Refreshing Summer Peach Dream Cheesecake

Peaches have long been a symbol of summer, originating from China over 4,000 years ago. They made their way to the United States in the 17th century, quickly becoming a beloved fruit. Cheesecake, on the other hand, dates back to ancient Greece, where it was served to athletes during the first Olympic Games in 776 B.C. The fusion of these two treats into a Peach Cheesecake is a modern culinary innovation that captures the essence of summer in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 150 grams)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113 grams)

For the Peach Mousse:

• 2 cups fresh or canned peach slices, drained (about 480 ml)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30 ml)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (60 grams)
• 1 envelope unflavored gelatin (about 7 grams)
• 1/4 cup cold water (60 ml)
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped (240 ml)

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened (454 grams)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100 grams)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped (240 ml)
• Peach slices for garnish
• Mint leaves (optional)

Directions

Preparing the Crust

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, and the melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are fully coated and resemble wet sand.
3. Form the Crust: Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan, ensuring an even layer.
4. Bake and Cool: Bake the crust for 10 minutes until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the next layers.

Making the Peach Mousse

1. Puree the Peaches: In a blender, puree the peach slices with lemon juice and powdered sugar until smooth.
2. Dissolve the Gelatin: In a small saucepan, sprinkle the gelatin over cold water and let it stand for 1 minute. Heat the mixture over low heat, stirring until the gelatin is completely dissolved. Allow it to cool slightly before adding to the peach puree.
3. Combine with Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the peach puree until well combined. This creates a light and airy mousse.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Layer

1. Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer.

Assembling the Cheesecake

1. Layer the Peach Mousse: Pour the peach mousse mixture over the cooled crust, spreading it into an even layer.
2. Add the Cream Cheese Layer: Carefully spread the cream cheese mixture over the peach mousse layer, ensuring an even surface.
3. Chill: Refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 4 hours or until fully set. This allows the flavors to meld and the textures to firm up.

Adding the Final Touches

1. Whipped Cream Topping: Before serving, garnish the cheesecake with whipped cream. You can pipe it decoratively around the edges or spread a smooth layer on top.
2. Garnish with Peaches: Arrange fresh peach slices on top of the cheesecake for a beautiful and delicious decoration.
3. Mint Leaves: Add a few mint leaves for an optional, yet refreshing, touch.

Serving and Enjoying

Once your Refreshing Summer Peach Dream Cheesecake is fully set and beautifully garnished, it’s ready to be served. This cheesecake not only looks impressive but also delivers a perfect blend of creamy, fruity, and crunchy textures. It’s a delightful end to any summer meal and is sure to impress your guests.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 320 kcal per serving
• Servings: 12

Each slice of this cheesecake is a treat that balances indulgence with the fresh taste of peaches. Enjoy this dessert on a warm summer evening or at your next barbecue.