Description
A refreshing and vibrant cheesecake featuring a zesty lemon-lime flavor combined with sweet cherries and crunchy pistachios, all atop a buttery graham cracker crust. This luscious dessert blends creamy texture with bright citrus notes, perfect for special occasions or a delightful treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 3 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios
- 1/2 cup chopped cherries
Topping & Garnish
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Whole cherries, for garnish
- Chopped pistachios, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan to ensure the cheesecake doesn’t stick during baking.
- Make the crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter thoroughly. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to form an even crust. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and allow it to cool completely.
- Mix the cream cheese base: Beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and then beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate fully without overmixing.
- Add citrus and mix-ins: Stir in fresh lemon juice, lime juice, lemon zest, and lime zest until well combined. Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and cherries to evenly distribute these flavorful mix-ins within the batter.
- Fill and bake the cheesecake: Pour the batter over the cooled crust, smoothing the top for an even finish. Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes or until the center is just about set—slightly jiggly but not liquid.
- Cool and chill: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour to cool gradually. Then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to let it set completely and develop flavor.
- Serve with toppings: Before serving, spread whipped cream over the top and garnish with whole cherries and chopped pistachios for added texture, color, and taste.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth batter without lumps.
- Do not overbake; the center should still have slight jiggle when done—this prevents cracking and dry texture.
- For best flavor, use fresh lemon and lime juice and zest.
- Chilling overnight overnight helps the cheesecake set properly and enhances flavors.
- You can substitute cherries with other stone fruits like blueberries or raspberries if desired.
