Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake combines vibrant citrus flavors with creamy richness and a delightful crunch from pistachios. This Citrus Cream Delight is perfect for special occasions or as a refreshing treat on a warm day. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a zesty dessert, this cheesecake will impress with every creamy, tangy bite.
Why You’ll Love Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake
This Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake recipe is a standout Citrus Cream Delight:
- Vibrant Flavors: Lemon and lime zest create a refreshing tang.
- Creamy Texture: Silky cheesecake with a crunchy pistachio topping.
- Showstopper: Perfect for celebrations or elegant gatherings.
- Make-Ahead: Chills overnight for easy prep.
- I served this at a summer gathering, and it was the ultimate Citrus Cream Delight!
Ingredients for Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake
Here’s what you’ll need for Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake (serves 12):
Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Topping:
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (fresh or canned)
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios
- Fresh mint leaves (optional garnish)
Ingredient Tips:
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat, softened for smooth blending; avoid low-fat for best texture.
- Citrus: Freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice for bright flavor.
- Pistachios: Unsalted, finely chopped for even crunch.
- Cherry Filling: Use high-quality canned or homemade for vibrant topping.
- Equipment: 9-inch springform pan, mixer, zester, spatula.
Directions for Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake
Let’s create this stunning Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake!
Prepare the Crust
- I preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, I mix 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and ½ cup melted butter.
- I press the mixture into the pan’s bottom to form a crust and bake for 8 minutes.
- I let it cool while preparing the filling.
Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, I beat 3 (8 oz) packages of softened cream cheese until smooth.
- I gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating until fluffy.
- I mix in ½ cup sour cream and ¼ cup heavy cream, then add 3 eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- I stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp lime zest, ¼ cup lemon juice, ¼ cup lime juice, and 1 tsp vanilla extract for a zesty Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake.
Bake the Cheesecake
- I pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top.
- I bake for 50–60 minutes until the center is set and edges are lightly golden.
- I turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracks.
Chill and Top
- I refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set.
- Before serving, I spread 1 cup cherry pie filling over the top and sprinkle with ¼ cup chopped pistachios.
- I garnish with mint leaves if desired.
Serve
- I slice the Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake with a warm knife for clean cuts and serve chilled.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: ~5 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 38g carbs, 7g protein, 28g fat, 1g fiber
Variations for Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake
- Fruit Swap: Use blueberry or strawberry topping instead of cherry.
- Nutty Crust: Replace graham crumbs with crushed pistachios or almonds.
- Flavor Twist: Add 1 tsp coconut extract or almond extract to the filling.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust.
- Mini Versions: Bake in a muffin tin with liners for individual servings.
Storage
I store Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For freezing, I wrap the ungarnished cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, storing for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge before adding toppings and serving chilled.
Serving Ideas
Make your Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake a star Citrus Cream Delight:
- Classic: Serve as a Citrus Cream Delight with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Garnish: Add extra pistachios or a lemon slice for elegance.
- Pairing: Enjoy with coffee, tea, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.
- Presentation: Display on a cake stand for a stunning centerpiece.
- Occasion: Perfect for birthdays, holidays, or summer gatherings.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but it may alter the creaminess and texture slightly.
How can I prevent cracks in my cheesecake?
Avoid overmixing and let the cheesecake cool gradually in the oven.
Is it necessary to refrigerate overnight?
While it can be served after a few hours, refrigerating overnight allows for better setting.
Can I freeze this cheesecake?
Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter option.
Can I make this cheesecake gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs for the crust.
Is the topping optional?
Yes, you can serve it plain or with a different topping if desired.
What’s the best way to slice cheesecake?
Use a warm knife for clean slices and wipe it between cuts.
Can I make mini cheesecakes?
Yes, use a muffin tin with cupcake liners for individual servings.
How can I enhance the citrus flavor?
Increase the lemon and lime juice or zest to taste.
More Summer Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
- Strawberry Sorbet Recipe
- Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Recipe
- Strawberry Fudge Recipe
- Chocolate Cherry Dump Cake
- Pear Dump Cake: A Sweet Summer Treat
Conclusion
Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that is sure to impress your guests. Its creamy richness and refreshing citrus notes make it an ideal Citrus Cream Delight for any occasion. Enjoy this irresistible treat!
Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 8 oz packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lime zest
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- 1 cup cherry pie filling fresh or canned
- ¼ cup chopped pistachios
- Fresh mint leaves optional garnish
- Ingredient Tips:
Instructions
Prepare the Crust
- I preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan. In a medium bowl, I mix 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and ½ cup melted butter. I press the mixture into the pan’s bottom to form a crust and bake for 8 minutes. I let it cool while preparing the filling.
Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, I beat 3 (8 oz) packages of softened cream cheese until smooth. I gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating until fluffy. I mix in ½ cup sour cream and ¼ cup heavy cream, then add 3 eggs one at a time, beating well after each. I stir in 1 tbsp lemon zest, 1 tbsp lime zest, ¼ cup lemon juice, ¼ cup lime juice, and 1 tsp vanilla extract for a zesty Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake.
Bake the Cheesecake
- I pour the filling over the cooled crust, smoothing the top. I bake for 50–60 minutes until the center is set and edges are lightly golden. I turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to prevent cracks.
Chill and Top
- I refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to set. Before serving, I spread 1 cup cherry pie filling over the top and sprinkle with ¼ cup chopped pistachios. I garnish with mint leaves if desired.
Serve
- I slice the Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake with a warm knife for clean cuts and serve chilled.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, adjust the amount of lemon and lime juice. This cheesecake is perfect for special occasions or as a refreshing dessert!
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