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Pistachio-Raspberry Cheesecake Domes

Delicate no-bake cheesecake domes featuring a nutty pistachio crust, tangy raspberry coulis, and a creamy pistachio filling, finished with edible gold leaf for a touch of elegance.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Sweet
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the pistachio crust
  • 1.5 cups finely crushed pistachio cookies or graham crackers mixed with 1/2 cup finely chopped roasted pistachios
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 pinch of salt
For the raspberry coulis
  • 1.5 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 0.25 cups granulated sugar adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thicker swirl)
For the pistachio cheesecake filling
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 0.5 cups sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 0.5 cups heavy cream, whipped to soft peaks
  • 0.33 cups pistachio paste (or finely ground pistachios blended with a tablespoon of neutral oil)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp almond extract (optional)
  • 1 tsp unflavored powdered gelatin (or 1 1/2 tsp gelatin sheets) see tips for vegan swap
  • 2 tbsp cold water (for blooming gelatin)
  • 0.25 cups finely chopped roasted pistachios (for texture)
For finishing
  • edible gold leaf sheets (small pieces)
  • whole or chopped roasted pistachios
  • fresh raspberries and mint leaves (optional)

Method
 

Prep your molds and crust
  1. Lightly grease silicone dome molds or use acetate strips for clean edges. Chill molds while you make the crust.
  2. In a bowl, mix crushed cookies, chopped pistachios, melted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture holds when pressed.
  3. Press about 1 to 1 1/2 tablespoons of crust into the base of each dome cavity, compacting firmly with the back of a spoon. Chill the molds in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to set.
Make the raspberry coulis
  1. In a small saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice over low heat. Cook until raspberries break down, about 5 minutes.
  2. If you like, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook a minute more to slightly thicken. Strain through a fine sieve to remove seeds for a silky swirl. Cool to room temperature.
Bloom the gelatin and prepare filling
  1. Sprinkle gelatin over 2 tbsp cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes. Gently warm until dissolved; do not boil.
  2. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, pistachio paste, sour cream, vanilla, and almond extract; beat until creamy.
  3. Fold in the whipped heavy cream gently, then stir in dissolved gelatin and chopped pistachios until evenly incorporated.
Assemble the domes
  1. Spoon about half of the pistachio cheesecake filling into each chilled crust-lined cavity.
  2. Add a teaspoon of raspberry coulis into the center of each and gently swirl with a toothpick. Top with remaining filling, smoothing the surface.
  3. Tap the mold lightly to remove air bubbles. Freeze or refrigerate until firm — about 4 hours in the fridge or 1–2 hours in the freezer.
Unmold and finish
  1. To unmold, briefly warm the underside of the silicone mold with your hands or set on a slightly warm towel so the domes release cleanly.
  2. Place domes on a serving plate.
  3. Gently apply tiny pieces of edible gold leaf with a dry, soft brush or tweezers. Scatter chopped pistachios and a fresh raspberry on top for charm.

Notes

Serve these chilled, with a small pot of extra raspberry coulis on the side for anyone who wants more brightness. They’re lovely on a simple white plate with a sprig of mint and a cup of strong tea or coffee — a little Southern tea-time sparkle. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.