Easy Homemade Lemon Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake (Perfect for Beginners!)

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Hey friends!
If you’re craving a dessert that’s light, fruity, creamy, and completely beginner-friendly, you’re in for a treat. Today I’m sharing a recipe that looks fancy but is incredibly easy to make — Lemon Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake, and the best part? It’s completely no-bake.

This is one of those recipes I come back to again and again — especially when I want something special without heating up the oven. I first made this cheesecake on a warm weekend with friends, and by the end of the night, there wasn’t a crumb left. It’s fresh, colorful, and packed with citrus flavor, creamy cheesecake layers, cherry topping, and a hint of nutty crunch from pistachios.

If you’ve never made cheesecake before, this is the one to start with.

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Recipe at a Glance

• Prep Time: 20–25 minutes
• Chill Time: 6 hours (or overnight)
• Total Time: Around 6½ hours
• Skill Level: Easy beginner friendly
• Servings: 10–12 slices
• Tools Needed: 9-inch springform pan, hand mixer or whisk, mixing bowls, spatula

Make Ahead Tip: You can make this the night before and it tastes even better the next day.

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Ingredients List

Crust

Ingredient	Notes
1½ cups graham cracker crumbs	Or use digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers
½ cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped	Adds texture and a nutty flavor
¼ cup sugar	Granulated
6 tbsp butter, melted	Unsalted

Filling

Ingredient	Notes
2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened	Room temperature is best for mixing
1 cup powdered sugar	For smooth sweetness
1 tsp vanilla extract	Adds depth
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice + 1 tbsp lemon zest	Bright citrus flavor
2 tbsp fresh lime juice + 1 tbsp lime zest	Tangy balance
1½ cups heavy whipping cream	Whip to soft peaks before folding in

Topping

Ingredient	Notes
1 cup cherry pie filling	Or use fresh cooked cherries
1 tsp lemon juice (optional)	Brightens canned cherries

Garnish (Optional)

• Chopped pistachios
• Lemon and lime zest
• Whipped cream

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust

• In a mixing bowl, stir together graham cracker crumbs, pistachios, and sugar.
• Add melted butter and mix until crumbly like wet sand.
• Press into a 9-inch springform pan evenly. Use a glass or flat-bottomed cup to press down firmly.
• Chill in the refrigerator while you make the filling.

Beginner Tip: Press the crust slightly up the sides for a pretty edge.

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Step 2: Mix the Cheesecake Filling

• In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth (about 2 minutes).
• Add powdered sugar, vanilla, lemon zest/juice, and lime zest/juice. Beat again until fully mixed.
• In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form (this means the cream stands up but folds over slightly).
• Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula.

How it should feel: Light, creamy, and slightly fluffy.

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Step 3: Assemble & Chill

• Pour the filling into the crust and spread it evenly with a spatula.
• Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours (overnight is best).

Check: It’s ready when the center is firm and no longer jiggles.

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Step 4: Top and Serve

• Spoon cherry pie filling evenly over the cheesecake.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios and some lemon or lime zest.
• Slice and enjoy!

Serving Tip: Dip your knife in warm water before slicing for cleaner pieces.

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Serving & Storage Tips

Method	How-To
Store in Fridge	Covered tightly, good for 4–5 days
Freezer-Friendly?	Yes! Freeze (without topping) up to 1 month
Serving Temp	Best served cold, straight from the fridge

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Troubleshooting & FAQ

Problem	Fix
Filling too soft	Make sure cream cheese is not overbeaten and chill longer
Crust falls apart	Try adding 1–2 more tablespoons butter or press more firmly
Filling too tangy	Use less lemon/lime juice or add more sugar next time

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Flavor Variations

• Tropical Version: Swap citrus juice for pineapple, top with mango or passionfruit.
• Berry Love: Use blueberry or raspberry pie filling instead of cherry.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a thin layer of melted white chocolate before the topping for extra richness.

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Final Thoughts

This Lemon Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake might sound like a mouthful — and it is, in the best way! It’s bright, creamy, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet. And because it’s no-bake and simple to put together, it’s perfect for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a fuss-free dessert that still feels special.

You don’t need to be a pro to make something beautiful and delicious. Try it this weekend — and don’t forget to share how it turned out!

Happy no-baking, friends!