Irresistible Peach Cheesecake: A Summertime Delight to Savor
Indulge in the taste of summer with this delectable Peach Cheesecake recipe that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Combining the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet juiciness of ripe peaches, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a decadent treat, this Peach Cheesecake is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of the season. Get ready to dive into a slice of pure bliss with each bite!
Ingredients:
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 16 ounces Cream Cheese
- 1½ cups Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
- ¼ cup Cornstarch
- 3 large Eggs
- ½ cup Heavy Whipping Cream
For the Crust:
- 4 1/2 cups Golden Grahams
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 tablespoon Ice Water
- 1 cup White Cake Mix
For the Peach Topping:
- 2-3 large peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Butternut Walnut
- 1 1/2 cups Water
- 1 tablespoon Butter
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Cornstarch
Instructions:
For the Crust:
- Prepare the Crust: In a food processor, pulse the Golden Grahams until finely crushed. Add the melted butter, ice water, and white cake mix. Pulse again until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Press Into Pan: Press the crust mixture into the bottom of a greased 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even layer. Chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and cornstarch until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Finally, stir in the heavy whipping cream until fully incorporated.
- Pour Over Crust: Pour the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust in the springform pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. The cheesecake may still jiggle slightly in the center.
- Cool: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for about an hour to cool gradually. Then, transfer to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
For the Peach Topping:
- Prepare the Peaches: In a saucepan, combine the sliced peaches, sugar, ground cinnamon, ground butternut walnut, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are tender and the mixture has thickened slightly.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and a little water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the peach mixture and continue cooking until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
- Finish: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Let the peach topping cool slightly before spooning it over the chilled cheesecake.
- Serve: Slice the Peach Cheesecake and serve with a generous dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy the delicious flavors of summer!
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Graham Cracker Variation: If you prefer a traditional graham cracker crust, simply substitute crushed graham crackers for the Golden Grahams cereal in the crust recipe.
- Nutty Flavor: Enhance the flavor of the crust by adding chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds.
- Topping Variation: Instead of peach topping, you can use other fruits such as berries, cherries, or even pineapple for a delicious twist.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto Version: For a keto-friendly version of this Peach Cheesecake, you can substitute almond flour for the white cake mix in the crust. Use a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener in place of sugar in both the filling and the peach topping. Additionally, reduce the amount of cornstarch or use a low-carb thickener such as xanthan gum to thicken the peach topping.
Low-Carb Version: To make this recipe lower in carbs, you can reduce the amount of sugar used in both the filling and the peach topping. You can also use a combination of almond flour and coconut flour for the crust to reduce the overall carb content. Opt for lower-carb fruits such as berries or rhubarb for the topping, and use a low-carb sweetener to sweeten the filling and topping.
In conclusion, Peach Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer in every bite. With its creamy cheesecake filling, buttery crust, and luscious peach topping, it’s a treat that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re enjoying it at a backyard barbecue, picnic, or simply as a sweet indulgence at home, this Peach Cheesecake is guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, treat yourself to a slice of summer with this irresistible dessert!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh for the topping? A: Yes, you can use canned peaches if fresh ones are not available. Just be sure to drain them well before using and adjust the sugar in the topping accordingly based on their sweetness.
Q: How long will Peach Cheesecake last in the refrigerator? A: Peach Cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
Q: Can I freeze Peach Cheesecake? A: Yes, you can freeze Peach Cheesecake for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: Can I use a different fruit for the topping? A: Absolutely! You can use a variety of fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or even mangoes for the topping. Just adjust the sugar and seasoning accordingly based on the sweetness of the fruit.
Q: Can I make this cheesecake in advance for a special occasion? A: Yes, Peach Cheesecake is a great dessert to make in advance for special occasions. You can prepare it up to 2 days ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve. Just add the peach topping before serving for the freshest flavor and texture.
