Description
A luscious and tangy lemon-lime cherry pistachio cheesecake featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, smooth cream cheese filling infused with fresh citrus juices and zest, studded with chopped pistachios and cherries, and topped with whipped cream and garnishes for a refreshing dessert perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
- 1/2 cup chopped cherries
Topping & Garnish
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Whole cherries and chopped pistachios, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking.
- Make crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then allow it to cool completely.
- Prepare cheesecake filling: Beat softened cream cheese with 1 cup sugar until smooth and creamy. Add vanilla extract for flavor. Then, beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Add citrus and mix-ins: Stir in fresh lemon juice, lime juice, lemon zest, and lime zest. Beat the mixture until smooth. Gently fold in chopped pistachios and cherries to distribute evenly without overmixing.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, smoothing the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set but still slightly jiggly.
- Cool and chill: Let the cheesecake cool inside the oven with the door slightly open for one hour to prevent cracking. Afterward, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set completely.
- Garnish and serve: Before serving, top the cheesecake with whipped cream, and garnish with whole cherries and chopped pistachios for added texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smoother filling.
- Do not overbake to avoid cracks; the center should remain slightly jiggly when done.
- Chilling overnight improves flavor and texture dramatically.
- Use fresh citrus for best flavor—bottled juice may alter the taste.
- For an extra nutty flavor, toast pistachios lightly before folding into the batter.
