# What You Need:
→ Pistachio Crust
01 - 1 cup shelled unsalted pistachios
02 - 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
03 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
04 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
05 - Pinch of salt
→ Cheesecake Filling
06 - 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
07 - 1/3 cup powdered sugar
08 - 1/4 cup heavy cream
09 - 1/3 cup pistachio paste or smooth pistachio butter
10 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
11 - Zest of 1/2 lemon, optional
→ Garnish
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios
13 - Optional: white chocolate shavings or dried rose petals
# Directions:
01 - Line a 12-cup mini muffin tin with paper liners or use a silicone mold to ensure easy removal of the bites.
02 - Pulse pistachios in a food processor until finely ground without turning to paste; add graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt, pulsing to combine. Pour in melted butter and pulse until the mixture resembles wet sand.
03 - Distribute the crust mixture evenly among the muffin cups, approximately 1 heaping tablespoon per cup, pressing firmly with a spoon or the bottom of a small glass.
04 - Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar, pistachio paste, and vanilla extract; continue beating until fully combined.
05 - Whip heavy cream to soft peaks in a separate bowl, gently fold into the cream cheese mixture along with lemon zest if using, until airy and smooth.
06 - Spoon or pipe the filling onto the crust bases, smoothing the surface evenly.
07 - Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow the cheesecake bites to firm up.
08 - Carefully remove bites from the tin and garnish with chopped pistachios and optional toppings before serving.