Description
A polished balance of bright citrus, jewel-toned cherries, and buttery pistachios combined into an elegant cheesecake.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (or finely crushed digestive biscuits)
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pistachios, toasted and cooled (reserve a few for garnish)
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 24 oz (680 g) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- Zest of 1 lemon and 1 lime
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water
- 1/2 cup toasted pistachios, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp extra lime zest for brightness
- Optional: lightly whipped cream for dollops
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a 9-inch springform pan by buttering and lining with parchment.
- Combine graham crumbs, chopped pistachios, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the base of the pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes until fragrant and slightly set. Cool while preparing the filling.
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until silky. Add sugar and mix until smooth, then incorporate eggs one at a time. Fold in citrus zest, juices, sour cream, vanilla, and salt.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top. Bake for 50–65 minutes until the center has a slight jiggle.
- Turn off the oven and crack the door open, leaving the cheesecake inside for 1 hour to cool.
- Transfer to a wire rack and chill uncovered for at least 6 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the cherry-lime sauce by simmering cherries, sugar, and lime juice, then adding cornstarch slurry.
- Release the cheesecake from the springform pan, spoon sauce over it, and garnish with chopped pistachios and lime zest.
Notes
Chill the knife between slices for clean cuts. For a firmer top, keep the cherry-lime sauce separate until serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 90mg