Sernik Pistacjowy (Pieczony) – A Decadent Pistachio Cheesecake

Sernik pistacjowy (pieczony), or baked pistachio cheesecake, is a delightful twist on the classic Polish sernik. This luxurious dessert blends the rich, creamy texture of baked cheesecake with the nutty, aromatic flavor of pistachios. Perfect for special occasions or as a treat for pistachio lovers, this recipe ensures a show-stopping dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

Ingredients

For the crust:

200g digestive biscuits (or graham crackers), crushed
80g unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:

500g cream cheese (room temperature)
250g ricotta cheese
150g sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
100g pistachio paste (unsweetened)
2 tbsp cornstarch
100g shelled pistachios, finely chopped
For the topping:

150g sour cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
50g pistachios, crushed (for garnish)
Directions

Prepare the crust:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Combine crushed biscuits with melted butter in a bowl. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
Press the mixture into the bottom of a 20cm (8-inch) springform pan, ensuring an even layer. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
Make the filling:

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, ricotta cheese, and sugar until smooth.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Stir in vanilla extract and pistachio paste until fully incorporated.
Sift in cornstarch and gently fold it into the batter. Finally, mix in the chopped pistachios.
Assemble and bake:

Pour the filling over the prepared crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour.
Add the topping:

Once the cheesecake has cooled, mix sour cream and powdered sugar in a bowl. Spread this mixture evenly over the top.
Garnish with crushed pistachios.
Chill:

Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set completely before serving.
Serving and Storage Tips

Serve chilled, cutting slices with a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean edges.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.