There’s something magical about a cheesecake that can brighten your day, and this Luscious Lemon Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake is no exception. The combination of zesty citrus, tart cherries, and the nutty richness of pistachios creates a flavor profile that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Imagine serving this masterpiece at a family gathering, a celebratory event, or simply as a weekend treat when you want to spoil yourself.
This cheesecake feels like spring in dessert form—it’s vibrant, colorful, and full of life. Growing up, citrus flavors always signified freshness and renewal in our home. Lemon and lime were our go-to ingredients for everything from pies to cakes, while cherries brought a nostalgic sweetness to the table. This cheesecake captures those childhood memories while introducing a luxurious twist with pistachios, making it perfect for sharing—or savoring all on your own.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through creating a dessert that looks stunning and tastes even better. Let’s dive into this delightful creation, step by step.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of flavors: The tangy citrus blends harmoniously with the creamy cheesecake and sweet cherries.
- Nutty crunch: The pistachios add texture and elevate the flavor with a subtle nuttiness.
- Visually stunning: The vibrant colors of the cherries, pistachios, and citrus zest make this cheesecake a showstopper.
- Versatile: This cheesecake is just as suitable for a fancy dinner party as it is for a casual afternoon treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 cup pistachios, finely chopped
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
How to Make Luscious Lemon Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even layer. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, lime juice, and the zests of both fruits. Fold in the chopped pistachios gently.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
Place the springform pan in the center of the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will still have a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for an additional 30 minutes to cool gradually. This helps prevent cracks.
Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Make the Cherry Topping
In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the cherries release their juices. Let the topping cool completely.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Once the cheesecake has set, remove it from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving plate. Spoon the cherry topping over the cheesecake, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle extra pistachios on top for added crunch and a pop of color. Slice and serve!
Helpful Tips
- Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother filling.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can incorporate too much air, which may cause the cheesecake to crack.
- Use a water bath: If you want to be extra cautious about cracks, place the springform pan inside a larger pan filled with hot water while baking. Just make sure the outer pan is well-wrapped in foil to prevent leaks.
- Chill thoroughly: Cheesecake tastes best when it has had time to fully chill and set. Be patient!
Details
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Chill Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Notes
- If cherries aren’t in season, frozen cherries work beautifully for the topping.
- You can also experiment with other nuts like almonds or pecans if pistachios aren’t available.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 375
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheesecake can be made a day or two in advance. Just wait to add the cherry topping until right before serving to keep it fresh.
2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
3. Can I use bottled lemon and lime juice?
While fresh juice is always best for flavor, bottled lemon and lime juice can be used in a pinch.
Related Recipes
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Conclusion
This Luscious Lemon Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake is a true celebration of flavor and color. From the bright citrus notes to the creamy filling and vibrant cherry topping, every bite is a journey of indulgence. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just because you deserve it, this cheesecake will become a recipe you treasure and return to time and time again. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the magic of baking bring joy to your kitchen. Happy baking!
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Luscious Lemon Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake
Description
There’s something magical about a cheesecake that can brighten your day, and this Luscious Lemon Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake is no exception. The combination of zesty citrus, tart cherries, and the nutty richness of pistachios creates a flavor profile that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Imagine serving this masterpiece at a family gathering, a celebratory event, or simply as a weekend treat when you want to spoil yourself.
This cheesecake feels like spring in dessert form—it’s vibrant, colorful, and full of life. Growing up, citrus flavors always signified freshness and renewal in our home. Lemon and lime were our go-to ingredients for everything from pies to cakes, while cherries brought a nostalgic sweetness to the table. This cheesecake captures those childhood memories while introducing a luxurious twist with pistachios, making it perfect for sharing—or savoring all on your own.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through creating a dessert that looks stunning and tastes even better. Let’s dive into this delightful creation, step by step.
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 cup pistachios, finely chopped
For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined. The mixture should resemble wet sand. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even layer. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, then let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, lemon juice, lime juice, and the zests of both fruits. Fold in the chopped pistachios gently.
Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
Step 3: Bake the Cheesecake
Place the springform pan in the center of the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will still have a slight jiggle. Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for an additional 30 minutes to cool gradually. This helps prevent cracks.
Once the cheesecake has cooled to room temperature, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Make the Cherry Topping
In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the cherries release their juices. Let the topping cool completely.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Once the cheesecake has set, remove it from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving plate. Spoon the cherry topping over the cheesecake, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle extra pistachios on top for added crunch and a pop of color. Slice and serve!
Notes
- If cherries aren’t in season, frozen cherries work beautifully for the topping.
- You can also experiment with other nuts like almonds or pecans if pistachios aren’t available.