Decadent Delight Cheesecake with Pistachio Crumble & Balsamic-Strawberry Swirl

Ingredients

For the Pistachio Crumble Base:

• 1 cup shelled pistachios
• 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup sugar

For the Balsamic & Strawberry Filling:

• 32 oz Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese (4 containers)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

For the Orange & Vanilla Topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 orange
• Orange slices and fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

To Make the Pistachio Crumble Base:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a food processor, pulse the pistachios until finely ground.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pistachios, graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand.
4. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, creating an even layer.
5. Bake for 10 minutes and set aside to cool.

To Make the Balsamic & Strawberry Filling:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the Norman's Kosher Cholov Yisroel Cream Cheese and granulated sugar until smooth.
2. Add the sour cream and blend until well combined.
3. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries, balsamic vinegar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and the strawberries break down.
5. Gently fold the strawberry mixture into the cream cheese filling, creating swirls.
6. Pour the filling over the cooled pistachio crust.
7. Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

To Make the Orange & Vanilla Topping:

1. In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Gently fold in the orange zest.
3. Spread the topping evenly over the chilled cheesecake.

To Serve:

1. Remove the cheesecake from the springform pan.
2. Garnish with additional orange slices and fresh strawberries if desired.
3. Slice and serve chilled.