A vibrant and tangy dessert bursting with flavors of citrus, sweet cherries, and nutty pistachios—all layered atop a buttery crust for the ultimate bite-sized treat.
Hello, Citrus Lovers!
Imagine a dessert that combines the bright zest of lemon and lime, the sweetness of cherries, and the nutty crunch of pistachios. These Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars are your new favorite treat! Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors, offering a balance of creamy, crunchy, and zesty goodness.
This recipe is perfect for gatherings or when you want a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. These cheesecake bars are easy to cut into neat squares, making them ideal for sharing. And let’s be honest—who wouldn’t want to share this masterpiece?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unique Flavor Combo: Citrus, cherry, and pistachio create a delightful harmony of flavors.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for a dinner party yet simple enough for a family treat.
- Customizable: Easily switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or the season.
Exciting Story
The inspiration for these bars came from a love of cherry limeade and pistachio gelato. One day, while reminiscing about these flavors, I thought, “Why not bring them together in a dessert?” The result was a dessert that my family couldn’t stop raving about. My kids love the cherry topping, while my partner can’t resist the crunchy pistachio crust. These bars have since become a family favorite, gracing our table at birthdays, holidays, and weekend gatherings.
Why These Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars?
Selling Points
- Bright and Zesty: The lemon-lime filling adds a refreshing tang.
- Nutty and Crunchy: Pistachios in the crust offer a delightful crunch.
- Cherry Bliss: A sweet cherry topping adds a pop of color and flavor.
Cuisine
Fusion (Inspired by American and Mediterranean flavors)
Tips for Success
- Line the Pan: Use parchment paper for easy removal and clean cuts.
- Don’t Overbake: The cheesecake should be slightly jiggly in the center—it will set as it cools.
- Chill Thoroughly: Letting the bars chill overnight enhances the flavors and texture.
Substitutions and Variations
- Nuts: Swap pistachios with almonds or walnuts.
- Citrus: Use orange zest and juice for a sweeter variation.
- Topping: Replace cherries with raspberries or strawberries.
Make a Healthier Version
- Use low-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- Replace sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or coconut sugar.
- Opt for a gluten-free graham cracker crust if needed.
Closing Thoughts
And there you have it—Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars, a dessert that’s equal parts stunning and delicious. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, these bars are a citrusy, nutty, and sweet delight. Let us know how they turn out, and don’t forget to explore more of our cheesecake creations!
Categories
Dessert, Cheesecake Bars, Citrus Desserts
Tags
Lemon, Lime, Cherry, Pistachio, Cheesecake Bars, Summer Dessert
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use jarred cherries for the topping?
A: Yes, jarred cherries work well. Just adjust the sugar based on their sweetness.
Q: How long do these bars last?
A: Store them in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I freeze these cheesecake bars?
A: Yes, freeze them without the cherry topping for up to 3 months. Add the topping after thawing.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Absolutely! These bars taste even better the next day.
Q: What’s the best way to cut clean squares?
A: Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between each cut.
Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars
Description
Imagine a dessert that combines the bright zest of lemon and lime, the sweetness of cherries, and the nutty crunch of pistachios.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup pistachios, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
Cheesecake Filling
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
Cherry Topping
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs, pistachios, sugar, and melted butter until well combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a parchment-lined 9×9-inch baking pan.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let it cool.
- Make the Cheesecake Filling:
- Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in sour cream, lemon and lime zests, and juices until just combined.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set but slightly jiggly.
- Cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Prepare the Cherry Topping:
- In a small saucepan, combine cherries and sugar. Cook over medium heat until the cherries release their juices.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and cook until the mixture thickens. Let cool completely.
- Assemble the Bars:
- Spread the cherry topping over the chilled cheesecake layer.
- Cut into squares and garnish with additional chopped pistachios if desired.
