Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake
Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake is a vibrant and refreshing dessert that perfectly balances tangy citrus zest, juicy cherries, and crunchy pistachios with a creamy, rich cheesecake base. Ideal for celebrations or casual dinners, this cheesecake combines bright flavors and textures to create an unforgettable experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-65 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free crust alternative)
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Filling
- 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 cup cherries, chopped (fresh or well-drained frozen/canned)
- 1/2 cup roasted and chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar until evenly combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling to help it set.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sugar, then the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the sour cream or Greek yogurt, followed by the lemon and lime zest to infuse the mixture with bright citrus flavor.
- Fold in Cherries and Pistachios: Gently fold the chopped cherries and roasted pistachios into the batter, distributing them evenly without crushing the fruit.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter over the chilled crust. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is almost set with a slight wobble when gently shaken.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the cheesecake to cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set and develop the flavors.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smooth batter without lumps.
- Mix ingredients just enough to combine; overmixing can cause cracks.
- Consider baking in a water bath to maintain moisture and prevent cracking.
- Zest citrus fruits before juicing to maximize flavor and aroma.
- Chill the cheesecake overnight for best texture and flavor development.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cheesecake)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: lemon lime cheesecake, cherry pistachio cheesecake, fruity cheesecake, creamy dessert, citrus cheesecake