Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Citrus Zing : Lemon and lime juices add a refreshing tang to the creamy cheesecake.
- Fruit & Nut Combo : Sweet cherries and nutty pistachios create a delightful contrast.
- Make-Ahead Friendly : Perfect for preparing in advance and chilling until ready to serve.
- Customizable : Adjust sweetness, citrus levels, or toppings to suit your taste.
- Crowd-Pleasing : A stunning centerpiece dessert that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers (or digestive biscuits for a nuttier crust)
- ½ cup shelled pistachios , finely chopped
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter , melted 🧈
For the Filling:
- 4 (8 oz) packages cream cheese , softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs , room temperature
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Topping:
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (or homemade cherry compote)
- ¼ cup shelled pistachios , roughly chopped
- Optional : Fresh mint leaves or zest for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) . Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Crust
- In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers, chopped pistachios, sugar, and melted butter.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes , then let cool.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition.
- Stir in lemon and lime zest, juices, vanilla extract, and sour cream until fully combined.
Step 4: Assemble & Bake
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes , until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool slowly for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
Step 5: Chill
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours (or overnight) to set completely.
Step 6: Add Toppings
- Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
- Sprinkle chopped pistachios around the edges for texture and color. Garnish with fresh mint or extra zest if desired.
Why This Recipe Works
- Citrus Balance : Lemon and lime juices brighten the rich cheesecake without overpowering it.
- Pistachio Crunch : Adds a nutty, earthy flavor and complements the creamy texture.
- Cherry Topping : Provides a sweet-tart contrast that ties all the flavors together.
