Description
Sunset-inspired flavors dance in this Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake, blending zesty citrus with sweet cherries and nutty pistachios. Creamy layers promise a delightful journey through Mediterranean-inspired dessert magic that will make you crave each indulgent bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 24 ounces (680 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup pistachios, chopped
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lime zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare a buttery foundation by combining graham cracker crumbs with sugar and melted butter, pressing firmly into a 9-inch springform pan. Bake at 325F for 10 minutes to create a crisp base, then allow to cool completely.
- Using an electric mixer, whip cream cheese and sugar until silky smooth. Incorporate vanilla extract, ensuring a uniform consistency.
- Gently add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly between each addition to prevent lumps.
- Infuse the mixture with bright citrus notes by stirring in lemon and lime juices, complemented by their respective zests. This will create a vibrant, tangy undertone.
- Fold chopped pistachios and cherries into the creamy batter, distributing them evenly for balanced texture and flavor.
- Transfer the batter onto the cooled crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula to eliminate air pockets.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, watching for a slight jiggle in the center which indicates perfect doneness.
- After baking, switch off the oven and crack the door open, allowing the cheesecake to cool gradually for one hour, preventing surface cracking.
- Refrigerate for minimum 4 hours or overnight to set completely and develop rich flavors.
- Before serving, crown the cheesecake with billowy whipped cream, whole cherries, and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Swap graham cracker crumbs with gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version, ensuring everyone can enjoy this delectable dessert.
- Consider reducing sugar by using stevia or monk fruit sweetener to create a lower-calorie alternative without compromising the rich, tangy flavor profile.
- Prevent cheesecake cracking by avoiding overmixing and using room temperature ingredients, which help create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Enhance flavor complexity by toasting pistachios before adding them to the batter, releasing their nutty essence and providing a deeper, more intense taste experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 217
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 49 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 29 mg