This cheesecake brings together the sweetness of summer berries and juicy peaches on a creamy base. It’s like a summer party in your mouth!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These provide the classic cheesecake base. If you don’t have graham crackers, you can use digestive biscuits or even crushed vanilla wafers for a different flavor. Both work great!
Cream Cheese: This is essential for that rich and creamy filling. For a lighter version, you could use Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat. Just make sure it’s softened for easier mixing!
Sour Cream: It adds tanginess to the filling. If you need a substitute, Greek yogurt can work beautifully. Just opt for plain yogurt to keep the flavor consistent.
Fresh Fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, and peaches give amazing flavor and color. Feel free to swap in other berries like raspberries or use stone fruits like plums if that’s what you have on hand!
How Do You Prevent Cheesecake From Cracking?
Cracks on a cheesecake can be a common frustration. To help avoid this, there are a few helpful techniques:
- **Slow Cooling:** After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly cracked for an hour. This gradual cooling helps reduce temperature shock.
- **Don’t Overmix:** Make sure to mix until just combined. Overmixing can introduce extra air, which leads to cracks during baking.
- **Water Bath:** If you’re up for a little more effort, consider using a water bath (bain-marie) while baking. It creates steam and keeps a more even temperature around the cheesecake.
Following these tips will help ensure a smooth, beautiful cheesecake each time. Enjoy mixing up this delicious dessert! 🍰
Fresh Summer Berry and Peach Cheesecake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits), finely crushed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 24 oz (680 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the fruit topping:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and halved or sliced
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and sliced thinly
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, for macerating fruit)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, to thicken topping glaze)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cheesecake will take about 30 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 60-70 minutes for baking. Once baked, allow it to cool for an hour in the oven, and then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set. So, plan for a lovely gathering with this cool, refreshing dessert!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the crust:
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan to create an even crust. Bake it for 8-10 minutes, or until it’s set and lightly golden. Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool.
2. Make the filling:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the sugar while mixing until it’s fully combined. Add the vanilla extract, mix again, then add the eggs one by one, beating on low speed after each addition. Finally, stir in the sour cream and flour until everything is smooth, being careful not to overmix.
3. Bake the cheesecake:
Pour the creamy filling over your cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it back into the oven and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 50-60 minutes. You want the center to be almost set but still slightly jiggly. After baking, turn off the oven and leave the cheesecake inside with the door slightly ajar for about an hour to cool gently. This helps to minimize any cracks that may appear on the surface.
4. Prepare the fruit topping:
While the cheesecake is cooling, mix together the strawberries, blueberries, peaches, lemon juice, and optional sugar in a bowl. If you prefer a thicker topping, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of water, then gently heat it along with the fruit mixture in a small pan until it thickens slightly. Once done, let the fruit mixture cool down.
5. Chill the cheesecake:
Once your cheesecake has cooled, cover it and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results, allowing it to fully chill and set.
6. Assemble and serve:
When you’re ready to serve, spoon the fresh berry and peach mixture generously over the top of the cheesecake. For a nice touch, you can garnish with fresh mint leaves. And there you have it—your refreshing cheesecake is ready to be enjoyed chilled!
Enjoy your delicious Fresh Summer Berry and Peach Cheesecake, perfect for bright summer days or any special occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Crust?
Absolutely! While graham cracker crumbs are traditional, you can also use digestive biscuits, crushed vanilla wafers, or even an Oreo crust for a chocolatey twist. Just be sure to adjust any added sugar based on the sweetness of your chosen cookie!
How Can I Store Leftover Cheesecake?
Store any leftover cheesecake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also cover the cheesecake tightly with plastic wrap while it’s still in the springform pan to keep it fresh. Just slice pieces when you’re ready to enjoy it!
Can I Make This Cheesecake Without Eggs?
If you’re looking to make an egg-free version, you can substitute each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or use a commercial egg replacer. The texture and flavor may vary slightly, but it can still turn out delicious!
What Should I Do If My Cheesecake Cracks?
Cracks can happen, but don’t worry! If your cheesecake cracks while baking, you can cover it with the fruit topping, which will hide imperfections. To prevent cracking in the future, remember to bake it slowly and allow it to cool gradually in the oven.
Enjoy making this wonderful cheesecake, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have more questions!
