Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (3.4 oz) package instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch springform pan
- Electric mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Mix well.
3. Press the mixture onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
4. In a separate mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and 1 cup sugar with an electric mixer until smooth.
5. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
6. In another mixing bowl, whisk together pistachio pudding mix and milk until thickened.
7. Add the pudding mixture to the cream cheese mixture and beat until well combined.
8. Pour the mixture over the cooled crust.
9. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until the center is almost set.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool to room temperature.
11. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
12. Before serving, sprinkle chopped pistachios on top.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 55 minutes
Total time: 5 hours 15 minutes
Temperature:
325°F
Serving size:
12 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 449
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 131mg
Sodium: 301mg
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 27g
Protein: 7g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Graham cracker crumbs can be substituted with crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers.
- Granulated sugar can be substituted with brown sugar or honey.
- Unsalted butter can be substituted with salted butter or margarine.
- Cream cheese can be substituted with mascarpone cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Pistachio pudding mix can be substituted with vanilla pudding mix or any other flavor of pudding mix.
- Milk can be substituted with almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk.
- Chopped pistachios can be substituted with chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans.
Variations:
- Add a layer of sliced fresh strawberries or raspberries on top of the cheesecake before serving.
- Drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cheesecake before adding the chopped pistachios.
- Use chocolate graham crackers for the crust instead of regular graham crackers.
- Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture for a tangy flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before using it in the recipe.
- Use a water bath to prevent cracks from forming on the cheesecake.
- Let the cheesecake cool completely before refrigerating.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the cheesecake into slices.
- Serve the cheesecake chilled.
Storage instructions:
Store the cheesecake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
The cheesecake can be served cold, but if you prefer it warm, you can microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the cheesecake on a cake stand or a decorative plate. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers.
Garnishes:
Chopped pistachios, fresh mint leaves, edible flowers, whipped cream, or chocolate shavings.
Pairings:
Coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
Suggested side dishes:
Fresh fruit salad or a green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheesecake cracks, it may be due to overbaking or sudden temperature changes. To prevent cracking, bake the cheesecake in a water bath and let it cool gradually.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to use pasteurized eggs to avoid the risk of salmonella. Keep the cheesecake refrigerated until ready to serve.
Food history:
Cheesecake is believed to have originated in ancient Greece and was served to athletes during the first Olympic games in 776 BC. The modern version of cheesecake, made with cream cheese, was invented in the United States in the early 1900s.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, nutty, and sweet.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cheesecake as a dessert after a dinner party or as a special treat for a family gathering.
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