Indulge in the vibrant flavors of a Zesty Citrus Cherry Pistachio Dream Cheesecake—a dessert that combines the tang of citrus, the sweetness of cherries, and the crunch of pistachios. This showstopping cheesecake features a rich, creamy filling infused with zesty citrus and a nutty pistachio crust, topped with a luscious cherry glaze. Perfect for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion, this cheesecake is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1½ cups pistachio cookies or graham cracker crumbs
• ½ cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

For the Cheesecake Filling:

• 24 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons orange zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup heavy cream

For the Cherry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For Garnish:

• Chopped pistachios
• Orange or lemon zest curls

Directions

Prepare the Crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix the pistachio crumbs, chopped pistachios, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, spreading it evenly and pressing it firmly.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Allow to cool completely.

Make the Cheesecake Filling:

1. Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, orange zest, lemon zest, orange juice, and lemon juice.
4. Fold in the sour cream and heavy cream, mixing until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to avoid air bubbles.
5. Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top.

Bake the Cheesecake:

1. Wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in. Place the pan in a larger baking dish and fill the dish with hot water halfway up the sides of the springform pan (water bath).
2. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly jiggly.
3. Turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
4. Remove from the oven and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Make the Cherry Topping:

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
2. Let the topping cool to room temperature, then spread over the chilled cheesecake.

Garnish and Serve:

1. Sprinkle chopped pistachios around the edges of the cheesecake and add orange or lemon zest curls for decoration.
2. Slice and serve chilled.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving:

• Pair with a citrusy tea or a sparkling beverage to complement the cheesecake’s bright flavors.
• Serve slices with an extra dollop of whipped cream for added decadence.

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Variations

1. Tropical Twist:
   • Add shredded coconut to the crust and use pineapple glaze instead of cherry topping.
2. Berry Medley:
   • Replace cherries with a mix of berries such as raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries for the topping.
3. Chocolate Citrus Cheesecake:
   • Drizzle the top with melted dark chocolate for a citrus-chocolate combination.
4. Nut-Free Option:
   • Substitute pistachios with graham crackers or vanilla wafers for a nut-free crust.
5. Mini Cheesecakes:
   • Use a muffin tin lined with cupcake liners to create individual servings. Adjust baking time to 20-25 minutes.

Conclusion

The Zesty Citrus Cherry Pistachio Dream Cheesecake is a dessert that dazzles with its bold flavors and stunning presentation. From the nutty pistachio crust to the creamy citrus filling and juicy cherry topping, every bite is a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Perfect for making memories at gatherings or treating yourself to a slice of heaven, this cheesecake is destined to become a favorite.

FAQs

1. Can I use jarred cherry pie filling for the topping?
Yes, jarred cherry pie filling is a convenient alternative to making the topping from scratch.

2. What’s the purpose of the water bath?
A water bath ensures even baking and prevents the cheesecake from cracking.

3. Can I use other nuts for the crust?
Yes, almonds, walnuts, or pecans can be substituted for pistachios.

4. How do I prevent the cheesecake from sticking to the pan?
Line the bottom of the springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides for easy release.

5. Can I make this cheesecake in advance?
Absolutely! It’s best made a day ahead to allow the flavors to develop.

Enjoy creating this stunning dessert that’s as dreamy as its name suggests! 🍒🍊✨