Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake: A Vibrant and Refreshing Dessert
When it comes to cheesecakes, there’s a wide variety of flavors and combinations to try. One that’s perfect for spring and summer is the Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake. This refreshing dessert combines the tanginess of lemon and lime, the sweetness of cherry, and the crunch of pistachios, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds.
A Perfect Combination of Flavors
The combination of lemon, lime, cherry, and pistachio might sound unusual, but it’s actually a match made in heaven. The tartness of lemon and lime zest complements the sweetness of cherry puree, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The addition of pistachios provides a crunchy texture and a subtle nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cheesecake.
Ingredients and Directions
To make this delightful dessert, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lime
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup cherry puree (fresh or frozen)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup cherry preserves or jam
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
To make the cheesecake, follow these steps:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
In a small bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and chopped pistachios. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared springform pan to form an even crust.
Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, then remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth. Add the sugar and continue beating until combined.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon juice, lime juice, lemon zest, lime zest, and vanilla extract.
Gently swirl in the cherry puree, creating a marbled effect.
Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake the cheesecake for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Turn off the oven and let the cheesecake cool inside with the door slightly ajar for 1 hour.
Once cooled, transfer the cheesecake to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Making the Cherry Topping
To make the cherry topping, combine the fresh cherries and cherry preserves in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Assembly and Serving
Before serving, top the cheesecake with the cherry topping and sprinkle with chopped pistachios for an extra crunch.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This delicious cheesecake has a total of 380 kcal per serving. The cheesecake yields 12 slices, making it the perfect dessert for parties and gatherings.
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time
The prep time for this cheesecake is 20 minutes, and the cooking time is 50 minutes. After adding the cooling time, the total time required to make this cheesecake is approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes.
Conclusion
The Luscious Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake is a perfect dessert for spring and summer. With its unique combination of flavors and textures, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, go ahead and give it a try – your taste buds will thank you!
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen cherries for the topping?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cherries for the topping. Just make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with a paper towel before using.
Q: Can I use lemon or lime extract instead of fresh juice?
A: While it’s possible to use lemon or lime extract, it’s recommended to use fresh juice for the best flavor. Extracts can be too strong and overpowering, so it’s best to stick with fresh juice.
Q: Can I make the cheesecake ahead of time and freeze it?
A: Yes, you can make the cheesecake ahead of time and freeze it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and thaw it in the refrigerator when you’re ready to serve.
