Zesty Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars

 **Zesty Lemon-Lime Cherry Pistachio Cheesecake Bars**  

*Where cheesecake meets a tropical vacay and a cherry on top!*

### Ingredients:

- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (the base of all good things)

- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for a little sweetness)

- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (because butter makes everything better)

- 16 oz cream cheese, softened (the star of the show!)

- 1 cup granulated sugar (sugar rush, part two)

- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for that little extra *oomph*)

- 3 large eggs (they hold it all together!)

- Zest of 1 lemon (zesty zing #1)

- Zest of 1 lime (zesty zing #2)

- 2 tbsp lemon juice (because why not double down?)

- 2 tbsp lime juice (zesty overload in the best way)

- ½ cup cherry preserves (swirled in for fruity fabulousness)

- ¼ cup shelled pistachios, roughly chopped (for that nutty crunch)

### Directions:

1. **Preheat the Party**: Set your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a 9x13-inch pan with parchment paper, so your cheesecake bars don't stick around longer than the party does.

2. **Crust Creation**: Mix up those graham cracker crumbs, ¼ cup sugar, and melted butter until you’ve got buttery goodness. Press it down evenly into the pan—it’s the foundation of greatness!

3. **Cheesecake Magic**: In a big ol' bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 1 cup sugar until it's smooth like a beach day. Toss in vanilla, eggs, lemon zest, lime zest, lemon juice, and lime juice. Mix it all up until you’ve got a creamy, dreamy batter.

4. **Layer It Up**: Pour that cream cheese mix over the crust and spread it out. Now for the fun part—dollop cherry preserves on top and swirl them through the cheesecake like you're making a masterpiece.

5. **Top It Off**: Sprinkle those chopped pistachios evenly over the top, like confetti on a party cake.

6. **Bake & Chill**: Bake for 35-40 minutes, until it's set but with a little jiggle—just like your best dance moves. Let it cool down completely, then pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Chill time is key for that perfect slice.

7. **Slice & Serve**: Once it's fully chilled, lift out the cheesecake using the parchment paper and cut into bars. Serve 'em up and watch 'em disappear!

### Times:

- **Prep**: 20 minutes

- **Bake**: 40 minutes

- **Chill**: 4 hours (yes, patience is a virtue)

- **Total Time**: 4 hours 20 minutes (worth every second!)

### Nutrition (because we should probably know):  

320 kcal per bar | Serves: 12 bars

Enjoy these bars with a side of sunshine and smiles! 😋