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Close-up handheld smartphone photo of a single Greek Honey Pistachio Cheesecake Bar with vibrant green nuts and amber glaze. (Greek Honey Pistachio Cheesecake Bars)

Greek Honey Pistachio Cheesecake Bars with a Buttery Shortbread Crust

Dense ivory honey cheesecake atop a golden shortbread crust, topped with a glossy amber honey glaze and roasted vibrant green pistachios. A handheld Mediterranean delight perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 16 bars
Course: Desserts, Snack
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

The Crust
  • 1.5 cups All-purpose flour 190g
  • 0.75 cup Unsalted butter 170g, cold and cubed
  • 0.33 cup Granulated sugar 65g
  • 0.25 tsp Sea salt 1.5g
The Filling
  • 16 oz Full-fat cream cheese 450g, softened
  • 0.5 cup Greek Thyme Honey 170g
  • 0.5 cup Sour cream 120g
  • 2 Large eggs Room temperature
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch 8g
The Garnish
  • 1 cup Roasted salted pistachios 125g, crushed and chopped
  • 0.25 cup Greek Honey 85g, for drizzling

Equipment

  • 1 8x8-inch Square Baking Pan Metal preferred for even browning.
  • 1 Parchment Paper Used as a sling for easy removal.
  • 1 Food Processor For the shortbread crust.

Method
 

Prepare the Shortbread Base
  1. Pulse flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter in a food processor until it resembles coarse sand. Press firmly into a lined 8x8 pan.
  2. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-18 minutes until the edges are deep golden-brown.
Prepare the Filling
  1. Beat softened cream cheese and honey until smooth and ivory-colored. Mix in sour cream and cornstarch.
  2. Add eggs one at a time on low speed, mixing just until combined to maintain a dense texture.
Bake and Decorate
  1. Pour over crust and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 35-40 minutes until set with a slight center jiggle. Chill for at least 4 hours.
  2. Warm the remaining honey and spread over the chilled bars. Top with a dense layer of crushed and chopped pistachios.

Notes

Use a warm knife for clean slices between each cut.
Greek Thyme honey offers the most authentic floral profile.