Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake - Ooh, A Tangy Nutty Fiesta of Citrus & Cherry Magic! 🍰
📋 Ingredients
● For the Crust:
• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
• ½ cup finely chopped pistachios
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
● For the Cheesecake Filling:
• 24 oz (3 packages) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lime
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
● For the Cherry Topping:
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ cup water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
● For Garnish (Optional):
• Whipped cream
• Chopped pistachios
• Lemon and lime zest
📝 Instructions
1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C); mix graham cracker crumbs, pistachios, sugar, and melted butter until combined, press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, bake for 8-10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.
2: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth; add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated, then stir in sour cream, cornstarch, lemon zest, lime zest, lemon juice, lime juice, and vanilla extract. Pour the filling over the crust and smooth the top.
3: Place the springform pan in a larger baking pan, pour hot water into the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the cheesecake pan (water bath method), and bake for 50-60 minutes until the center is set but slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly open for 1 hour, then remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
4: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice; cook while stirring until the mixture thickens and the cherries soften (about 5-7 minutes), then remove from heat and let cool before spreading over the cheesecake.
5: Spread the cooled cherry topping over the chilled cheesecake, garnish with whipped cream, chopped pistachios, and citrus zest if desired; slice, serve, and enjoy!