Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake
The Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake is a bright and refreshing dessert that expertly combines tangy lemon and lime flavors with sweet cherries and crunchy pistachios. Featuring a smooth, creamy texture anchored by a buttery graham cracker crust, this visually stunning cheesecake is perfect for celebrations or any special occasion. It’s easily customizable and offers a delightful balance of zest, sweetness, and nutty richness.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 50-60 mins
- Total Time: 4 hrs 30 mins
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free crust used)
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 oz (680g) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (120g) sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 cup (150g) fresh or thawed cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup (60g) chopped pistachios
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups (150g) graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- Prepare the Crust: Mix crushed graham crackers, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press it evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and refrigerate to set while preparing the filling.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. Gradually add sugar, mixing well. Blend in eggs one at a time. Stir in sour cream, vanilla extract, lemon and lime zest, and fresh juices until creamy and fully combined.
- Fold in Cherries and Pistachios: Gently fold fresh or thawed cherries and chopped pistachios into the cheesecake batter, ensuring even distribution without breaking the cherries too much.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the filling over the chilled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center slightly jiggles when shaken.
- Cool and Chill: Let the cheesecake cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set and develop flavors before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Do not overmix the filling to avoid incorporating too much air and potential cracking.
- For extra creamy, crack-free cheesecake, bake using a water bath by wrapping the springform pan in foil and placing it in a larger pan filled with hot water.
- Chill the cheesecake thoroughly to help flavors meld and ensure perfect slicing.
- Use freshly grated lemon and lime zest to maximize citrus aroma and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cheesecake)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: cheesecake, lemon lime cheesecake, cherry pistachio cheesecake, citrus dessert, gluten free cheesecake, summer dessert