Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. Line an 8-in. square baking pan with parchment, letting ends extend up the sides.
2. In a large bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter until moistened. Press into the prepared pan. Bake until the edges begin to brown, about 10 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add pistachio cream, milk, and vanilla extract until incorporated. Beat in egg until just combined. Pour over the cooled crust. Bake until the center is almost set, 20-22 minutes. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely. Cover; refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight.
4. To make the kataifi layer, melt butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Toast the kataifi in the butter until golden brown, 6-8 minutes; let cool.
5. In a large bowl, stir together the toasted kataifi, pistachio cream and tahini. Spread the kataifi layer evenly over the chilled cheesecake; place back in the refrigerator.
6. To make the ganache, place the chopped chocolate in a heat-safe bowl. In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream to a low simmer. Pour cream over the chocolate; wait 1 minute, then whisk until smooth. Pour the ganache over the kataifi layer. Cover; refrigerate at least 1 hour. Pull bars from the baking pan using sides of parchment paper; slice and serve. If desired, garnish slices with crushed pistachios.