Description
This Summer Berry and Peach Cheesecake is a delightful dessert featuring a smooth, creamy cream cheese filling on a buttery graham cracker crust, topped with a fresh, vibrant mix of peaches and berries coated with honey and lemon juice. Perfect for warm-weather gatherings, this cheesecake combines rich textures with bright, natural fruit flavors for a refreshing and elegant treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Filling
- 3 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Fruit Topping
- 2 peaches, peeled and diced
- 1 1/2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the cheesecake.
- Prepare Crust Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar evenly.
- Add Butter to Crust: Pour in the melted butter and mix thoroughly until the crumbs are coated and the mixture holds together when pressed.
- Press Crust into Pan: Firmly press the graham cracker mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even layer.
- Chill Crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while preparing the filling, helping it set properly.
- Beat Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Add Sour Cream and Sugar: Mix in the sour cream and sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and well combined.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract gently just until incorporated for flavor.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for even mixing and consistency.
- Add Flour: Sift the all-purpose flour into the batter and mix until fully combined to help thicken the filling.
- Pour Filling over Crust: Spread the cheesecake mixture evenly over the chilled crust in the springform pan.
- Bake Cheesecake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly to ensure a creamy texture.
- Cool in Oven: Turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside to cool gradually for 1 hour, preventing cracking.
- Cool at Room Temperature: Remove from the oven and let cool completely on a wire rack to room temperature.
- Refrigerate to Set: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set and develop flavors.
- Prepare Fruit Topping: In a medium bowl, combine diced peaches, mixed berries, honey, and lemon juice, stirring gently to coat the fruit evenly.
- Coat Fruit: Ensure the berries and peaches are evenly coated in the honey-lemon mixture for a glossy, flavorful topping.
- Remove Springform: Once the cheesecake is set, release and remove the sides of the springform pan carefully.
- Add Fruit Topping: Spoon the prepared berry and peach mixture evenly over the cheesecake surface as an attractive and refreshing garnish.
- Serve or Store: Serve the cheesecake immediately for best freshness or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Do not overbake the cheesecake; the center should remain slightly jiggly for the perfect creamy texture.
- Chilling the crust before adding filling helps maintain a firm base.
- Use fresh, ripe peaches and mixed berries for the best flavor and texture in the topping.
- The cheesecake is best served chilled, so plan chilling time accordingly.
- If you don’t have a springform pan, use a regular cake pan lined with parchment for easier removal.
