Description
This peach cheesecake recipe is a rich, creamy baked dessert with a buttery graham cracker crust, velvety cream cheese filling loaded with fresh peach puree, a glossy peach topping, and a cloud of homemade whipped cream. It is the ultimate summer dessert that belongs on every celebration table.
Ingredients
- Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets, finely processed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- Peach Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (Philadelphia recommended)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups peach puree (about 3 medium peaches)
- Peach Topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 cup peach puree
- 1 ½ cups peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- For Serving:
- Homemade whipped cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Butter and flour the sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the Graham Cracker Crust: Combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add melted butter and stir until combined. Press firmly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of the prepared pan. Bake for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Peaches: Divide 3 pounds of peaches — use 2 pounds for puree and 1 pound for slicing. Peel and pit the 2-pound portion, then blend until smooth. Divide the puree into 1½ cups for the filling and 1 cup for the topping. Peel, pit, and slice the remaining pound and set aside.
- Make the Filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar together until light, fluffy, and completely smooth. Add vanilla, sea salt, and sour cream; beat until just combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each. Stir in 1½ cups peach puree, then gently fold in flour.
- Prepare the Water Bath: Place a large roasting pan in the preheated oven. Bring 2 quarts of water to a boil.
- Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the filling over the cooled crust. Set the springform pan inside the roasting pan in the oven. Slowly add boiling water until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform. Bake 55–65 minutes, until edges are set and the center has only a slight jiggle.
- Cool and Chill: Remove from the water bath, take off the foil, and cool on a wire rack to room temperature. Refrigerate overnight.
- Make the Peach Topping: Whisk together water, sugar, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then add 1 cup peach puree and sliced peaches. Stir until thickened, remove from heat, and stir in vanilla. Cool to room temperature uncovered, then refrigerate overnight.
- Serve: Top the chilled cheesecake with the peach topping and whipped cream. Slice and serve with extra topping on the side.
Notes
Always use room-temperature cream cheese and eggs, cold dairy causes lumps in the filling. Do not skip the water bath; it prevents cracking and keeps the texture silky. For canned peach cheesecake, drain canned peaches thoroughly and pat them dry before blending. The cheesecake must chill overnight, do not rush this step.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American