Hello, dessert lovers! Are you ready for a treat that combines the best of summer fruit, the creamy richness of cheesecake, and the comforting flavors of cobbler? This Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a dreamy dessert that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Perfect for gatherings or a special weekend treat, it’s sure to impress your friends and family. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this irresistible dish!
Introduction
Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a luscious fusion of two beloved desserts—peach cobbler and cheesecake. It features juicy, ripe peaches folded into a velvety cheesecake mixture, topped with golden, crunchy graham cracker crumbles that mimic the flavors of cobbler. This dessert is perfect for summer parties, potlucks, or anytime you want a no-bake dessert that wows your guests. The combination of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures makes every bite an experience!
Ingredients
Cobbler Topping
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 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
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This step ensures the graham cracker topping won’t stick.
Make the Cobbler Topping: In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, combine the brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Stir until well blended. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is bubbly and the sugar is melted, typically about 1-2 minutes. Add the crumbled graham crackers to the sugar mixture and stir until they’re fully coated. Spread the coated graham cracker mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Sprinkle the granulated sugar over the top to create a crisp coating during baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from the oven and allow the topping to cool completely before using.
Prepare the Cheesecake Mixture: In a tall bowl (such as an 8-cup glass measuring cup), use an electric mixer to whip the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth. It might stick to the beaters initially, but keep mixing, and it will loosen. Add the dry cheesecake pudding mix to the cream cheese and mix on high speed until well incorporated. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the liquid French vanilla creamer, about one tablespoon at a time. Mix thoroughly after each addition, ensuring the creamer is fully incorporated before adding more. Continue this process until all the creamer has been added. Increase the mixer speed to high and whip until the mixture is creamy, smooth, and luscious.
Assemble the Salad: Gently fold the peach pieces into the cheesecake mixture, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator until ready to serve, or serve immediately if preferred.
Add the Topping: Just before serving, stir the cooled cobbler topping into the salad to combine the crunchy texture with the creamy and fruity base. This step ensures the topping stays crisp and doesn’t become soggy.
Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad into bowls or onto plates, and serve chilled. Every bite is a perfect balance of creamy cheesecake, juicy peaches, and crunchy cobbler topping!
Helpful Tips
- Choose Ripe Peaches: Use ripe, fragrant peaches for the best flavor. If fresh peaches aren’t available, canned peaches in light syrup can work as a substitute—just drain them thoroughly before use.
- Keep the Topping Crunchy: Add the graham cracker topping just before serving to preserve its crunchy texture. If you’re making the salad ahead of time, store the topping in a separate airtight container until ready to use.
- Creamer Substitution: If you don’t have French vanilla creamer, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half with a splash of vanilla extract for a similar effect.
- Customizing Flavors: Add a hint of almond extract to the cheesecake mixture for an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with peaches.
Cooking Tips
- Microwave Tip: When melting the butter and sugar mixture, stir frequently to avoid burning. The sugar should dissolve completely to create a smooth caramel-like coating.
- Consistent Slices: Cut the peaches into uniform bite-sized pieces for even distribution throughout the salad.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother, lump-free cheesecake mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad is a versatile dessert that works well for a variety of occasions. Serve it in elegant dessert cups for a more formal presentation or in a large bowl for family-style gatherings. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for added texture and flavor. It’s a fantastic complement to summer BBQs, picnics, or holiday feasts.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on eight servings):
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Potassium: 290mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 28g
- Vitamin A: 15%
- Vitamin C: 12%
- Calcium: 8%
- Iron: 6%
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cobbler topping separate if possible to maintain its crunch.
Do Not Freeze: Due to the creamy cheesecake mixture, this salad doesn’t freeze well. The texture can become grainy upon thawing.
Re-stir Before Serving: If storing leftovers, give the salad a quick stir before serving to redistribute the peaches and cheesecake mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different fruit?
Yes! While peaches are the star of this recipe, you can substitute or combine them with other fruits like nectarines, strawberries, or blueberries.
What if I don’t have cheesecake pudding mix?
You can use vanilla pudding mix as a substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly. Adding a bit of cream cheese extract can enhance the cheesecake flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the cheesecake mixture and peaches ahead of time and refrigerate. Add the topping just before serving for the best results.
Related Recipes
If you love this recipe, here are some other fruit-inspired desserts to try:
- Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
- Blueberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars
- Mixed Berry Cobbler
- Creamy Tropical Fruit Salad
Conclusion
This Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad is the ultimate summer dessert, combining the sweet, juicy goodness of peaches with creamy cheesecake and a crunchy cobbler topping. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this dessert is a guaranteed hit. Try it out and let us know how you enjoyed this delightful creation!