Why You’ll Love This Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars

Indulge in a tantalizing fusion of flavors with these Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars. As a passionate home cook, I can attest that these bars encapsulate the perfect balance of zesty citrus, sweet cherries, and nutty pistachios. Each bite is a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave your taste buds dancing in delight.

The vibrant citrusy notes from the lemon and lime zest uplift the creamy cheesecake layer, adding a refreshing twist to the classic dessert. The burst of cherry compote on top complements the tanginess of the citrus, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and sour flavors.

What sets these cheesecake bars apart is the crunchy pistachio crust that adds a delightful crunch to every creamy bite. The pistachios not only provide a nutty undertone but also a pop of green color that makes these bars visually appealing and irresistible.

Whether you’re a fan of traditional cheesecake or looking to try a unique twist on a classic dessert, these Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars offer a sophisticated flavor profile that will impress your family and friends. The recipe is straightforward to follow, making it a perfect treat for both special occasions and everyday indulgence.

Prepare to elevate your dessert game with these decadent bars that are as beautiful as they are delicious. Let’s dive into the recipe and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the art of baking with a creative flair.

Ingredients List

Creating these delightful Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars requires a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Here’s a detailed list of all the ingredients you’ll need to bring this sweet and tangy dessert to life:

Crust:

1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/3 cup sugar
1/2 cup unsalted pistachios, finely chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Cheesecake Filling:

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon lime zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest

Cherry Topping:

1 cup cherry preserves
1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

These ingredients, when combined, create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Each component plays a crucial role in the overall balance of sweet, tangy, and nutty notes that make these cheesecake bars truly exceptional.

How It’s Made

Creating these delectable Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars is a delightful journey that culminates in a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Let’s dive into how these heavenly bars are made!

Firstly, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring some overhang for easy removal later.

Making the Crust: In a food processor, pulse together 1 cup of graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of shelled pistachios, and 1/4 cup of melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
Baking the Crust: Place the pan in the oven and bake the crust for about 10 minutes until lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
Preparing the Filling: In a mixing bowl, beat together 16 oz of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 eggs, the zest of one lemon, and the juice of one lime until smooth and creamy.
Adding the Cherries: Gently fold in 1/2 cup of chopped dried cherries into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
Layering and Baking: Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it out evenly. Return the pan to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheesecake layer is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
Cooling and Chilling: Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Refrigerate the bars for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled and set.
Finishing Touches: Before serving, sprinkle some chopped pistachios on top for added crunch and a pop of color. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the bars out of the pan, then slice them into squares.

These Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars are a delightful harmony of tangy citrus, sweet cherries, and nutty pistachios, all nestled on a buttery graham cracker crust. The process of creating these bars is as enjoyable as savoring each bite, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Let’s move on to the essential kitchen tools you’ll need to craft these heavenly bars!

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Having the right kitchen tools for any baking adventure is essential to ensure smooth sailing in the realm of desserts. For creating the delightful Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars, here are the tools I recommend:

9×13-inch Baking Pan: This baking pan will be your canvas for crafting these delectable bars, providing ample space for the cheesecake mixture and crust to come together perfectly.
Mixing Bowls: Having a variety of mixing bowls in different sizes will make it easier to prepare different components of the recipe simultaneously without any hassle.
Electric Mixer: To achieve that smooth and creamy consistency for the cheesecake filling, an electric mixer will be your best friend. It ensures everything is perfectly blended.
Food Processor: Utilize a food processor to finely chop the pistachios for the crust, creating a crunchy and flavorful base for your bars.
Zester: A zester will be handy for extracting the fragrant zest from the lemons and limes, infusing your bars with a burst of citrusy flavor.
Cooking Spray or Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bars from the pan, have cooking spray or parchment paper on hand for greasing the baking pan.
Sharp Knife: Precise cutting is key when serving these bars, so a sharp knife will help you achieve clean and neat slices.
Cooling Rack: Once the bars are baked to perfection, a cooling rack will allow them to cool evenly before slicing and serving.

Equipped with these essential tools, you’re all set to embark on a flavorful journey in creating these Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars!

Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars

Total Time: 50
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious and zesty Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars

Instructions

First, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into a pan to form the crust.
Next, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs, lemon juice, and lime juice until smooth and pour over the crust.
Then, sprinkle cherries and pistachios on top.
Meanwhile, bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until set.
Finally, cool, chill, and cut into bars to serve.

Notes

You can use any nuts or fruit of your choice for topping.
For a tangier flavor, increase lemon and lime juice.

Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 30

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savor in Decadent Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars!