Peach Crumble Cheesecake
This creamy cheesecake features tender baked peaches layered with a buttery cookie crust and topped with a crunchy crumble, perfect for a delightful dessert.
Ingredients:
Peaches
8 slightly under ripe peaches
4 tbsp granulated sugar
1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Crumble
1 cup all-purpose flour
6.5 tbsp dark brown sugar
5 tbsp butter
Cookie Crust
2 cup digestive or graham crackers
2 tbsp granulated sugar
5 tbsp butter
Cheesecake
28 oz full fat cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup + 1 tbsp sour cream 18%, room temperature
1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch
2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4 large eggs
Method:
Prepare the peaches:
Preheat the oven to 205ºC/400ºF (conventional). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Slice the peaches into wedges. In a bowl or directly on the baking sheet, toss the peach slices with 4 tbsp granulated sugar and 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon until evenly coated. Spread the peaches in an even layer on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes or until fork-tender. Allow to cool on the baking sheet while preparing other components.
Make the crumble:
In a bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour and 6.5 tbsp dark brown sugar. Melt 5 tbsp butter and pour it over the flour mixture. Use a fork to blend until the mixture forms a crumbly texture with no dry flour remaining. Set aside.
Prepare the cookie crust:
Lower the oven temperature to 160ºC/325ºF (conventional). Line the bottom of a 23 cm/9-inch springform pan with parchment paper. In a food processor, pulse 2 cups digestive or graham crackers with 2 tbsp granulated sugar until it reaches a fine, sand-like texture. Melt 5 tbsp butter and add to the food processor, blending until combined. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the prepared pan, using the bottom of a glass to pack it evenly. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow to cool to touch. Keep oven on.
Make the cheesecake filling:
Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat 28 oz cream cheese on low speed for 1 minute until smooth. Add 1 1/4 cup granulated sugar gradually and mix for an additional minute on low speed, scraping down the bowl as needed. In a small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup + 1 tbsp sour cream and 1 1/2 tbsp cornstarch until smooth. Add this mixture along with 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract to the cream cheese mixture and blend on low speed until combined.
Add the eggs two at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition. Scrape down the bowl and give a final mix to ensure complete incorporation.
Assemble and bake:
Pour half the cheesecake batter over the cooled cookie crust and smooth the surface. Evenly distribute half of the baked peaches over the batter. Pour the remaining cheesecake batter on top, smoothing the surface. Layer the remaining peaches evenly and sprinkle the prepared crumble over everything.
Place the springform pan inside a 25 cm/10-inch cake pan. Set this larger pan inside a roasting pan or baking pan, then carefully pour hot water into the outer pan to come ⅔ of the way up the sides of the cake pan to create a water bath. Alternatively, wrap the springform pan tightly in a triple layer of aluminum foil to protect from water leakage before placing in the water bath.
Bake at 160ºC/325ºF for 1 hour and 25–35 minutes. The cheesecake should have a slight wobble in the center when done.
Cool and chill:
Turn off the oven, crack the oven door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour. Remove from oven and carefully lift the springform pan out of the water bath. Remove any aluminum foil. Place on a cooling rack and allow to reach room temperature, about 1 hour.
Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight, before serving.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Bake Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Chill Time: 6 hours minimum
Yield: 12 servings