Description
This Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake is a creamy, tangy dessert featuring a buttery graham cracker and pistachio crust, a citrus-infused cream cheese filling, and a sweet cherry topping crowned with crunchy pistachios. Perfect for special occasions or holiday celebrations, this cheesecake combines bright flavors with a rich, velvety texture that delights every palate.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 3/4 cup cherry preserves or cherry pie filling
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted pistachios
- Lemon and lime zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare crust: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix crust ingredients: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped pistachios, granulated sugar, and melted unsalted butter. Mix well until all crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Press and bake crust: Firmly press the crust mixture into the bottom of the prepared springform pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 minutes, then remove and allow to cool while preparing the filling.
- Beat cream cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Add sugar and sour cream: Add granulated sugar and sour cream to the cream cheese and continue beating until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to incorporate without adding too much air.
- Add citrus and vanilla flavors: Stir in the lemon zest, lime zest, fresh lemon juice, fresh lime juice, and vanilla extract until evenly blended.
- Pour and smooth filling: Pour the cream cheese filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Bake cheesecake: Bake at 325°F for 55 to 65 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly to the touch.
- Cool in oven: Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
- Chill cheesecake: Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set fully.
- Add topping and garnish: Before serving, spread the cherry preserves or pie filling evenly over the cheesecake. Sprinkle with chopped roasted pistachios and garnish with lemon and lime zest if desired.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for the creamiest texture and rich flavor.
- For a more vibrant cherry topping, warm the cherry preserves slightly before spreading to make it easier to spread and enhance flavor.
- This cheesecake can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld perfectly.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American