Prepare yourself for a true showstopper: the Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake. This vibrant dessert brings together the zesty brightness of fresh citrus, the rich creaminess of classic cheesecake, the crunch of pistachios, and a crown of glossy cherry topping. Every bite is a celebration of flavor and texture that feels both sophisticated and delightfully nostalgic. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving something extraordinary, this cheesecake is destined to become a favorite centerpiece.

Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this cheesecake are simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building its unforgettable flavor and texture. From nutty pistachios to tangy lemon and lime, every element shines in the finished dessert.

Graham cracker crumbs: The classic base for cheesecake, these provide a sweet, buttery crunch.
Finely ground pistachios: Adds color, nutty flavor, and a subtle crunch to the crust and topping.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the creamy filling perfectly.
Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust and gives it that irresistible, rich texture.
Cream cheese, softened: The star of the filling, creating a smooth and luscious base.
Large eggs: Essential for setting the cheesecake and giving it that classic, custardy texture.
Sour cream: Adds tang and ensures a silky-smooth filling.
All-purpose flour: Helps stabilize the cheesecake for clean, beautiful slices.
Lemon zest and juice: Brings a pop of bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness.
Lime zest and juice: Adds an extra layer of citrus complexity—tangy and refreshing.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and adds warmth.
Cherry pie filling: The jewel-like topping adds sweet-tart contrast and gorgeous color.
Chopped pistachios: Sprinkled on top for crunch and a pop of green.

How to Make Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, combine your graham cracker crumbs, finely ground pistachios, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Mix everything together until the mixture resembles wet sand—this ensures every bite of crust will hold together and deliver a nutty, buttery crunch. Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Bake the crust for 10 minutes to set it, then let it cool while you move on to the filling.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar together until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy—no lumps allowed. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep the filling silky. Next, blend in the sour cream, flour, lemon zest and juice, lime zest and juice, and vanilla extract. This is where the Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake really starts to come alive! Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula for a flawless finish.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place the pan in the oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until the edges are set but the center still has a gentle wobble. Don’t worry—this means your cheesecake will be luxuriously creamy. Once baked, turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. This slow cooling helps prevent cracks and gives the flavors time to mingle.

Step 4: Chill and Set

After the initial cooling, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you can wait. This chill time is crucial for the Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake to achieve its signature texture—ultra-smooth, dense, and sliceable.

Step 5: Add the Toppings

Just before serving, lavish the top of your cheesecake with glossy cherry pie filling. Scatter chopped pistachios over the cherries for a pop of color and crunch. The combination of sweet, tart, and nutty is absolutely irresistible and makes your cheesecake truly eye-catching.

How to Serve Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake

Garnishes

For a picture-perfect finish, dollop fresh whipped cream along the edges or in rosettes on top. A few extra lemon and lime zest curls or whole pistachios can make each slice feel special. The cherry topping already brings a dramatic flair, but these little touches make each serving of Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake even more inviting.

Side Dishes

This cheesecake is rich and zesty, so pair it with something light and fresh. A simple fruit salad or a bowl of mixed berries balances the creamy richness. If you’re hosting a gathering, serve alongside a bright herbal tea or a glass of sparkling wine to complement the citrus notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful! Serve individual slices on colorful dessert plates with a sprinkle of extra pistachios. For a more dramatic presentation, drizzle a little extra cherry sauce onto the plate and garnish with candied citrus slices. Or, for a party, cut the cheesecake into bite-sized squares and serve as elegant petit fours.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake in the refrigerator, tightly covered. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to five days, and the flavors actually deepen as it sits. Be sure to cover the cheesecake well to prevent it from absorbing any other fridge scents.

Freezing

This cheesecake freezes beautifully! After chilling and before adding the cherry topping, wrap the whole cheesecake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before topping and serving for best results.

Reheating

Cheesecake is best enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat. If you like a slightly softer texture, let your slice sit out for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Avoid microwaving, as it can affect the texture.

FAQs

Can I make Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, making the cheesecake a day ahead gives it plenty of time to chill and the flavors to meld. Just add the cherry topping and pistachios right before serving for the freshest look.

What if I don’t have a springform pan?

If you don’t have a springform pan, you can use a deep-dish pie pan or an 8-inch square pan lined with parchment for easy removal. Just note that the classic round shape and perfect slices are easiest with a springform.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Definitely! Cook fresh, pitted cherries with a bit of sugar and cornstarch until thick and glossy, then let cool before spreading over the cheesecake. This adds an extra homemade touch and lets you control the sweetness.

Is it possible to make this cheesecake gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free graham crackers in the crust and swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and you’ll still get all the rich, creamy, and zesty goodness.

Why did my cheesecake crack?

Cracks can happen if the cheesecake is overbaked, cooled too quickly, or if the batter is overmixed. To avoid cracks, don’t skip the cooling steps and always run a knife around the edge after baking. Even if a crack appears, the cherry topping provides a gorgeous cover-up!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that brings color, flavor, and pure joy to the table, you simply must try the Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake. It’s a dazzling treat that’s as fun to make as it is to share. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds—and the recipe!

Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake is a delightful citrus-infused dessert featuring a buttery pistachio graham cracker crust, creamy lemon and lime-flavored cheesecake filling, and a vibrant cherry topping crowned with chopped pistachios. Perfect for fans of rich, tangy flavors balanced with nutty crunch and sweet cherries.

Ingredients

Scale

For the crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup finely ground pistachios
1/3 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Zest and juice of 1 lime
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the topping:

1 1/2 cups cherry pie filling
1/4 cup chopped pistachios

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Instructions

Prepare the crust: Preheat oven to 325°F. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, ground pistachios, sugar, and melted butter until mixture is evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to form an even crust. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove and allow to cool.
Make the filling: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth texture. Stir in sour cream, flour, lemon zest and juice, lime zest and juice, and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Bake the cheesecake: Pour the prepared filling evenly over the cooled crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes or until the center is just set with a slight wobble. Turn off the oven and crack the door open to let the cheesecake cool gradually for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
Chill: After cooling, refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to set completely and develop the rich flavors.
Add the topping and serve: Before serving, spread cherry pie filling over the top and sprinkle with chopped pistachios for a vibrant and crunchy finish. Optionally garnish with fresh whipped cream.

Notes

Bring cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature before mixing for a smoother batter and to avoid lumps.
Run a knife around the edge of the cheesecake after baking to help prevent cracks as it cools.
Fresh whipped cream pairs beautifully with the tart and creamy cheesecake.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American