LUXURY PISTACHIO VALENTINE'S DAY CHEESECAKE: make-ahead, no bake, dairy-free option, lower sugar; slightly lower fat, easy, make ahead, incl Budget version

Don't forget to have a look at Welcome to the Blog 

for food news (on nav bar above)

67 never considered Pistachio and Cheesecake a natural pairing but the now retired deli, Chamomile* used to offer a completely irresistable one.

67goingon50's Luxury Pistachio Cheesecake
(the photo doesn't reflect the green of the original)

Pistachios have suddenly become a 'culinary thing'.  Not long ago, a jar of pistachio paste (smooth or crunchy) was hard to find, available only in big jars and with luxury prices.  

In 2025, that's changed; you see 150gm/5oz jars in many places -- health food shops, high-end supermarkets; there's even a kosher version - and all at non-exhorbitant but not frugal prices.

Which is wonderful because this creamy pistachio cheesecake is a knock-out, a kind of out-of-this-world delight that tantalizes the taste buds.

It also looks beautiful; a pale green richly creamy fillling, studded with bright green nuts, slathered over a generous crumb crust.  

If you want something outstanding for a special occasion that doesn't take a lot of effort, this cheesecake is it.  It is also lower in sugar and fat, and a bit healthier than most cheesecakes.  It is pretty rich, though, and small portions are recommended.

The crust and the filling are pretty simple and, made hours before needed, reduces stress ahead of the event.  

Luxury Pistachio Cheesecake is not, sadly, for the financially stressed but more budget-friendly versions with chocolate-hazelnut spread (home-made low-sugar/preservative OR store-bought) are in Tips, below. 

Cost: about £6-7'ish (7/23)

Makes:  8/12 portions

Ingredients: 

13-15 digestive biscuits, bashed with a rolling pin in a heavy plastic bag, or whizzed in a food processor until crumbly, but not too finely blitzed 

90 g unsalted dairy or plant butter, melted

300g/10.5oz full fat cream cheese or vegan cream cheese at room temperature 

1 tsp vanilla

2-4 tbsp icing sugar (to taste: 67 used 3tbsp)

200ml thick Greek yoghurt, dairy or plant (instructions for thickening plant yoghurt are here, bottom of page)

470ml dairy or plant double cream

100g-175g/3.5-6.1oz crunchy pistachio butter, depending on taste (see alternatives, Tips)

Garnish:

handful toasted pistachios, chopped med fine

Method: