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This No Bake Pistachio Cake with cherries is a refreshing, creamy and easy no bake dessert that is perfect for any occasion. If you love pistachio desserts and no bake cakes, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites.
The cake is made with a simple biscuit base, a layer of cooked cherries, a creamy pistachio vanilla cream made with cream cheese, and a smooth white chocolate pistachio ganache on top. The combination of pistachio, cherries and white chocolate creates a perfectly balanced dessert that is creamy, fruity and not too sweet.
No bake cakes are perfect when you want to make an easy dessert without using the oven. They are great for birthdays, holidays, family gatherings or warm days when you want a refreshing and creamy cake. If you like easy no bake desserts, you can also check some other no bake recipes and learn more about no bake desserts and how they work.
This creamy pistachio cake has a perfect combination of textures and flavors. The biscuit base is slightly crunchy, the cherry layer adds freshness and a light sour flavor, while the pistachio cream layer is smooth, creamy and rich. The white chocolate pistachio ganache on top gives the cake a beautiful finish and extra pistachio flavor.
One of the best things about this no bake pistachio cake is that it can be made in advance, which makes it perfect for parties, birthdays and special occasions. The cake needs a few hours to chill in the refrigerator, so it is a great make ahead dessert.
If you enjoy creamy desserts and fruit layers in cakes, you might also like my other recipes like Soft Cinnamon Rolls and Blueberry Rolls. You can also read more about pistachios and their flavor and origin here.
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Quick Recipe Info
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes
- Servings: 16 slices
- Course: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
WHAT YOU’LL NEED FOR THIS RECIPE
To make this no bake pistachio cake, you will need simple ingredients like ground biscuits, butter, cherries, milk, vanilla pudding, cream cheese, pistachio cream, whipped cream and white chocolate. All the ingredients come together to create a creamy, refreshing and easy no bake pistachio dessert with a perfect balance of flavors.
Ground biscuits
Ground biscuits are used for the base of this no bake pistachio cake. They create a firm and slightly crunchy base that holds the creamy layers perfectly.
Tip: You can use digestive biscuits, tea biscuits or graham crackers for the base.
Butter
Melted butter helps bind the biscuit base together and gives it a rich flavor. It also helps the base stay firm after chilling.
Tip: Mix the biscuits and butter well so the base holds together when pressed into the pan.
Cherries
Cherries add a refreshing and slightly sour layer that balances the sweet pistachio cream. The cherry layer makes the cake lighter and more refreshing.
Tip: You can use fresh or frozen cherries, just make sure to cook them until the mixture thickens.
Milk
Cold milk is used to prepare the vanilla cream that forms the base of the pistachio cream filling. It makes the cream smooth, creamy and light, and it blends perfectly with cream cheese and pistachio cream.
Tip: Use cold milk when mixing the vanilla cream powder so the cream becomes thick and smooth.
Vanilla cream powder
Vanilla cream powder is mixed with cold milk to make a thick and smooth vanilla cream that is the base for the pistachio filling. It gives structure and stability to this no bake pistachio cake so the layers hold nicely when sliced.
Tip: If you do not have vanilla cream powder, you can use whipped cream instead. The filling will be lighter and softer, so the cake will need a little more chilling time to set properly.
Cream cheese
Cream cheese makes the pistachio cream rich, creamy and slightly tangy, which balances the sweetness of the cake and gives a smooth texture.
Tip: Use room temperature cream cheese so it mixes smoothly without lumps.
Pistachio cream
Pistachio cream gives the main flavor to this no bake pistachio cake and makes the cream layer rich, creamy and full of pistachio flavor.
Tip: Use good quality pistachio cream for the best and strongest pistachio flavor.
White chocolate
White chocolate is used for the ganache on top of the cake and adds sweetness and a smooth finish to this pistachio dessert.
Tip: Melt the white chocolate slowly with warm cream to get a smooth ganache.
Pistachios
Chopped pistachios are used for decoration and add a nice texture and extra pistachio flavor on top of the cake.
Tip: Lightly chop the pistachios for a nicer look and texture on top of the cake.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will love this no bake pistachio cake because it is creamy, refreshing and very easy to make. This pistachio dessert does not require baking, which makes it perfect for warm days, holidays or when you need a quick and easy dessert.
The combination of a biscuit base, cherry layer, creamy pistachio filling and white chocolate pistachio ganache creates a perfectly balanced cake that is not too sweet and has a beautiful creamy texture.
This no bake pistachio cake is also a great make ahead dessert because it needs time to chill in the refrigerator, which makes it perfect for parties, birthdays and family gatherings.
If you love pistachio desserts, creamy cakes and easy no bake recipes, this pistachio cake will become one of your favorite desserts.
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this creamy no bake pistachio cake, and most of them are easy to find in any grocery store.
Ingredients
Crust
2 1/2 cups crushed cookies (300 g)
14 tablespoons butter, melted (200 g)
2 to 3 tablespoons milk
Cherry Cream
2 1/2 cups pitted cherries (400 g)
7 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Vanilla Pistachio Cream
3/4 cup sugar (180 g)
2 cups milk (500 ml)
1 packet vanilla sugar or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons pistachio cream
2 tablespoons heavy cream
Pistachio Ganache
1/2 cup heavy cream (100 ml)
2/3 cup chopped white chocolate (100 g)
3 tablespoons pistachio spread
Chopped pistachios for decoration
Pan size: 9 inch springform pan (26 cm)
This cake is made in a 9 inch springform pan (26 cm diameter). If you use a smaller pan, the cake will be taller, and if you use a larger pan, the cake will be thinner.
How to Make No Bake Pistachio Cake
1. Make the Cookie Crust
First, place the crushed cookies into a large mixing bowl. Pour the melted butter over the crushed cookies and mix everything well until the mixture is evenly combined and looks like wet sand.
This cookie crust is the base of the no bake pistachio cake and it gives a firm and slightly crunchy layer that holds the creamy pistachio filling perfectly.
Once the cookie and butter mixture is ready, transfer it into a cake pan. Spread the mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan and press it firmly using a spoon or the bottom of a glass. Make sure the crust is compact and even so the layers of the pistachio cake hold nicely after chilling.
Place the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the next layer of this no bake pistachio cake.
2. Make the Cherry Layer
To make the cherry layer for this no bake pistachio cake, place the cherries in a saucepan and add sugar. Cook the cherries over medium heat until they start to soften and release their juices.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little water to make a smooth mixture. Once the cherries start boiling, slowly add the cornstarch mixture while stirring constantly. Continue cooking for a few minutes until the cherry mixture thickens and becomes a smooth cherry cream.
This cherry layer adds freshness and a slightly sour flavor that perfectly balances the creamy pistachio filling in this pistachio cherry cake.
While the cherry cream is still hot, pour it directly over the cookie crust and spread it evenly using a spoon or spatula. Make sure the layer is even and smooth.
Let the cherry layer cool completely before adding the pistachio cream layer. This is very important so the layers of the no bake pistachio cake stay separated and the cake holds its shape when sliced.
3. Vanilla Pistachio Cream Layer
In a large bowl, pour cold milk and add the vanilla cream powder. Mix with a hand mixer for a few minutes until the cream becomes thick, smooth and creamy.
Once the vanilla cream is ready, add pistachio cream and heavy cream, then mix everything again until the mixture becomes smooth and evenly combined. The pistachio cream gives this no bake pistachio cake its rich pistachio flavor and beautiful color.
Make sure the cherry layer is completely cooled before adding the pistachio cream layer. This helps keep the layers separate and makes the pistachio cake easier to slice later.
Pour the vanilla pistachio cream over the cooled cherry layer and spread it evenly using a spatula. Smooth the top and place the cake back in the refrigerator while you prepare the pistachio ganache.
This creamy layer is the main part of the pistachio dessert and gives the cake its smooth, creamy texture.
4. Make the Pistachio Ganache
To make the pistachio ganache, pour the heavy cream into a small saucepan and add the chopped white chocolate. Add the pistachio cream and place the saucepan on very low heat.
Stir constantly until the chocolate melts and the ganache becomes smooth and fully combined. Be careful not to overheat the ganache so the chocolate does not burn.
Once the ganache is smooth and melted, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. The ganache should still be pourable but not too hot.
5. Assemble the Cake
When the ganache has cooled slightly, pour it over the pistachio cream layer and spread it evenly across the cake using a spatula. Smooth the surface carefully and make sure the ganache is evenly distributed so every slice of this no bake pistachio cake has a smooth and creamy top layer.
Decorate the edges of the cake with chopped pistachios for extra texture, flavor and a beautiful finish. The pistachios not only make the cake look more decorative, but they also add a nice crunch that pairs perfectly with the creamy pistachio filling and cherry layer.
Place the cake in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 4 hours. For best results, leave the cake in the refrigerator overnight. This helps the layers set properly and makes the no bake pistachio cake easier to slice.
This pistachio cake tastes even better the next day when all the layers are fully set and the flavors combine perfectly.
6. Slice and Serve
Once the cake is fully chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and carefully remove the cake ring or pan. Slice the cake and enjoy every bite of this creamy, refreshing and delicious pistachio dessert.
This no bake pistachio cake is perfect for special occasions, holidays, birthdays or anytime you want a beautiful and creamy pistachio cake that everyone will love.
Storing and Freezing
This no bake pistachio cake should be stored in the refrigerator because of the creamy layers. Keep the cake covered or in an airtight container so it does not absorb other smells from the refrigerator.
The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days, and it will stay creamy and delicious. In fact, this pistachio cake often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have fully combined.
If you want to freeze the cake, you can freeze it without the pistachio decoration on top. Wrap the cake well in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container before freezing. The cake can be frozen for up to 1 month.
To serve, thaw the cake slowly in the refrigerator for a few hours before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About No Bake Pistachio Cake
Can I use a different fruit instead of cherries?
Yes, you can replace cherries with raspberries, strawberries or blueberries. Berries work very well with pistachio flavor and will still give you a delicious no bake pistachio cake.
What cookies are best for the crust?
Digestive biscuits, graham crackers or tea biscuits work best for the crust. Any plain cookies that crush easily will work well for this no bake pistachio cake.
Can I make this cake without white chocolate ganache?
Yes, you can skip the ganache and simply decorate the cake with whipped cream and chopped pistachios. The cake will still be creamy and delicious.
How do I get clean cake slices?
For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe the knife with a warm, wet towel after each cut. This helps keep the layers clean and smooth when slicing the pistachio cake.
Can I make this cake in a different pan size?
Yes, you can make this cake in a smaller or larger pan. If you use a smaller pan, the cake will be taller, and if you use a larger pan, the cake will be thinner.
Watch the Full No Bake Pistachio Cake Video
Nutrition per serving
Calories: approximately 420 kcal
Carbohydrates: approximately 45 g
Protein: approximately 6 g
Fat: approximately 24 g
Sugar: approximately 28 g
These nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
Conclusion
This no bake pistachio cake is a creamy, refreshing and easy dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of a cookie crust, cherry layer, vanilla pistachio cream and pistachio ganache creates a beautiful layered cake that looks impressive and tastes amazing.
This pistachio cake is perfect for birthdays, holidays, family gatherings or anytime you want a creamy pistachio dessert that everyone will love. Since this is a no bake pistachio cake, it is very easy to prepare and does not require an oven, which makes it a perfect make ahead dessert.
If you love pistachio desserts and easy no bake cakes, this recipe is definitely one you should try.
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