Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake

This cheesecake is all about balance: the citrus cuts through the richness, the cherries add a juicy pop, and the pistachios give it that toasty crunch. Every forkful hits all the notes—creamy, tangy, sweet, nutty, and bright.

I made this beauty for a spring dinner party and wow, it disappeared faster than anything else on the table. People were sneaking second slices before dessert was officially served. That’s the power of lemon-lime + cherry + pistachio.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesecake

• Creamy and bright: The lemon-lime combo adds a fresh twist to the rich filling.
• Nutty, buttery crust: Ground pistachios + graham crackers = next-level delicious.
• Gorgeous presentation: The cherry topping looks like something from a pastry shop.
• Make-ahead magic: This dessert chills beautifully and is best made in advance.
• Surprisingly easy: It looks fancy, but you don’t need to be a pastry chef to pull this off.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 60–70 minutes
• Chill Time: 6 hours (or overnight)
• Total Time: About 8 hours
• Servings: 12 slices
• Calories per slice: ~410
• Protein: 7g | Carbs: 34g | Fat: 28g

Ingredients

For the Pistachio Crust:

• 1 cup shelled pistachios (unsalted)
• ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Pinch of salt

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 3 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cherry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Optional Garnish:

• Extra chopped pistachios
• Lemon or lime zest
• Whipped cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a food processor, pulse pistachios until finely ground (but not a paste).
3. Add graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and salt. Pulse to combine.
4. Drizzle in melted butter and pulse again until the mixture resembles wet sand.
5. Press mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan.
6. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool while you make the filling.

Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
2. Add sugar and mix well.
3. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined.
4. Add sour cream, flour, lemon and lime zest, citrus juices, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
5. Pour filling over the cooled crust. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.

Step 3: Bake

1. Wrap the outside of your springform pan in foil and place in a large roasting pan.
2. Pour hot water into the roasting pan to create a water bath (this helps prevent cracking).
3. Bake for 60–70 minutes, until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly.
4. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 1 hour.
5. Remove from oven and refrigerate at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

Step 4: Make the Cherry Topping

1. In a small saucepan, combine cherries, water, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat until cherries soften (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in cornstarch and simmer 2–3 more minutes until thickened.
4. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Once the cheesecake is fully chilled, spoon the cherry topping over the top.
2. Garnish with chopped pistachios, lemon/lime zest, or a dollop of whipped cream.
3. Slice and serve chilled. Savor every bite.

How to Serve

This cheesecake is perfect on its own, but you can elevate the moment with:

• A mug of hot espresso or strong black tea
• Fresh mint sprigs or edible flowers for a garden-party vibe
• Lemon sorbet on the side for a refreshing contrast

Want to really impress your guests? Serve with a citrus spritzer or cherry mocktail to tie in those flavor notes.

Additional Tips

1. Use room-temp ingredients: Cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream should all be at room temp for a smooth filling.
2. Don’t overmix: Overmixing can cause cracking. Beat until just combined.
3. Bake low and slow: A water bath and gentle oven temp make all the difference.
4. Chill fully: Don’t rush the chill time—your cheesecake needs it to set properly.
5. Sharp knife = clean slices: Wipe your knife between cuts for those perfect bakery-style slices.

Recipe Variations

• Nut-free version: Use all graham crackers or shortbread cookies for the crust.
• Tropical twist: Replace cherry topping with mango or passion fruit compote.
• Mini cheesecakes: Use a muffin tin and bake for 18–20 minutes for individual portions.
• No-bake version: Use a gelatin-stabilized filling and skip the oven entirely (message me if you want this version!).

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Fridge: Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze without topping for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before adding cherries.
• Make ahead: Both the cheesecake and the topping can be made a day or two in advance.

FAQ

Can I use jarred cherry pie filling?
Yes! It’s a shortcut, though homemade gives you a fresher, less-sweet flavor.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use gluten-free graham crackers and flour.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?
You can use a deep 9-inch cake pan lined with parchment and carefully remove it after chilling.

Can I use bottled lemon/lime juice?
Fresh is best here for brightness and zing, but bottled works in a pinch.

Why did my cheesecake crack?
It could be overbaked, overmixed, or cooled too quickly. It’ll still taste amazing—and the cherry topping covers any cracks beautifully!

Conclusion

This Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake is your new go-to for celebrations, spring holidays, or when you just want to bake something truly special. It’s equal parts bright, rich, nutty, and luxurious—and guaranteed to earn “wow, you made this?!” compliments every single time.

Try it, share it, and enjoy every creamy, zesty bite.

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