Quick Zesty Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe

Creamy cheesecake with a zesty lemon-lime twist becomes an irresistible dessert that dances between tangy and sweet.

Pistachios add a delightful crunch to this luxurious treat.

The vibrant citrus notes perfectly complement the rich cream cheese base.

Cherries bring a burst of ruby-red color and fruity brightness to each slice.

This dessert promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Every bite delivers a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Prepare to indulge in a cheesecake that breaks all the traditional dessert boundaries.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pistachios?

Yes, you can substitute pistachios with almonds or walnuts for a similar crunchy texture in the crust and topping.

• How do I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?

Use a water bath during baking, avoid overmixing the batter, and let the cheesecake cool slowly in the oven with the door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes.

• Is it necessary to use both lemon and lime juice?

While you can use just one citrus, the combination of lemon and lime creates a more complex, bright flavor profile that makes this cheesecake unique.

• Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, which actually helps enhance its flavor and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 10

Cheesecake Ingredient Rundown for a Flavor Burst

• Graham Cracker Crumbs: Delivers a classic, crispy foundation with rich, buttery notes.
• Pistachios: Adds delightful crunch and nutty complexity to the base.
• Sugar: Enhances sweetness and helps bind the crust ingredients.
• Butter: Creates a rich, golden binding that holds the crust together perfectly.

• Cream Cheese: Provides creamy, smooth texture and tangy richness.
• Sugar: Balances and sweetens the cheesecake's flavor profile.
• Eggs: Enables silky structure and helps set the filling.
• Sour Cream: Contributes luxurious moisture and subtle tang.
• Flour: Stabilizes the filling and prevents cracking.
• Lemon Juice, Lime Juice: Delivers bright, zesty citrus undertones.
• Lemon Zest, Lime Zest: Intensifies citrus aroma and adds vibrant flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors with warm, sweet complexity.

• Cherry Pie Filling: Introduces sweet-tart fruity layer with gorgeous color.
• Chopped Pistachios: Provides elegant crunch and nutty garnish.

Tools That Help You Build This Bold Dessert

• Springform pan: Essential 9-inch pan for creating perfect cheesecake with removable sides.
• Electric mixer: Crucial for beating cream cheese and creating smooth, creamy filling.
• Large mixing bowls: Needed for preparing crust and cheesecake batter.
• Spatula: Perfect for smoothing batter and spreading cherry topping.
• Roasting pan: Large pan for water bath to ensure even baking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measuring for accurate ingredients.
• Zester or grater: For obtaining fresh lemon and lime zest.
• Whisk: Helpful for mixing ingredients thoroughly.

Make Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Shine

• Craft the Crunchy Base

Create a buttery foundation by mixing graham cracker crumbs with crushed pistachios and a touch of sweetness. Press the mixture firmly into a springform pan and bake briefly to set the delicious foundation.

• Whip Up the Creamy Filling

Blend cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually incorporating eggs and creating a luscious mixture. Infuse with zesty lemon and lime flavors, giving the cheesecake a bright, tangy personality.

• Bake with Tender Care

Gently pour the filling over the prepared crust, then nestle the pan into a water bath. Bake carefully, allowing the cheesecake to develop a luxurious, velvety texture with a slightly wobbling center.

• Slow Cool for Perfection

Let the cheesecake rest inside the oven after baking, allowing it to gradually cool and prevent cracking. Transfer to the refrigerator and let it chill thoroughly, developing rich, deep flavors.

• Dress and Delight

Top the chilled cheesecake with vibrant cherry filling, creating a stunning visual contrast. Sprinkle chopped pistachios around the edges for an elegant, crunchy finish.

• Serve and Savor

Release the springform pan, slice into elegant wedges, and serve this decadent dessert chilled, ready to impress and delight.

Tips That Let Each Layer Pop with Taste

• Use room temperature cream cheese and eggs for a smoother, lump-free filling that blends effortlessly and creates a silky cheesecake texture.
• Always use a water bath when baking cheesecake to prevent cracking and ensure even, gentle cooking that keeps the center creamy and prevents overbaking.
• This cheesecake can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining and allowing flavors to develop more deeply.
• Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free cookie crumbs or ground almond meal to create a delicious gluten-free crust that's equally crispy and flavorful.
• Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a lower-calorie version that maintains the cheesecake's rich, tangy profile while reducing overall sugar content.

Serve at Parties or Family Gatherings

• Zesty Citrus Elegance: Garnish with thin lemon and lime slices around the edges, creating a vibrant citrus border that hints at the cake's bright flavors.
• Nutty Crunch Delight: Scatter additional chopped pistachios across the cherry topping, adding texture and enhancing the nutty undertones of the dessert.
• Fruity Fresh Twist: Serve each slice with a small dollop of fresh whipped cream and a few fresh cherries on the side to complement the pie filling and add a burst of color.
• Refreshing Pairing Perfection: Accompany the cheesecake with a small glass of limoncello or a light citrus-infused cocktail to elevate the overall tasting experience.

Store It Covered to Preserve Every Layer

• Store the cheesecake in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap to maintain its creamy texture and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Keep chilled for up to 5 days.
• Cut clean slices by dipping a sharp knife in hot water and wiping dry between each cut. This technique ensures smooth, professional-looking servings without crumbling.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cheesecake in double layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor restoration.
• Always serve chilled directly from the refrigerator. Remove from the fridge 10-15 minutes before serving to allow slight softening, which enhances the creamy consistency and brings out the subtle citrus and nutty flavors.

Zesty Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Signature Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake blends zesty citrus with sweet cherries and nutty pistachios. Luxurious layers promise a sensational dessert experience that delights sophisticated palates.

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Ingredients

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• 3 (8 oz / 227 g) blocks cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (200 g / 7.1 ounces) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 6 tbsps (85 g / 3 oz) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) sour cream
• 1 ½ cups (150 g / 5.3 oz) graham cracker crumbs
• 1 cup (250 ml / 8.5 fl oz) cherry pie filling
• ¼ cup (30 g / 1.1 oz) finely chopped pistachios
• ¼ cup (30 g / 1.1 oz) chopped pistachios
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp lime zest
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ cup (60 g / 2.1 oz) granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Crust Preparation: Combine graham cracker crumbs, pistachios, sugar, and melted butter into a cohesive mixture. Press firmly and evenly into a greased 9-inch springform pan, creating a compact base.
2. Crust Toasting: Bake the crust at 350F (175C) for 10 minutes until golden, then allow to cool completely, developing a rich, nutty undertone.
3. Filling Creation: Blend cream cheese and sugar using an electric mixer until velvety smooth. Integrate eggs one at a time, ensuring complete incorporation and a luxurious texture.
4. Flavor Infusion: Gently fold sour cream, flour, lemon and lime juices, citrus zests, and vanilla extract into the mixture, blending until ingredients are perfectly harmonized without overmixing.
5. Assembly and Water Bath: Pour the silky filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the surface. Place the springform pan inside a larger roasting pan filled with hot water to create a gentle moisture environment.
6. Baking Process: Bake for 60-70 minutes, looking for set edges and a subtle center wobble that indicates perfect doneness. Turn off the oven, leaving the door slightly open to allow gradual cooling and prevent surface cracking.
7. Chilling and Setting: Remove from the water bath and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to develop a sublime texture and allow flavors to meld completely.
8. Final Presentation: Spread cherry pie filling across the top of the chilled cheesecake. Sprinkle crushed pistachios for a delightful textural contrast and visual elegance.
9. Serving: Carefully release the springform pan, slice into refined portions, and serve chilled for an exquisite dessert experience.

Notes

• Prevent Crust Crumbling: Press graham cracker and pistachio mixture firmly and evenly to create a solid, compact base that won’t fall apart when slicing.
• Master Water Bath Technique: Wrap springform pan’s exterior with aluminum foil to prevent water seepage and ensure even, gentle baking without compromising the delicate cheesecake texture.
• Avoid Overmixing Danger: Blend cheesecake filling gently and minimally to prevent incorporating excess air, which causes unwanted cracks and a dense, heavy texture.
• Temperature Control Is Key: Allow cheesecake to cool gradually inside the oven with door slightly open to prevent sudden temperature changes that lead to surface cracking.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg