If you’re looking for a dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the rustic charm of peach cobbler, this Peach Cobbler Topped Cheesecake is sure to satisfy. This dessert is a beautiful union of textures and flavors: the smooth, tangy cheesecake filling complements the lightly spiced peaches, while the buttery graham cracker crust offers a satisfying crunch. A final flourish of whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to this decadent treat, making it an impressive centerpiece for any gathering.
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Peach Cobbler Topped Cheesecake
✨ Dreamy layers of creamy cheesecake topped with a golden, peachy cobbler crumble! This dessert is where cheesecake meets southern comfort. #PeachyPerfection #CobblerDream #DessertDelight #SummerInASlice #SouthernSweets #SweetCravings 🍑🍰
- Total Time: 4 hours (including chilling time)
Ingredients
Scale
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs: Provides the base of your cheesecake with a sweet and crunchy texture.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps bind the crust together.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust slightly.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 3 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened to room temperature: The star of the show, giving the cheesecake its rich and creamy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling perfectly.
- 5 large eggs: Helps to set the cheesecake while contributing to its silky texture.
- 3 cups (24 oz) sour cream: Adds creaminess and a touch of tang that balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cheesecake.
For the Peach Cobbler Topping:
- 1 (16 oz) bag frozen peaches, thawed: The fruit component that brings brightness and flavor.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar: Adds depth and caramel notes to the peaches.
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Thickens the peach mixture to create a luscious topping.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Complements the peach flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional): Adds warmth and spice.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness.
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional): Enhances the flavors with a hint of warmth.
Whipped Cream (Optional):
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: For a light and fluffy topping.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Sweetens the cream.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the whipped cream.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Press the mixture evenly onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 8 minutes, then allow to cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
- Once the crust is cool, brush a thin layer of vegetable oil around the inside walls of the pan. Sprinkle with granulated sugar to ensure easy removal post-baking.
- Wrap the outside of the springform pan in three layers of foil to prevent water from seeping in during the baking process.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Using a mixer on low speed, blend the cream cheese and sugar until smooth and lump-free. Scrape the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing just until incorporated before adding the next egg.
- Mix in sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the cheesecake batter over the cooled crust in the springform pan.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
- Place the springform pan in a roasting pan, then pour about 1 inch of warm water into the roasting pan to create a water bath.
- Bake for 90 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
- Turn off the oven, crack the door, and let the cheesecake cool for 30 minutes. Then refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
Step 5: Make the Peach Cobbler Topping
- In a small saucepan, heat the reserved peach juice with additional water to reach a total of 1 cup.
- Add brown sugar and bring to a boil.
- Mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then add to the boiling liquid and cook until thickened, stirring gently to avoid breaking down the thickening.
- Stir in the peaches, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Allow to cool.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
- Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter.
- If desired, whip the cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Pipe a decorative ring of whipped cream around the edge of the cheesecake.
- Spoon the cooled peach cobbler topping into the center of the cheesecake.
- Serve chilled for a delicious, creamy, and fruity dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
Notes
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- If you’re out of sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a similar tangy flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free graham cracker crumbs or almond flour for the crust.
- Fresh peaches can be used if they are in season; just peel and slice them before use.
- Serving Suggestions:
- This cheesecake is delightful on its own, but serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream elevates it even further.
- Pair it with a fruity sauce, like a raspberry or strawberry compote, for added flavor and color.
- Storage:
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator, tightly covered. It can be kept for up to a week. The flavors meld and develop further over time, making each slice just as delicious as the first.
- Variations:
- Experiment with different fruits! Try using blueberries or cherries for a twist on the classic.
- Add a layer of caramel sauce beneath the peach topping for an extra indulgent treat.
- For a more intense flavor, consider roasting the peaches before adding them to the topping for a deeper caramelization.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this stunning dessert, complete with tips for ingredient substitutions, flavor variations, and presentation ideas. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients and Their Roles
The magic of this recipe lies in the harmonious blend of ingredients across three layers: a graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake filling, and a luscious peach cobbler topping. Here’s a breakdown of each element and the ingredients involved:
- Graham Cracker Crust
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Provides a sturdy and slightly sweet base that complements the cheesecake’s creamy texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Binds the crust together and adds richness.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the slight saltiness of the crackers.
- Cheesecake Filling
- Cream Cheese: The star of any cheesecake, delivering a rich, creamy texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tang of the cream cheese.
- Eggs: Helps bind the filling and gives it structure when baked.
- Sour Cream: Adds tang and creaminess, enhancing the smoothness of the filling.
- Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth and depth of flavor to the cheesecake.
- Peach Cobbler Topping
- Frozen Peaches: When thawed, they become juicy and sweet, making them perfect for the cobbler topping.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds a warm, caramelized sweetness that pairs beautifully with peaches.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the peach topping, creating a sauce that clings to each peach slice.
- Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: These spices enhance the natural sweetness of the peaches with warm, comforting notes.
- Salt: Just a pinch brings out the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Whipped Cream (Optional)
- Heavy Whipping Cream, Granulated Sugar, and Vanilla Extract: A classic combination to create soft, cloud-like whipped cream, perfect for decorating and adding a light finish to the dessert.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while you prepare the crust. - Mix the Crust Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine 1¾ cups of graham cracker crumbs, 6 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. Mix until all the crumbs are evenly moistened. - Form the Crust
Press the crumb mixture evenly onto the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring it’s compact. A flat-bottomed measuring cup works well for even pressing. - Bake and Cool
Bake the crust for about 8 minutes. Once done, let it cool to room temperature while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Pan
- Brush the Sides with Oil
Once the crust has cooled, brush a thin layer of vegetable oil around the inner walls of the pan. Sprinkle a bit of granulated sugar along the walls to create a non-stick layer, which also adds a slight caramelized edge. - Wrap with Foil
To ensure a leak-proof water bath, wrap the outside of the springform pan with three layers of aluminum foil. This step is essential to prevent water from seeping into the crust while baking.
Step 3: Make the Cheesecake Filling
- Cream the Cheese and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sugar on low speed until smooth and lump-free. Take care to scrape the bowl sides to ensure even mixing. - Add Eggs One by One
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing each in until just incorporated. This gentle mixing helps avoid adding too much air to the batter, which can cause cracks when baked. - Blend in Sour Cream and Vanilla
Once the eggs are combined, mix in 3 cups of sour cream and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract until smooth. - Pour into the Crust
Pour the cheesecake filling over the baked and cooled crust in the springform pan, spreading it evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Cheesecake
- Set Up a Water Bath
Place the wrapped springform pan in a larger roasting pan. Carefully pour about 1 inch of warm water into the roasting pan around the cheesecake to create a water bath. This helps the cheesecake bake gently and evenly, preventing cracks. - Bake
Bake for approximately 90 minutes, until the cheesecake is mostly set but still has a slight wobble in the center. - Cool Gradually
Turn off the oven, crack the door slightly, and let the cheesecake cool in the oven for 30 minutes. Transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 6 hours or overnight for the best texture.
Step 5: Make the Peach Cobbler Topping
- Prepare the Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine the thawed peach juice with water to reach 1 cup. Add the brown sugar, then bring the mixture to a boil. - Thicken with Cornstarch
Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir into the boiling peach sauce. Continue stirring gently until the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. - Add Peaches and Flavorings
Add the peaches, vanilla extract, cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and nutmeg to the sauce. Let the topping cool to room temperature before adding it to the cheesecake.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
- Remove from Pan
Carefully remove the cheesecake from the springform pan and transfer it to a serving platter. - Add Whipped Cream (Optional)
If desired, whip 1 cup of heavy cream with 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Pipe a decorative border around the edge of the cheesecake. - Top with Peach Cobbler Topping
Spoon the cooled peach cobbler topping into the center of the cheesecake, spreading it evenly. - Serve and Enjoy
This dessert is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld together. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of creamy cheesecake, sweet peaches, and a hint of spice.
Flavor, Texture, and Serving Suggestions
With each slice of this cheesecake, you’re greeted by the buttery crunch of graham cracker crust, the ultra-smooth cheesecake filling, and the juicy peaches in a cinnamon-infused sauce. The whipped cream adds an airy lightness, balancing out the richness.
For an extra pop of flavor, try these variations:
- Fruit Swap: Substitute the peaches with other stone fruits like plums or nectarines, or even berries for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves for a more complex, warm spice blend.
- Crust Twist: Use gingersnap or vanilla wafer crumbs instead of graham crackers for a unique twist.
For serving, this dessert pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Tips for Success
- Prevent Cracks: Avoid overmixing, as too much air can lead to cracking. A water bath is also essential for even cooking.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Let the cream cheese and eggs come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth filling.
- Plan Ahead: Cheesecake needs time to chill for the best texture. Make it a day ahead for easy, stress-free preparation.
Conclusion
Peach Cobbler Topped Cheesecake is a dessert that merges two beloved classics into a single showstopping dish. Each component, from the crunchy graham crust to the creamy filling and juicy peach topping, brings its own charm. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a sweet treat, this cheesecake promises a memorable experience for all. With its easy-to-follow steps and versatile options, you’ll have a masterpiece ready to share with friends and family.