Description
The Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for your eyes. Originating from the rich culinary traditions that celebrate the perfect blend of sweet and tart, this cheesecake is a testament to how diverse flavors can come together to create something extraordinary.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 packages (8 ounces 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
- Whipped cream, for topping
- Whole cherries and chopped pistachios, for garnish
Optional substitutions:
- For a gluten-free crust, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs.
- Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and butter for a lactose-free version.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until smooth. Add the vanilla extract and mix well. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Add the lemon juice, lime juice, lemon zest, and lime zest to the cream cheese mixture, and beat until smooth. Gently fold in the chopped pistachios and cherries.
- Pour the batter over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the center is almost set.
- Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool in the oven with the door slightly open for about 1 hour. Then, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
- Before serving, top the cheesecake with whipped cream, whole cherries, and chopped pistachios.
Notes
- Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
- When folding in the cherries and pistachios, be gentle to maintain their texture.
