Ingredients
For the Crust:
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
¼ cup chopped pistachios
For the Cheesecake Filling:
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
¾ 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
½ cup cherry puree (made from fresh or frozen cherries)
For the Topping:
1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
¼ cup cherry preserves or jam
¼ cup chopped pistachios
Instructions
Making the Crust:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and chopped pistachios.
3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the pan to form a firm crust.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove from the oven and let it cool.
Preparing the Cheesecake Filling:
1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
2. Add the sugar and mix until well incorporated.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next.
4. Stir in the lemon juice, lime juice, lemon zest, lime zest, and vanilla extract.
5. Gently swirl in the cherry puree to create a marbled look.
6. Pour the batter over the cooled crust, spreading it evenly.
Baking & Cooling:
1. Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the edges are firm but the center remains slightly wobbly.
2. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for an hour.
3. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Making the Topping:
1. In a saucepan over low heat, combine the fresh cherries and cherry preserves.
2. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture slightly thickens.
3. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
Assembling & Serving:
1. Before serving, spread the cherry topping over the chilled cheesecake.
2. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios for extra crunch.
3. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
⏳ Prep Time: 20 minutes | Bake Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (including chilling)
🔥 Calories: 380 kcal per slice | 🍽 Servings: 12
