05/05/2026
**Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Cups** are a delightful and elegant dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet-tart flavor of cherries and the nutty crunch of pistachios. These individual-sized desserts are perfect for serving at parties or special occasions. Hereโs a step-by-step recipe for these delicious cheesecake cups:
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- **1 cup graham cracker crumbs**
- **1/4 cup granulated sugar**
- **1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted**
# # # # For the Cheesecake Filling:
- **8 oz cream cheese, softened**
- **1/2 cup granulated sugar**
- **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**
- **1 large egg**
- **1/2 cup sour cream**
- **1/2 cup heavy cream**
- **1/4 cup chopped pistachios (plus extra for garnish)**
# # # # For the Cherry Topping:
- **1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved**
- **1/4 cup granulated sugar**
- **1 tablespoon lemon juice**
- **1 tablespoon cornstarch**
# # # Instructions:
# # # # 1. **Prepare the Crust:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC).
2. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or lightly grease it.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
4. Press a heaping tablespoon of the crumb mixture into the bottom of each muffin cup to form the crust. Use the back of a spoon or a small tamper to press it down firmly.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes. Remove and let cool while preparing the cheesecake filling.
# # # # 2. **Prepare the Cheesecake Filling:**
1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the granulated sugar and beat until well combined.
3. Mix in the vanilla extract.
4. Add the egg and beat until just combined.
5. Mix in the sour cream and heavy cream until smooth.
6. Fold in the chopped pistachios.
7. Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling evenly over the cooled crusts in the muffin tin, filling each cup almost to the top.
# # # # 3. **Bake the Cheesecake Cups:**
1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly jiggly.
2. Turn off the oven, crack the oven door, and let the cheesecake cups cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
3. After cooling, transfer the cheesecake cups to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely.
# # # # 4. **Prepare the Cherry Topping:**
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
# # # # 5. **Assemble and Serve:**
1. Once the cheesecake cups are completely set, spoon the cherry topping evenly over each cheesecake.
2. Garnish with additional chopped pistachios if desired.
3. Serve chilled.
# # # Tips:
- **Pitting Cherries:** If using fresh cherries, ensure they are pitted before cooking. For frozen cherries, thaw them and drain excess moisture.
- **Avoid Cracking:** Allow the cheesecake cups to cool gradually in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent cracking.
- **Make Ahead:** These cheesecake cups can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
These **Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Cups** are a delicious blend of flavors and textures, offering a creamy, nutty, and fruity dessert that's sure to impress your guests!