This Summer Berry and Peach Cheesecake is a fruity delight packed with sweet berries and juicy peaches! With a graham cracker crust, it’s a treat that feels like sunshine on a plate.
I can’t resist the bright colors and flavors in this cheesecake—it just screams summer! 🍑 Serve it cold for a refreshing dessert that everyone will love, especially on a warm day!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Graham cracker crumbs: These form a classic cheesecake crust. If you don’t have them, you can use crushed digestive biscuits, vanilla wafer cookies, or even crushed nuts for a gluten-free option.
Unsalted butter: This helps bind the crust together. In place of butter, you can use coconut oil for a dairy-free version. Just melt it first!
Cream cheese: Look for full-fat cream cheese for the best texture. Neufchâtel is a lower-fat option, but it might be a bit softer. Vegan cream cheese can also work well for a dairy-free cheesecake.
Heavy whipping cream: This adds fluffiness to the filling. If you’re looking for lighter options, you can replace it with whipped coconut cream or a non-dairy whipped topping.
Mixed summer berries: Raspberries and blackberries work beautifully, but feel free to substitute with strawberries or blueberries based on your preference or what’s in season.
Raspberry sauce: Homemade is great, but store-bought works perfectly too! You can even use other fruit sauces like mango or strawberry if you prefer a different flavor.
How Do I Achieve the Best Whipped Cream for My Cheesecake?
Whipped cream adds a light and airy texture to your cheesecake. Here’s how to whip it perfectly:
- Start with chilled heavy cream for better whipping results.
- In a clean mixing bowl, whip the cream on medium speed until it begins to thicken.
- Then increase the speed to high and whip until stiff peaks form. Avoid over-whipping, which can lead to butter!
- For flavor, you can add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or powdered sugar while whipping!
How to Make Summer Berry and Peach Cheesecake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup sugar
For the Filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup mixed summer berries (raspberries, blackberries)
- 1 ripe peach, sliced
For the Topping:
- ½ cup whipped cream (for decoration)
- Additional fresh berries (raspberries, blackberries)
- Peach slices
- ¼ cup raspberry sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ¼ cup toasted almond slivers (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cheesecake recipe takes about 25 minutes to prepare, with an additional chilling time of at least 4 hours, or overnight if you prefer. A little patience goes a long way for this creamy treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crust:
In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Next, press this mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan to create an even layer. Place the pan in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let the crust set up nicely.
2. Make the Filling:
While the crust is chilling, let’s make the cheesecake filling! In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese using an electric mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract while continuing to mix until everything is well incorporated.
3. Whip the Cream:
In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This means that when you lift the whisk, the cream should stand up straight and not fall back down. Now, gently fold this whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream too much; we want to keep that light and fluffy texture!
4. Fold in the Berries:
Gently fold in the mixed summer berries into the cheesecake filling. Take your time and treat those berries gently so they don’t get smashed.
5. Assemble the Cheesecake:
Pour the creamy cheesecake filling over your prepared crust in the springform pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. If you like, you can add the peach slices on top or mix them into the filling for extra peach flavor!
6. Chill:
Cover the cheesecake and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you want the best results. Letting it chill helps it set beautifully.
7. Decorate:
When you’re ready to serve, take the cheesecake out of the fridge. Top it with dollops of whipped cream, fresh berries, and peach slices. Drizzle with raspberry sauce and add toasted almond slivers for some extra crunch, if you wish!
8. Serve:
Finally, carefully remove the sides of the springform pan, slice the cheesecake, and enjoy every delicious bite of your refreshing summer dessert!
Can I Substitute the Heavy Whipping Cream?
Yes, if you want a lighter version, you can use whipped topping instead of heavy whipping cream. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly, making it less rich. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut cream can work too; just chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight and scoop out the cream at the top, then whip it until fluffy!
How Do I Store Leftover Cheesecake?
Leftover cheesecake can be stored in the refrigerator. Make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing odors. It will stay fresh for up to one week. You can also freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Berries and Peaches?
Absolutely! You can substitute with any seasonal fruits you enjoy, such as strawberries, blueberries, or even tropical fruits like mango or pineapple. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness if the fruit is particularly tart or sweet!
Is It Necessary to Chill the Cheesecake Overnight?
While chilling for at least 4 hours will set the cheesecake, chilling it overnight will improve the flavor and texture significantly. If you’re in a hurry, just make sure it’s firm enough to slice, but for the best results, let it chill overnight if you can!
