If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both elegant and refreshingly different, this Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake is exactly what you need. It’s creamy, rich, and has a vibrant burst of flavor thanks to the combination of maraschino cherries and crunchy pistachios. Add a hint of citrus from lemon and lime zest, and you’ve got a dessert that’s perfectly balanced—sweet, tangy, nutty, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re making this for a holiday, a special occasion, or just because you’re in the mood to treat yourself, this cheesecake is guaranteed to impress. And don’t worry—it may look fancy, but it’s incredibly simple to make. Let’s dive in and start from the crust up.

THE PERFECT CRUST

There’s something about a graham cracker crust that just works so well with cheesecake. It’s sweet, buttery, and gives you that satisfying crunch to contrast the creamy filling.

STEP 1: PREP THE OVEN AND PAN

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan or line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.

STEP 2: MAKE THE CRUST

In a medium mixing bowl, combine:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ⅓ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup granulated sugar

Stir until the mixture resembles wet sand. Then, press it firmly into the bottom of the springform pan, making sure it’s evenly spread out. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to really pack it down. Set the crust aside while you whip up that luscious filling.

CREAMY CHERRY PISTACHIO FILLING

This filling is where the magic happens. It’s everything you want in a cheesecake—smooth, rich, slightly tangy, and studded with sweet cherries and salty pistachios.

 

STEP 3: BEAT THE CREAM CHEESE

In a large bowl, beat 16 oz (two 8 oz packages) of softened cream cheese with a hand mixer or stand mixer until it’s completely smooth and fluffy. Make sure your cream cheese is truly room temperature to avoid lumps.

 

STEP 4: ADD SUGAR, VANILLA, AND CITRUS

Add the following to the cream cheese:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon and 1 lime
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons lime juice

Beat until everything is well incorporated and silky smooth. The zest and juices not only brighten the flavor but add a subtle zing that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese.

STEP 5: INCORPORATE THE EGGS

Next, add 3 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps the cheesecake set properly without overmixing. Be gentle here—you want a smooth batter, but too much mixing can lead to cracks.

 

CHERRY & PISTACHIO MIX-IN MAGIC

Now, the twist that takes this cheesecake to another level—maraschino cherries and pistachios.

STEP 6: FOLD IN THE GOODIES

Take your chopped ½ cup maraschino cherries and ½ cup chopped pistachios, and gently fold them into the cheesecake batter. This adds texture, color, and bursts of flavor throughout each slice.

 

STEP 7: POUR AND TAP

Pour the mixture over your prepared crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles. At this point, your kitchen probably smells amazing—and we’re just getting to the baking part.

BAKING YOUR CHERRY PISTACHIO CHEESECAKE TO PERFECTION

Now that your creamy filling is nestled inside that golden graham cracker crust, it’s time to let your oven do the rest of the work. Cheesecakes can seem intimidating to bake, but don’t worry—we’re keeping things simple, with no water bath required for this recipe. With a few tricks, you’ll get a cheesecake that’s smooth, creamy, and beautifully set.

STEP 8: BAKE LOW AND SLOW

Place the cheesecake into your preheated 325°F (165°C) oven. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly when gently shaken. That jiggle is a good sign! It means your cheesecake will finish setting up in the cooling process without getting dry or overcooked. Remember, overbaking is what leads to cracks and dry texture.

STEP 9: COOL GRADUALLY

This next part is key to preventing those dreaded cracks. Once your cheesecake is done baking, turn off the oven, crack the oven door slightly, and let the cheesecake sit inside for 1 hour. This slow cooling allows the temperature to drop gradually, which reduces stress on the cake and helps it firm up properly.

STEP 10: CHILL AND SET

After cooling in the oven, remove the cheesecake and let it come to room temperature. Then, cover and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This gives it time to fully set and develop that dense, creamy texture we all love in a good cheesecake. Tip: If you’re in a hurry, you can chill it for 3 hours minimum, but the longer it chills, the better the flavor and texture.

GETTING IT READY TO SERVE

Now comes the fun part—making it look as irresistible as it tastes.

DECORATE FOR MAXIMUM WOW FACTOR

Right before serving, top your cheesecake with:

• A swirl of whipped cream (totally optional but always welcome)
• A few extra maraschino cherries
• A sprinkle of crushed pistachios
• Thin slices of lemon or lime for a pretty pop of color

Not only do these garnishes make it stunning, but they also highlight the fresh, citrusy flavor inside the cheesecake.

SLICE AND SERVE

For clean slices, dip a sharp knife in warm water and wipe it between each cut. This helps glide through the creamy filling without smearing. You’ll notice right away how the vibrant red cherries and green pistachios create a festive, almost holiday-ready look. But honestly, this cheesecake fits any celebration—birthdays, dinner parties, spring brunches, or just a cozy weekend at home.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CHERRY PISTACHIO CHEESECAKE

Cheesecakes are one of those desserts that look fancy, but with the right guidance, they’re totally doable at home. Let’s walk through some common questions to make sure you feel completely confident before baking.

CAN I USE FRESH CHERRIES INSTEAD OF MARASCHINO?

You can! If you prefer fresh or frozen cherries, chop them into small pieces and fold them in gently. Just keep in mind that fresh cherries may release more juice, so pat them dry before adding to the batter to avoid excess moisture.

WHAT’S THE BEST SUBSTITUTE FOR PISTACHIOS?

If pistachios aren’t available or you need a nut-free option, chopped almonds or white chocolate chips make great alternatives. Or, simply skip them altogether—the cheesecake will still be rich and flavorful.

CAN I MAKE THIS CHEESECAKE AHEAD OF TIME?

Absolutely. This cheesecake is perfect for making the night before a gathering. It actually tastes better after chilling overnight, so you can prep it ahead and simply decorate just before serving.

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE A SPRINGFORM PAN?

A springform pan makes it easiest to release the cheesecake cleanly, but if you don’t have one, you can use a deep pie dish or 9-inch cake pan. Just line it with parchment paper for easier removal.

HOW LONG WILL LEFTOVERS LAST?

Stored in the refrigerator, your cheesecake will last up to 5 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to keep it from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.

CAN I FREEZE THIS CHEESECAKE?

Yes! Once fully cooled and set, wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

CAN I TURN THIS INTO MINI CHEESECAKES?

Definitely! Just divide the crust and filling between lined muffin tins (about 12–16), then reduce baking time to around 18–22 minutes. Keep an eye on them and look for the same “slightly jiggly” center as a full-size cake.

CONCLUSION: A DESSERT WORTH SHARING

This Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to over and over again. It’s vibrant, creamy, and full of unexpected flavor—perfect for a holiday table, birthday celebration, or just a Saturday when you’re craving something sweet and extra special. What makes it stand out is that beautiful contrast of tart cherries and nutty pistachios, paired with the brightness of citrus and a smooth, creamy filling. Plus, it’s just as pretty as it is delicious. So go ahead—gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and make this showstopping dessert. And if you try it, be sure to let us know how it turned out! We’d love to hear your tweaks, see your pictures, and swap tips in the comments. Happy baking! Print