Heavenly Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Cups
There’s something magical about individual desserts. They feel special, elegant, and perfectly portioned — no slicing required. These Heavenly Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Cups combine creamy vanilla cheesecake, buttery graham cracker crust, crunchy pistachios, and luscious cherry topping for a dessert that looks bakery-worthy but is surprisingly simple to make at home.
As a food writer, I’m always drawn to recipes that balance texture and flavor, and this one absolutely delivers. The smooth richness of cream cheese pairs beautifully with the nutty pistachios and sweet-tart cherries. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, bringing dessert to a party, or just treating yourself on a weeknight, these mini cheesecakes are guaranteed to impress.
Let’s dive in.
Why I Love This Recipe
There are a few reasons these cheesecake cups stay in my regular dessert rotation:
- Perfectly portioned – No slicing or messy serving.
- Elegant presentation – The red cherries and green pistachios make them stunning for holidays.
- Make-ahead friendly – They chill beautifully in the fridge.
- Balanced flavor – Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and slightly salty all in one bite.
If you love easy desserts that look impressive, you might also enjoy These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Are My Favorite Little Treat to Bake Anytime — they’re just as party-ready and crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
Topping:
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- Extra chopped pistachios for garnish
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat gives the richest texture, but reduced-fat works in a pinch.
- Pistachios: Lightly toast them for deeper flavor.
- Cherry Pie Filling: You can substitute homemade cherry compote if preferred.
- Crust Variation: Try crushed vanilla wafers or even chocolate graham crackers for a twist.
If you’re into creamy no-bake desserts, you’ll love This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie Is My Favorite Quick Dessert Hack.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Make the Crust
In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter.
Press about 1 tablespoon into each muffin liner, pressing firmly to form a base.
3. Prepare the Cheesecake Batter
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add sugar and vanilla extract. Mix until fully incorporated and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks.
5. Fold in Pistachios
Gently fold in the chopped pistachios to evenly distribute throughout the batter.
6. Fill & Bake
Divide the batter evenly among muffin cups, filling each about 2/3 full.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until centers are set but slightly jiggly.
7. Cool & Chill
Allow cheesecake cups to cool completely at room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to fully set.
8. Top & Garnish
Before serving, spoon cherry pie filling over each cup and sprinkle with extra chopped pistachios.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Prevents lumps in your batter.
- Don’t Overbake: The centers should still have a slight jiggle.
- Cool Gradually: Sudden temperature changes can cause cracking.
- Chill Fully: The flavor and texture improve significantly after chilling.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These cheesecake cups are perfect for:
- Holiday dessert tables
- Baby or bridal showers
- Valentine’s Day (the red cherries pop beautifully!)
- Summer cookouts
Pair them with something refreshing like This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Daysfor a bright, fruity balance.
For a more indulgent dessert spread, add These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert to the table for a nutty, caramelized complement.
If you’re hosting and want a savory starter before dessert, try This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugar: 16g
- Protein: 6g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- These freeze beautifully! Freeze without topping for up to 2 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge and add cherry topping before serving.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If mini desserts are your thing, don’t miss:
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites Are My Favorite Little Treat to Bake Anytime
- This No-Bake Oreo Cream Pie Is My Favorite Quick Dessert Hack
- These Pecan Pie Bars Are My Favorite Make-Ahead Holiday Dessert
Each one is simple, crowd-friendly, and perfect for entertaining.
Final Thoughts
These Heavenly Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Cups are proof that impressive desserts don’t have to be complicated. With their creamy texture, vibrant topping, and crunchy pistachio finish, they’re as beautiful as they are delicious.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Leave a comment, share your photos, and follow along for more crave-worthy creations from Chef Maniac.
Happy baking!
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