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Lemon Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake

A beautifully balanced cheesecake featuring sharp citrus flavors, sweet cherries, and crunchy pistachios, making it a perfect summer dessert.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 425

Ingredients
  

For the crust
  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 0.25 cups unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the cheesecake filling
  • 2.5 pounds cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 0.25 cups fresh lemon juice
  • 0.25 cups fresh lime juice
  • 1 each zest of 1 lemon and 1 lime
For the cherry topping
  • 1.5 cups fresh cherries or cherry preserves
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the pistachio crumble
  • 1 cup unsalted pistachios, roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 pinch sea salt

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line or lightly grease a springform pan.
  2. In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of sugar until the texture resembles damp sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan.
  3. Bake for about 10 minutes, until the crust smells toasty. Let it cool.
Make the Filling
  1. In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of sugar until smooth.
  2. Add the eggs one at a time, beating just until incorporated for a silky texture.
  3. Stir in the vanilla, lemon juice, lime juice, and zests until glossy.
  4. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.
Baking
  1. Bake for 50–60 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is slightly wobbly.
  2. Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake rest inside for an hour.
Chill and Top
  1. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
  2. For the cherry topping, combine cherries or preserves with 2 tablespoons sugar and cook until thickened. Stir in lemon juice and cool.
  3. For the pistachio crumble, toast pistachios, chop, and toss with 1 tablespoon sugar and a pinch of salt.
  4. Spread cooled cherry topping on cheesecake and sprinkle pistachio crumble over it.
Serving
  1. Serve chilled in slices, optionally with whipped cream or fresh cherries.

Notes

Bring cream cheese and eggs to room temperature for best blending. Avoid overwhipping to prevent cracks. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham crackers.