Cheesecake is one of those desserts that never fails to impress. It’s indulgent, creamy, and perfect for any occasion. But when you combine zesty lemon-lime, sweet cherry, and crunchy pistachio, you get a cheesecake that’s not just delicious—it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. If you’re looking to wow your friends and family with something unique and absolutely irresistible, this Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake is the one. It’s the perfect mix of tangy, sweet, and nutty, with a smooth texture that makes each bite feel like a treat.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake
- Citrusy and refreshing – The lemon-lime combination adds a refreshing, tangy kick that cuts through the richness of the cheesecake.
- Sweet and tart cherry topping – The cherries bring a juicy, sweet-and-tart flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheesecake base.
- Crunchy pistachios – The pistachios not only add a wonderful crunch but also lend a savory, slightly salty flavor that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
- No-bake option – This cheesecake can be made without turning on the oven, making it the perfect summer dessert.
- Visually stunning – The bright colors from the lime, cherry, and pistachios make it as beautiful as it is delicious. It’s sure to be a showstopper at any gathering.

What You’ll Need to Make It
This cheesecake comes together with just a few simple ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need to make your new favorite dessert.
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup pistachios, finely chopped
For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lime
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ½ cup sour cream
For the cherry topping:
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved (or use frozen cherries, thawed)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
For garnish:
- A handful of crushed pistachios
- Fresh cherries
How to Make Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake
Making this cheesecake is super easy, and you don’t even have to turn on your oven! Just a little prep time and some chilling, and you’ll have a dessert that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Make the crust
- In a medium bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Stir in the finely chopped pistachios for a nice crunchy texture in the crust.
- Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan (or any round cake pan) to form an even layer. Use the back of a spoon to pack it down tightly.
- Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the cheesecake filling, allowing it to firm up.
Step 2: Prepare the cheesecake filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lime zest, lemon juice, and lime juice. Beat again until everything is well combined.
- Add the sour cream and mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture, making sure everything is incorporated but still light and airy.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to let the cheesecake set.
Step 3: Make the cherry topping
- In a small saucepan, combine the fresh cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juices and the mixture starts to bubble (about 5-7 minutes).
- If you want a thicker topping, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water and stir it into the cherry mixture. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Remove from heat and let the topping cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, spoon the cherry topping over the set cheesecake, spreading it out evenly.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
- Just before serving, sprinkle the top of the cheesecake with crushed pistachios for an added crunch.
- Add a few fresh cherries on top for a pop of color and extra sweetness.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!

How I Like to Serve It
This Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake is already a showstopper, but here are some ways to make it even more special:
- Serve with whipped cream – A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a light, creamy contrast to the tangy and sweet flavors of the cheesecake.
- Pair with a fresh drink – This cheesecake goes beautifully with a glass of chilled iced tea, lemonade, or even a crisp glass of white wine.
- Top with extra fruit – If you want to add more flavor and color, consider adding sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to the top along with the cherries.
Tips for the Best Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake
- Let the cheesecake set properly – This cheesecake needs time to set, so don’t skip the chilling step. It’s important to let it firm up before serving.
- Use fresh cherries – Fresh cherries provide the best flavor and texture for the topping. If you can’t find fresh cherries, frozen cherries can be used—just be sure to thaw and drain them well.
- Crust variation – If you want to mix things up, try swapping the graham cracker crust with a shortbread or almond crust for a different flavor.
- Make it a day ahead – This cheesecake tastes even better the next day, once the flavors have had time to meld together. It’s a great dessert to make ahead of time.
A Cake That’s Sure to Impress
This Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake is one of those desserts that brings a little something extra to the table. The balance of tart citrus, sweet cherries, and crunchy pistachios makes each bite a delightful experience. Whether it’s a summer barbecue, a birthday celebration, or just a treat for yourself, this cheesecake is sure to impress. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures, and I know you’ll love it just as much as I do.
So next time you’re looking to make a cheesecake that’s a bit more exciting and unique, give this one a try! You won’t regret it!


Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake
Ingredients
- For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ½ cup pistachios finely chopped
- For the cheesecake filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lime
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice
- ½ cup sour cream
- For the cherry topping:
- 2 cups fresh cherries pitted and halved (or use frozen cherries, thawed)
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch optional, for thickening
- For garnish:
- A handful of crushed pistachios
- Fresh cherries
Instructions
- Mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, melted butter, and chopped pistachios. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and refrigerate.
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, lime zest, lemon juice, lime juice, and sour cream. Mix until smooth.
- Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set.
- For the cherry topping, cook fresh cherries with sugar and lemon juice over medium heat until they release their juices. Add cornstarch if desired and cook until thickened.
- Let the topping cool, then spoon over the chilled cheesecake.
- Garnish with crushed pistachios and fresh cherries before serving.