Elegant Pistachio Delight Cheesecake Bars

Directions:
Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar, and salt. Press into the bottom of a lined 9-inch square baking pan.
Bake crust for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
Finely grind 2 cups of pistachios and set aside.
Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, then eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. If desired, add green food coloring to reach your preferred hue.
Fold in ground pistachios and pour over crust. Bake for 40-45 minutes until set but slightly wobbly in the center.
Let cool, then chill for at least 4 hours.
For the topping, mix pistachio paste and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Spread over the chilled cheesecake.
Garnish with whole pistachios and silver leaf before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 75 minutes plus chilling | Kcal: 480 | Servings: 12 bars