Description
This Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a delightful dessert hybrid, marrying the comforting warmth of a classic peach cobbler with the creamy decadence of a cheesecake, all in the refreshing form of a fruit salad. Imagine juicy, ripe peaches nestled in a cloud of sweet, tangy cheesecake filling, topped with a crunchy, buttery graham cracker crumble reminiscent of a golden cobbler crust. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors, offering a refreshing twist on familiar favorites. This recipe is perfect for potlucks, summer gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make dessert. It’s a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, and the beautiful presentation makes it a stunning addition to any dessert table. Forget choosing between cheesecake and cobbler – now you can have both in one irresistible dish!
Why you will love this recipe
You will absolutely adore this Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal baking time and simple steps that even novice cooks can master. The combination of flavors is simply divine. The sweetness of the peaches is perfectly balanced by the tanginess of the cheesecake filling, and the graham cracker crumble adds a delightful crunch and warm, buttery undertones.
Secondly, it’s a lighter, more refreshing alternative to traditional cheesecake or cobbler. The fruit salad format makes it perfect for warmer weather, and it won’t leave you feeling overly heavy or bogged down. You get all the satisfying flavors without the guilt!
Thirdly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Use different fruits, experiment with different extracts, or swap out the graham crackers for another type of crumble. The possibilities are endless! Plus, it’s a beautiful dessert that looks as good as it tastes. The vibrant colors of the peaches and the golden crumble make it a visually appealing dish that will impress your guests. Finally, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Everyone loves the familiar flavors of peach cobbler and cheesecake, and this recipe combines them in a unique and delicious way. It’s always a hit at parties and gatherings, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
Ingredients:
Topping:
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
- 9 graham cracker sheets, crumbled into little pieces
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Cheesecake Salad:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3.4 ounces instant cheesecake pudding mix, unprepared
- 1 cup liquid French vanilla creamer
- 8 medium peaches (about 4 pounds), pitted and cut into bite-size pieces
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This initial step ensures that your graham cracker crumble will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown color. Make sure your oven is properly calibrated for optimal results.
Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter (cut into small pieces), vanilla extract, cinnamon, kosher salt, and nutmeg. Use a fork or your fingers to mix the ingredients together until they are well combined and the butter is somewhat incorporated into the brown sugar, creating a slightly crumbly mixture. The small pieces of butter help to evenly distribute the fat, contributing to a more uniformly crisp topping. The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, while the cinnamon, salt and nutmeg introduce warm, comforting spices that complement the peaches beautifully.
Step 3: Add the crumbled graham crackers and granulated sugar to the bowl. Mix everything together until the graham cracker crumbs are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture. The granulated sugar provides extra sweetness and helps the crumble crisp up nicely in the oven. Ensure the graham cracker crumbs are relatively fine for a better texture.
Step 4: Spread the graham cracker mixture evenly onto a baking sheet. You can line the baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, although it is not strictly necessary. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the crumble is golden brown and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool completely. As it cools, it will crisp up further.
Step 5: While the graham cracker crumble is cooling, prepare the cheesecake salad. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and free of lumps. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy, luxurious cheesecake filling. Using room temperature cream cheese is vital, and it should be softened for at least an hour.
Step 6: Add the instant cheesecake pudding mix and French vanilla creamer to the bowl with the cream cheese. Continue to beat the mixture until it is creamy, smooth, and well combined. Ensure that the pudding mix is fully incorporated to avoid any grainy texture. The French vanilla creamer adds richness and enhances the vanilla flavor of the cheesecake filling.
Step 7: Gently fold in the peach pieces until they are evenly distributed throughout the cheesecake mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the peaches to break down and release too much moisture. The goal is to have a balance of peaches and cheesecake filling in every bite.
Step 8: Once the graham cracker topping is completely cooled, sprinkle it evenly over the peach and cheesecake mixture. The crumble adds a delightful crunch and warm, buttery flavor that perfectly complements the creamy filling and juicy peaches.
Step 9: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cheesecake filling to set slightly, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dessert. Chilling for longer than an hour is perfectly acceptable, and in fact, overnight chilling can enhance the flavors even more.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
This Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad is delicious served chilled as a dessert or a refreshing snack. It pairs well with whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. You can also garnish it with fresh mint leaves or extra peach slices for a more elegant presentation. It’s perfect for potlucks, summer barbecues, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a sweet and satisfying treat.
Tips:
- Cream Cheese: Ensure that the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the cheesecake mixture. You can speed up the softening process by placing the cream cheese in a warm water bath or microwaving it in short intervals.
- Peaches: Use ripe but firm peaches for the best flavor and texture. If fresh peaches are not in season, you can substitute canned peaches (drained well) or frozen peaches (thawed and drained). You can also experiment with other fruits, such as nectarines, plums, or berries.
- Crumble: For a richer crumble, you can use melted butter instead of softened butter. You can also add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the crumble mixture.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of sugar in both the crumble and the cheesecake filling.
- Make Ahead: The cheesecake salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to add the graham cracker topping just before serving to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Variations: Substitute gingersnaps for graham crackers in the topping.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Sugar: 34g
Conclusion
This Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. It combines the comforting flavors of peach cobbler with the creamy decadence of cheesecake, resulting in a refreshing and satisfying treat that everyone will love. With its simple steps, customizable ingredients, and impressive presentation, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in this irresistible fusion of flavors! Enjoy!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of fruit instead of peaches?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe is specifically designed for peaches, the beauty of a fruit salad is its versatility. Nectarines, plums, apricots, or even a mix of berries like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries would all work beautifully. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness to your liking depending on the natural sweetness of the fruit you choose. For example, if using tart berries, you might want to add a touch more sugar to the cheesecake filling.
Q2: What if I don’t have instant cheesecake pudding mix? Can I substitute something else?
A: If you can’t find or don’t want to use instant cheesecake pudding mix, you can still achieve a similar creamy and tangy flavor. One option is to use a combination of cornstarch, sugar, and lemon juice to create a homemade pudding-like base. For the best results, use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, ¼ cup of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Mix these ingredients in with the cream cheese and French vanilla creamer as directed. If you are using lemon juice, you may want to add some lemon zest as well to enhance the flavors
Q3: How can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
A: Making this Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad dairy-free or vegan is definitely possible with a few substitutions. For the cream cheese, use a plant-based cream cheese alternative. There are many delicious options available made from ingredients like cashews, almonds, or soybeans. For the French vanilla creamer, use a plant-based creamer, such as oat milk creamer, almond milk creamer, or soy milk creamer. Ensure that the instant cheesecake pudding mix is also vegan-friendly, or substitute it with a homemade vegan pudding. Finally, ensure that the graham crackers are vegan, or substitute them with a vegan-friendly cookie crumble.
Q4: Can I make the graham cracker crumble ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can absolutely make the graham cracker crumble ahead of time! In fact, it’s a great way to save time when you’re preparing the dessert. Just bake the crumble as directed and let it cool completely. Then, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. This allows the flavors to meld together even further, and it will be ready to go when you’re ready to assemble the fruit salad.
Q5: How long does this fruit salad last in the refrigerator?
A: This Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of making it. After that, the fruit may start to release too much moisture, and the graham cracker crumble may become soggy. Be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and flavor. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as a sour smell or mold growth, discard the fruit salad immediately.
