Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake

Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with vibrant citrus flavors, the crunch of pistachios, and the sweet tartness of cherries. It’s a unique and decadent dessert perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to make it:

Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup chopped pistachios

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lime
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cherry Topping:

• 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
• In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, melted butter, and chopped pistachios until well combined.
• Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even crust.
• Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the cheesecake filling.

2. Make the Cheesecake Filling:

• Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
• Add the Sour Cream and Sugar: Add the sour cream and granulated sugar, continuing to beat until smooth and well combined.
• Add the Eggs and Flavorings: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the lemon juice, lime juice, lemon zest, lime zest, and vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and creamy.

3. Bake the Cheesecake:

• Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until the center is set (it may still jiggle slightly). If you notice the edges starting to brown too much, you can tent the cheesecake with foil to prevent overbaking.
• Once baked, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake in the oven for 1 hour. After that, remove from the oven and cool completely at room temperature.
• After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to fully set.

4. Prepare the Cherry Topping:

• In a small saucepan, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juices and the mixture begins to thicken (about 5-7 minutes).
• If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and add it to the cherry mixture, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the topping thickens.
• Remove from heat and let the cherry topping cool completely before spooning it over the cheesecake.

5. Assemble and Serve:

• Once the cheesecake has chilled and the cherry topping has cooled, spread the cherry topping evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
• Carefully release the sides of the springform pan and transfer the cheesecake to a serving platter.
• Garnish with additional chopped pistachios, lemon, and lime zest if desired.

6. Enjoy:

• Slice, serve, and enjoy this refreshing and indulgent dessert!

Tips:

• Pistachios: If you prefer a more intense pistachio flavor, you can also mix some finely ground pistachios into the cheesecake batter.
• Cherry Variations: You can substitute fresh or frozen cherries with other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries for a different topping flavor.
• Make-Ahead: This cheesecake is perfect for making ahead! Just refrigerate it for up to 2-3 days before serving.

This Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake offers a delightful combination of creamy, citrusy, nutty, and fruity flavors that will surely impress anyone who tries it. Enjoy! 🍰🍒🍋