Description
Creamy lemon-lime cherry pistachio cheesecake delights taste buds with its perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors. Crisp pistachio crust and silky filling create a Mediterranean-inspired dessert that makes friends and family swoon.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup pistachios, chopped
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Flavoring and Binding Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Transform the springform pan into a crust foundation by blending graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and sugar, creating a compact base layer that will anchor the creamy filling.
- Heat the oven to a gentle 325°F, allowing the crust to pre-bake and solidify for approximately 10 minutes, developing a golden, crisp texture.
- Whip cream cheese until silky smooth, gradually incorporating sugar to create a luxurious, velvety mixture that will form the cheesecake’s core.
- Introduce eggs individually into the cream cheese blend, ensuring each integrates completely without disrupting the delicate consistency.
- Infuse the mixture with vibrant citrus essence by adding freshly squeezed lemon and lime juices, complemented by their fragrant zests that will elevate the flavor profile.
- Carefully fold chopped pistachios and cherries into the batter, distributing them evenly to create delightful textural surprises throughout the cheesecake.
- Gently pour the enriched filling over the pre-baked crust, smoothing the surface to achieve an elegant, uniform appearance.
- Bake the cheesecake for 50-60 minutes, watching for a subtle jiggle in the center that indicates perfect doneness.
- Allow the cheesecake to cool gradually inside the oven with the door slightly ajar, preventing sudden temperature changes that could cause cracking.
- Refrigerate the cheesecake for a minimum of 4 hours, permitting the filling to set and flavors to meld harmoniously.
- Before serving, garnish with billowy whipped cream, strategically placed whole cherries, and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios to create a visually stunning and delectable dessert.
Notes
- Chill cream cheese beforehand to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling that blends perfectly with other ingredients.
- Use room temperature eggs to prevent the cheesecake from cracking and help create a silky, uniform texture.
- Crush graham crackers finely for a more compact and consistent crust that holds together beautifully when sliced.
- Layer chopped pistachios and cherries gently to prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cheesecake during baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg