Introduction

These Pistachio & Blackberry Cheesecake Towers are a delightful combination of creamy cheesecake, nutty pistachios, and fresh blackberries. Perfect for special occasions or a sophisticated dessert, they are as beautiful as they are delicious.

The image shows three small layered desserts placed on a white plate with a white marbled background. Each dessert has five layers: the bottom layer is a crumbly, light brown crust mixed with small green pistachio pieces, followed by a thick, dark purple fruit layer, then a smooth, creamy white layer above that. On top of the white layer is a green pistachio paste layer, finished with another crumbly light brown crust layer sprinkled with pistachio nuts. The desserts are topped with shiny, dark purple blackberries and whole pistachio nuts. A single blackberry and some pistachios are scattered on the plate around the desserts. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup (100g) crushed graham crackers or digestive biscuits
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup (30g) chopped pistachios
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 cup (150g) blackberries (fresh or frozen)
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (to thicken)
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup (60g) powdered sugar
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ cup (120ml) whipped heavy cream
¼ cup (60g) pistachio paste
½ cup (120ml) whipped cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
½ cup (75g) fresh blackberries
2 tbsp chopped pistachios
1 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, mix crushed biscuits, chopped pistachios, melted butter, and brown sugar until it resembles wet sand.
Step 2: Press the mixture firmly into cylinder molds or small ring molds on a lined tray.
Step 3: Chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to set.
Step 4: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine blackberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally until berries soften.
Step 5: Mix cornstarch with 1 tbsp of water, then stir into the berry mixture. Cook until thickened.
Step 6: Let the berry mixture cool slightly, then spread evenly over the chilled crust.
Step 7: In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until light and fluffy.
Step 9: Gently fold in whipped heavy cream to keep the mixture airy.
Step 10: Spoon the cream cheese mixture over the blackberry layer and smooth the surface.
Step 11: In a separate bowl, whisk together pistachio paste, powdered sugar, and whipped cream until fully combined and fluffy.
Step 12: Spread this pistachio layer over the cheesecake layer as the final layer.
Step 13: Sprinkle chopped pistachios around the edges for added texture.
Step 14: Cover the molds and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for firm layers.
Step 15: Carefully unmold the cheesecake towers.
Step 16: Decorate with fresh blackberries, extra pistachios, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Step 17: Serve chilled and enjoy every creamy, nutty, and fruity bite.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh blackberries for the best flavor, but frozen can be used if thawed and drained well.
Substitute pistachio paste with finely ground pistachios mixed with a touch of honey for a natural alternative.
For a crunchier crust, toast the crushed biscuits lightly before mixing.
Try adding a few drops of almond extract to the cheesecake mixture for a complementary nutty flavor.

Storage

Store the cheesecake towers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, serve them chilled as they are best enjoyed cold. Avoid freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Three small layered desserts sit on a white plate with a few scattered blackberries nearby, all placed on a white marbled surface. Each dessert has four distinct layers: the bottom layer is crumbly and light brown, above it is a smooth green layer, followed by a creamy purple layer with a speckled texture, and topped with a thick white creamy layer. The white top layer is sprinkled with chopped nuts and pistachio pieces. Each dessert is decorated on top with three plump blackberries and a small green mint leaf. The background is softly blurred green tones, highlighting the detailed texture of the desserts. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cheesecake towers ahead of time?

Yes, making them the day before allows the layers to set perfectly and enhances the flavors. Just keep them refrigerated until serving.

What can I use if I don’t have pistachio paste?

If pistachio paste isn’t available, you can blend finely chopped pistachios with a bit of honey or a neutral oil to create a similar spreadable texture and flavor.