Name: Summer Berry and Peach Cheesecake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs; ¼ cup sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 cups cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sour cream; ½ cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 large peaches, peeled and sliced; 1 ½ cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries); 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

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A refreshing and light cheesecake that combines the sweetness of summer berries with juicy peaches, all on a creamy and delicious cheesecake base. Perfect for summer gatherings or a delightful dessert after any meal!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Summer Berry and Peach Cheesecake is the epitome of seasonal indulgence. The rich, creamy cheesecake base provides the perfect canvas for the vibrant, fresh summer fruits. The combination of sweet peaches and mixed berries creates a beautiful flavor contrast that's both refreshing and satisfying. It's an impressive dessert that doesn't require professional baking skills, making it perfect for entertaining or special family dinners. The graham cracker crust adds a wonderful textural element, while the fruit topping brings color and freshness to every slice.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Graham cracker crumbs form the foundation of our buttery, slightly sweet crust that perfectly complements the creamy filling. You can substitute with digestive biscuits or any similar cookie if graham crackers aren't available.

Sugar appears in different forms throughout this recipe, adding just the right sweetness to each component. The granulated sugar in the crust provides structure and sweetness, while powdered sugar in the filling dissolves seamlessly for a smooth texture.

Unsalted butter binds the crust together while adding rich flavor. Make sure it's completely melted for easy mixing with the graham cracker crumbs. You can use salted butter in a pinch, but you might want to reduce any additional salt in the recipe.

Cream cheese is the star of this dessert, providing that classic tangy, rich flavor we all love in cheesecake. Allow it to come to room temperature before mixing for the smoothest possible texture and to prevent lumps.

Sour cream adds a subtle tang and incredible creaminess to the filling. It creates a lighter texture than using cream cheese alone and balances the sweetness beautifully.

Vanilla extract brings warmth and depth to the filling. Pure vanilla extract provides the best flavor, but imitation will work if that's what you have on hand.

Peaches bring juicy sweetness and a soft texture that contrasts beautifully with the berries. When in season, fresh peaches are best, but you can substitute with well-drained canned peaches when fresh aren't available.

Mixed berries add color, tartness, and different texture elements to the topping. Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries work wonderfully together, but feel free to use whatever berries look best at your market.

Honey naturally sweetens the fruit topping while adding a floral depth that refined sugar simply can't match. It also creates a beautiful glaze when combined with the fruit juices.

Lemon juice brightens the fruit topping and balances the sweetness of the honey and fruit. It also helps preserve the vibrant colors of the berries.

Fresh mint leaves are optional but add a beautiful visual element and refreshing aromatic quality to the finished dessert.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan to form the crust. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool.
In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set and lightly golden on top. Allow to cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
In a small saucepan, combine the peaches, berries, honey, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, or until the fruit softens and releases its juices. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
Once the cheesecake has chilled, top it with the berry and peach mixture. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 8 generous servings, making it perfect for family gatherings or dinner parties. You'll need approximately 20 minutes of prep time and 60 minutes of cooking time. However, factor in at least 4 hours 30 minutes of total time to allow for proper cooling and chilling, which is crucial for the perfect cheesecake texture. Each serving contains approximately 280 calories.

Variations

Citrus Zest Addition: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the cheesecake batter for a bright, citrusy note that complements the fruit beautifully.

Almond Crust: Replace half the graham crackers with crushed almond cookies or add ¼ cup of finely chopped almonds to the crust mixture for a nutty dimension.

Mascarpone Substitution: Replace half the cream cheese with mascarpone for an even more luxurious, silky texture.

No-Bake Version: Skip the baking by using a no-bake cheesecake base (typically incorporating whipped cream or condensed milk) and setting it in the refrigerator.

Caramelized Fruit Topping: Instead of simply cooking the fruit, caramelize it with a touch of brown sugar for a deeper, more complex flavor.

Individual Cheesecakes: Prepare in a muffin tin with liners for single-serving portions, reducing the baking time to about 20-25 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover cheesecake in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days. The crust may soften slightly over time but will still taste delicious.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cheesecake without the fruit topping. Wrap individual slices or the whole cheesecake (without the springform pan) tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Store the fruit topping separately in the freezer for up to 1 month.

Thawing: Thaw frozen cheesecake overnight in the refrigerator. Add the fruit topping just before serving for the freshest presentation.

Serving After Storage: Allow refrigerated cheesecake to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture. This takes the chill off and allows the flavors to come through more prominently.

FAQs

How do I prevent my cheesecake from cracking?

Avoid overmixing the batter which incorporates too much air. Also, don't open the oven door during baking, and allow the cheesecake to cool gradually. Some bakers use a water bath method - place the springform pan in a larger pan filled with about 1 inch of hot water while baking to maintain even, gentle heat.

Can I make this cheesecake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cheesecake actually benefits from being made 1-2 days in advance. The flavors meld together beautifully, and it gives the texture time to set perfectly. Just add the fruit topping shortly before serving.

What if my cheesecake doesn't seem set after the recommended baking time?

Every oven is different, so your cheesecake might need a few more minutes. The center should still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan, but the edges should be more set. It will continue to firm up as it cools.

Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen fruit works well for the topping. There's no need to thaw it first; simply cook it according to the recipe, perhaps adding a minute or two to the cooking time. The texture might be slightly softer than with fresh fruit, but the flavor will be excellent.

My graham cracker crust is too crumbly. What went wrong?

The most common cause is not enough butter to bind the crumbs. Make sure to press the mixture firmly into the pan. If you're still having issues, you can add an extra tablespoon of melted butter to the crumb mixture.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the cheesecake for the full 4 hours?

Yes, this chilling time is crucial. It allows the cheesecake to set properly and develop the right texture. Rushing this step will result in a softer, potentially runny cheesecake.

Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?

Yes, full-fat Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for sour cream in this recipe. It provides a similar tanginess and creamy texture, though the final result might be slightly less rich.

Why did my fruit topping turn runny?

If your topping is too runny, you may not have cooked it long enough to release and then reduce the juices. Cook it a few minutes longer next time, and remember that it will thicken somewhat as it cools.

How can I tell when my cheesecake is done baking?

A properly baked cheesecake will be set around the edges but still have a slight wobble in the center when you gently shake the pan. It shouldn't be completely firm, as it will continue to set as it cools. An internal temperature of about 150°F (65°C) in the center is ideal if you have a food thermometer.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the graham crackers with gluten-free graham crackers or cookies. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to be sure, especially with vanilla extract which occasionally contains gluten.

Conclusion

This Summer Berry and Peach Cheesecake truly captures the essence of the season with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation. The contrast between the creamy, rich cheesecake base and the fresh, juicy fruit topping creates a dessert that's both satisfying and refreshing. Perfect for showcasing summer's bounty, this recipe is sure to become a favorite for special occasions and gatherings. Whether you're an experienced baker or trying your hand at cheesecake for the first time, this recipe's clear directions and the make-ahead nature make it approachable and practical. Serve it to guests and watch their eyes light up as they take their first bite of this stunning seasonal dessert.