to add a little pistachio extract to the filling for an extra burst of pistachio flavor. I used homemade pistachio cream for this recipe, but if using store-bought, you may need to adjust the powdered sugar in the filling to prevent it from becoming too sweet.

If you prefer, you can swap out the milk chocolate chips for dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips, though the milk chocolate complements the pistachio flavor without overpowering it. For a decadent touch, serve these bars with an extra dollop of pistachio cream on top!

Nutrition Facts

Per serving:

Calories: 589
Fat: 44g (56% DV)
Saturated Fat: 18g (91% DV)
Cholesterol: 64mg (21% DV)
Sodium: 255mg (11% DV)
Total Carbohydrates: 44g (16% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% DV)
Total Sugars: 28g
Protein: 9g (19% DV)
Calcium: 127mg (10% DV)
Iron: 3mg (17% DV)
Potassium: 325mg (7% DV)

The Story Behind No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cheesecake Bars

The origins of cheesecake date back to ancient Greece, where it was considered a delicacy often served to athletes during the first Olympic Games. Over centuries, this dessert evolved through Roman and European culinary traditions. The modern no-bake cheesecake emerged in the 20th century as refrigeration became common in households, allowing desserts to set without oven baking. Combining cheesecake with chocolate and pistachios is a more recent innovation, popularized in gourmet patisseries in the United States, where chefs experimented with nutty flavors and rich chocolate layers for a decadent yet easy-to-make dessert.

Regional Characteristics

Although this dessert is widely enjoyed in the United States, it draws inspiration from Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. Pistachios have been cultivated in the Middle East for thousands of years and are a staple in Turkish, Iranian, and Lebanese sweets. The pairing of chocolate and pistachio reflects a fusion of Western dessert techniques with Eastern nut traditions. The use of Oreo crumbs for the crust adds a distinctly American twist, combining familiar packaged cookies with luxurious nut and chocolate flavors.

How It Differs from Similar Desserts

Unlike traditional baked cheesecakes, these bars require no oven or stovetop preparation, making them quicker and easier to assemble while still delivering a rich texture. Compared to regular chocolate or pistachio cakes, the layered composition of crust, creamy pistachio filling, and chocolate ganache gives this dessert a complex taste and mouthfeel. It also stands apart from other nut-based bars due to its balance of sweetness, creaminess, and the slight tang of cream cheese and lemon juice, which prevents the richness from becoming overwhelming.

Typical Serving Occasions

No-bake chocolate pistachio cheesecake bars are versatile and often served at dinner parties, holiday gatherings, or casual get-togethers. They are a popular choice for buffet tables because they can be cut into individual bars and chilled ahead of time. Cafs and patisseries may offer them as part of seasonal dessert menus, often garnished with additional chopped pistachios or drizzles of chocolate to enhance presentation.

Interesting Facts

Pistachios are one of the few nuts that are naturally green, providing a visually striking contrast with creamy fillings and dark chocolate.
The no-bake method preserves the delicate flavor of pistachio cream, which can be diminished by high heat.
Chocolate and pistachios are considered a classic flavor pairing because the sweetness of chocolate complements the slightly savory and nutty taste of pistachios.
While milk chocolate is commonly used, variations with dark or white chocolate exist, each bringing a unique flavor profile to the dessert.
This dessert can be adapted for dietary preferences, such as using sugar-free chocolate or vegan cream cheese, without compromising the core flavor and texture.

In essence, No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cheesecake Bars are a modern, globally inspired treat that combines historical cheesecake traditions, Mediterranean nut flavors, and contemporary American dessert innovation. Their ease of preparation, striking appearance, and layered taste make them a standout choice for any occasion.

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FAQ about No-Bake Chocolate Pistachio Cheesecake Bars Recipe

These cheesecake bars should be stored in the freezer for the best texture. You can keep them in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap. When serving, allow them to soften at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cutting and enjoying.

Yes, these bars are perfect for making ahead. Once prepared, you can store them in the freezer for up to a week. Just ensure they are tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

While pistachios are key to the flavor, you can experiment with other nuts such as almonds or cashews. Keep in mind that this will change the flavor profile of the dessert.

Yes, you can substitute the Oreo cookies with graham crackers or other biscuits. However, the flavor will be different. Adjust the amount of sugar as needed depending on the sweetness of your substitute.

Yes, store-bought pistachio cream works well in this recipe. However, you may need to adjust the amount of powdered sugar in the filling to avoid it being overly sweet.

If you don't have tahini, you can leave it out, but it adds a subtle richness to the filling. Alternatively, you can substitute it with a small amount of peanut butter or almond butter, though this will slightly alter the flavor.

Yes, you can use dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate. The darker chocolate will provide a more intense flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the pistachio filling.

To cut the bars neatly, run a sharp knife under hot water, then wipe it dry before slicing. This helps create clean edges. Repeat this process as needed to ensure the bars are cut smoothly.

The ganache will not set up completely firm, but it should become a little firmer in the freezer in about 15 minutes. It will remain slightly soft, which is expected.

Yes, you can freeze leftover bars. Simply wrap them well or place them in an airtight container and store them in the freezer. Let them soften at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving.

Comments

CyanBran7147

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

The most delicious pistachio dessert I've ever had. I didn't want to make my own pistachio cream so I decreased the sugar a bit as recommended and could've actually done more like 3/4 cup. My pistachio cream also had half the amount of salt as her homemade recipe so I used more than a pinch. I was shocked to see this had no reviews so this is me telling you to order some pistachio cream off Amazon and try this. You don't be disappointed other than with yourself for eating too much of it!

Brenda Lee

05/05/2025 02:35:12 PM

So satisfying — thank you!

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