Pistachio Cheesecake Bars

**Ingredients:**

*For the Crust:*
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 tsp salt

*For the Cheesecake Filling:*
– 2 cups pistachios, shelled and unsalted
– 16 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup sour cream
– 4 large eggs
– 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
– Green food coloring (optional)

*For the Topping:*
– 1/2 cup pistachio paste
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– Whole pistachios for garnish
– Edible silver leaf for decoration (optional)

**Directions:**

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, granulated sugar, and salt. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool.
3. Finely grind 2 cups of pistachios and set them aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, then beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Optionally, add green food coloring to achieve the desired shade.
5. Fold in the ground pistachios and pour the mixture over the cooled crust. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the cheesecake is set but slightly wobbly in the center.
6. Allow the cheesecake to cool completely, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
7. For the topping, mix pistachio paste and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Spread this mixture over the chilled cheesecake.
8. Garnish the cheesecake with whole pistachios and edible silver leaf, if desired, before serving.

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes | **Cooking Time:** 55 minutes | **Total Time:** 75 minutes plus chilling | **Calories:** 480 | **Servings:** 12