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Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake



Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Citrus Zing : Lemon and lime juices add a refreshing tang to the creamy cheesecake.
  2. Fruit & Nut Combo : Sweet cherries and nutty pistachios create a delightful contrast.
  3. Make-Ahead Friendly : Perfect for preparing in advance and chilling until ready to serve.
  4. Customizable : Adjust sweetness, citrus levels, or toppings to suit your taste.
  5. 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

  1. In a bowl, mix crushed graham crackers, chopped pistachios, sugar, and melted butter.
  2. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 8–10 minutes , then let cool.

Step 3: Make the Filling

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition.
  3. Stir in lemon and lime zest, juices, vanilla extract, and sour cream until fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

  1. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
  2. Bake for 50–60 minutes , until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
  3. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool slowly for 1 hour to prevent cracking.

Step 5: Chill

  1. Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours (or overnight) to set completely.

Step 6: Add Toppings

  1. Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the chilled cheesecake.
  2. 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.