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Rich Pistachio Cheesecake Brownies

Featured in Bake Something Special.

Pistachio Cheesecake Brownies combine the best of two desserts: rich, fudgy chocolate brownies with a creamy, pistachio-flavored cheesecake swirl. These brownies are simple to make, with a brownie base created using melted butter, sugars, eggs, and cocoa powder. A pistachio cheesecake layer with cream cheese, sugar, pistachio butter, and optional food coloring is swirled on top. Finally, chopped pistachios add crunch and extra flavor. Bake at 350°F, let cool, and enjoy these delicious treats either at room temperature or chilled. Perfect for any gathering or just a sweet indulgence!
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Rose
Updated on Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:15:42 GMT
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Pistachio Cheesecake Brownies | lovelylifewithrose.com

Pistachio and chocolate create an irresistible duo in these decadent brownies, where fudgy chocolate layers meet smooth pistachio cheesecake swirls. This recipe transforms ordinary brownies into an elegant dessert that's both visually stunning and incredibly delicious, with pistachios adding their distinctive crunch and nutty sophistication to every bite.

After testing countless brownie recipes, this combination became my family's favorite celebration dessert. The first time I made these for my sister's birthday gathering, they disappeared within minutes.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Unsalted butter: Creates fudgy texture, use high-quality European-style for best results
  • Cocoa powder: Choose Dutch-processed for deeper chocolate flavor
  • Cream cheese: Full-fat, room temperature for smoothest cheesecake texture
  • Pistachio butter/paste: Natural, pure pistachio for authentic flavor
  • Fresh pistachios: Look for bright green, unsalted nuts
  • Dark chocolate: 70% cocoa content recommended for rich depth

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Brownie Base Preparation
Melt butter carefully, avoiding overheating
Combine sugars while butter is warm for best dissolution
Whisk eggs one at a time for proper incorporation
Step 2: Cheesecake Layer Creation
Beat cream cheese until completely smooth
Incorporate pistachio paste gradually
Ensure all ingredients are room temperature
Step 3: Assembly Method
Layer components with precision
Create marbling pattern using figure-8 motions
Sprinkle nuts strategically for even distribution

My grandmother always said pistachios were her secret to longevity. She'd snack on them daily, and these brownies became her favorite way to enjoy them in dessert form.

Storage and Serving

  • Keep refrigerated up to 5 days
  • Best served slightly chilled
  • Can be frozen for up to 3 months

The texture actually improves after 24 hours, as flavors meld together beautifully.

After years of baking these brownies, I've found they're not just a dessert but a conversation starter. The unique combination of pistachio and chocolate never fails to intrigue guests, and the recipe has become one of my blog's most requested favorites.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use store-bought pistachio butter?
Yes, store-bought pistachio butter works perfectly. Just make sure it's smooth and unsweetened.
→ What if I don’t have pistachio butter?
If you don’t have pistachio butter, blend shelled pistachios with some neutral oil until smooth for a homemade alternative.
→ Can I leave out the green food coloring?
Yes, the food coloring is optional. It’s only for enhancing the visual appeal and doesn’t affect the flavor.
→ How should I store leftover brownies?
Store the brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days for freshness.
→ Can I freeze these brownies?
Yes, these brownies freeze well. Wrap them in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Pistachio Brownies Recipe

Rich brownies with pistachio cheesecake swirls.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
35 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Rose

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 16 Servings (16 brownies)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Brownie Layer

01 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
02 1 ¼ cups white sugar
03 ¾ cup light brown sugar
04 3 eggs, large
05 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
06 1 cup all-purpose flour
07 ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
08 ½ teaspoon salt
09 ½ teaspoon baking powder

→ Pistachio Cheesecake Swirl

10 8 oz cream cheese, softened
11 ¼ cup granulated sugar
12 1 large egg
13 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
14 ⅓ cup pistachio butter or paste
15 1–2 drops green food coloring (optional)
16 ¼ cup chopped pistachios (topping)

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper or grease lightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla. In another bowl, mix the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gently fold the dry mixture into the wet until evenly blended.

Step 02

Beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, vanilla, and pistachio butter together in a medium bowl until creamy. Optionally, add green food coloring for a pistachio hue.

Step 03

Spread ¾ of the brownie mixture evenly in the prepared dish. Drop spoonfuls of the pistachio cheesecake mix on top. Add dollops of the remaining brownie batter, then swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled effect. Sprinkle chopped pistachios evenly over the surface.

Step 04

Place in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center has a few moist crumbs. Cool completely before slicing.

Step 05

Serve at room temperature, or chill for a firmer cheesecake texture. Keep leftovers in the fridge within an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Notes

  1. If pistachio butter is not available, blend shelled pistachios with a bit of oil into a smooth paste.
  2. You can toast the pistachios for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
  3. Adding ¼ cup of chopped pistachios to the brownie batter provides a great crunch.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9×13-inch baking pan
  • Parchment paper
  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Whisk or electric mixer
  • Knife or skewer for swirling

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, butter)
  • Contains nuts (pistachios)
  • Contains gluten (all-purpose flour)
  • Contains eggs

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 92
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~