Peach Cobbler Cheesecake
I’ve been making this peach-forward cheesecake every late summer when stone fruit is at its peak. It pairs the warm, nostalgic flavors of peach cobbler — roasted cinnamon peaches and a brown-butter crumble — with a rich, silky cream cheese filling. The result is a crowd-pleasing dessert that looks impressive but mostly relies on simple technique: roast, bake in a water bath, cool, and top.
Why you’ll love this dish
This Peach Cobbler Cheesecake combines two favorites into one show-stopping dessert. The roasted peaches bring concentrated sweetness and a hint of caramelized flavor. A graham cracker crust keeps things buttery and familiar, while a brown-butter crumble adds toasty, nutty contrast. It’s an ideal recipe for summer gatherings, holiday dinners, or any time you want a dessert that tastes homemade and special.
“The fruit is bright, the filling is silky, and the crumble gives it the perfect crisp contrast — everyone asked for seconds.”
Reasons to try it:
- Uses seasonal peaches to maximize flavor.
- Makes a stunning centerpiece for potlucks and holidays.
- Components can be prepped ahead (roast peaches, crust, crumble).
- Kid-approved flavor profile and adult-friendly sophistication.
The cooking process explained
Step-by-step overview:
- Roast peaches twice: once to fold into the batter, and again to top the finished cheesecake. Roasting concentrates sugars and softens fruit without making it watery.
- Press a buttery graham cracker crust into the pan and par-bake briefly.
- Make a brown-butter crumble to dot on top for texture.
- Beat a classic cream cheese filling, fold in roasted peach pieces, and bake in a water bath for even cooking.
- Cool slowly, chill overnight, then add more roasted peaches and the crumble before serving.
This quick roadmap helps you plan timing: expect active hands-on time ~45–60 minutes and total time including chilling ~12–24 hours.
What you’ll need
Ingredient list (with helpful notes and substitutions):
- 2 medium peaches + 2 medium peaches (same amount used twice; one batch for inside the cheesecake, one for the topping)
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg, pinch of salt (for roasting each batch)
- Note: If peaches are very sweet you can reduce the granulated sugar to 1/2 Tbsp.
- 2 sleeves (275 g) graham crackers, blitzed into crumbs (about 2 cups crumbs)
- 2 Tbsp (24 g) granulated sugar, 1 Tbsp (10 g) brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (110 g / 1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
- Substitution: Use gluten-free graham-style crackers for GF option.
- Brown Butter Crumble:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 Tbsp packed brown sugar
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, browned
- Pinch of salt
- Cheesecake:
- 24 oz (675 g / 3 blocks) full-fat cream cheese, room temperature (important for smooth texture)
- 3/4 cup (160 g) granulated sugar
- 2 Tbsp (20 g) brown sugar
- 3 large eggs (150–155 g each), room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup (195 g) sour cream, room temperature
- Pantry notes: Use room-temperature eggs and dairy to minimize air in the batter and prevent curdling. Full-fat cream cheese yields the best texture.
Step-by-step instructions
Graham Cracker Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with 2 Tbsp granulated sugar, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until evenly moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom (and slightly up the sides) of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until set. Cool slightly while preparing the rest.
Brown Butter Crumble
- In a small skillet, brown 3 Tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat until nutty aroma appears. Remove from heat.
- Combine 1/2 cup flour, 2 Tbsp packed brown sugar, browned butter, and a pinch of salt. Toss to form clumps.
- Set aside on a sheet to cool. This will top the cheesecake later.
Roasted Peaches (for inside the cheesecake)
- Halve and slice 2 medium peaches. Toss with 1 Tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
- Cool. Chop coarsely and reserve.
Cheesecake
- Reduce oven to 325°F (160°C). Wrap the outside of the springform pan in foil to prevent water leaking into the crust.
- Beat room-temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 2 Tbsp brown sugar. Beat until creamy and no lumps remain.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently and scraping the bowl. Stir in 2 tsp vanilla.
- Fold in 3/4 cup sour cream until incorporated. Do not overmix; you want a smooth batter with minimal air.
- Gently fold in the roasted peach pieces.
- Pour batter over the prepared crust. Smooth the top. Sprinkle the brown-butter crumble evenly over the batter.
- Place the pan in a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the springform (water bath).
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50–65 minutes. The center should jiggle slightly but not be liquid. A thin crack is okay.
- Turn oven off. Crack the oven door and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to reduce cracking.
- Remove from oven, cool completely on a rack, then refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
Roasted Peaches on top
- Roast the second batch of 2 medium peaches the same way (1 Tbsp sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg) at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Cool and arrange slices atop chilled cheesecake just before serving. Add extra crumble if desired.
Food safety note: Refrigerate within 2 hours of baking. Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean cuts.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving suggestions:
- Slice with a hot, clean knife (dip in hot water and wipe between cuts) for neat servings.
- Serve with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.
- Pair with coffee, a late-harvest Riesling, or a sparkling rosé for contrast.
- For a brunch twist, serve smaller slices alongside fried chicken or bacon for a sweet-and-savory board.
Storage and reheating tips
Keeping leftovers fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. Cheesecake is dairy-based, so keep it chilled.
- Freeze: Wrap the whole cake (or individual slices) in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: Cheesecake is best served cold or room temperature. If you prefer warm, microwave individual slices for 10–15 seconds, but don’t overheat or it will become grainy.
Safe handling: Always use clean utensils and avoid leaving the cheesecake at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Pro chef tips
- Bring dairy and eggs to room temperature for a silky batter and fewer air pockets.
- Brown your butter slowly until it smells nutty; watch closely — it can burn in seconds.
- Water bath is key: it ensures even baking and prevents cracking. Wrap the springform in two layers of foil.
- Avoid overmixing after adding eggs; incorporate just until combined.
- To check doneness: the edges should be set and the center should have a slight jiggle — it will firm up while chilling.
- Chill overnight for the best flavor and texture. Slicing is easier after full refrigeration.
Creative twists
Flavor swaps and variations:
- Stone fruit swap: Use nectarines or plums instead of peaches.
- Glaze: Brush roasted tops with warmed apricot jam thinned with a splash of lemon juice for shine.
- Gluten-free: Swap graham crumbs for gluten-free cookies and use a GF flour for the crumble.
- Lighter version: Use Neufchâtel or reduced-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream (texture will be slightly different).
- Boozy boost: Macerate peaches in bourbon or rum for 30 minutes before roasting for a deeper flavor.
Your questions answered
Q: Can I use frozen peaches?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain excess liquid, then roast to remove extra moisture. Frozen fruit tends to be softer, so roasting helps concentrate flavor.
Q: How long does this take to make from start to finish?
A: Active prep and bake time is about 1.5–2 hours. Cooling and chilling require at least 4 hours; overnight chilling (8–12 hours) is recommended.
Q: How do I prevent cracks in the cheesecake?
A: Use a water bath, avoid overmixing, bake until just set in the center, and cool slowly in the oven with the door ajar. Also, room-temp ingredients and gentle mixing help.
Q: Can I make components ahead?
A: Yes — roast the peaches and make the crumble 1–2 days ahead. The crust can be prebaked and stored briefly. Assemble and bake when ready.
Q: Is it safe to freeze the cheesecake?
A: Yes — freeze wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Conclusion
If you love the comforting warmth of a peach cobbler but want something richer and more elegant, this Peach Cobbler Cheesecake delivers both. For another take on roasted-peach cheesecake inspiration, see this version from Roasted Peach Cobbler Cheesecake | Butternut Bakery. For variation ideas and a different technique, check out Peach Cobbler Cheesecake – Grandbaby Cakes.

Peach Cobbler Cheesecake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix graham cracker crumbs with 2 Tbsp granulated sugar, 1 Tbsp brown sugar, melted butter, and a pinch of salt until evenly moistened.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom (and slightly up the sides) of a 9-inch springform pan.
- Bake 8–10 minutes until set. Cool slightly while preparing the rest.
- In a small skillet, brown 3 Tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat until nutty aroma appears. Remove from heat.
- Combine 1/2 cup flour, 2 Tbsp packed brown sugar, browned butter, and a pinch of salt. Toss to form clumps.
- Set aside on a sheet to cool. This will top the cheesecake later.
- Halve and slice 2 medium peaches. Toss with 1 Tbsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
- Spread on a baking sheet and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until soft and slightly caramelized.
- Cool. Chop coarsely and reserve.
- Reduce oven to 325°F (160°C). Wrap the outside of the springform pan in foil to prevent water leaking into the crust.
- Beat room-temperature cream cheese until smooth. Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 2 Tbsp brown sugar. Beat until creamy and no lumps remain.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently and scraping the bowl. Stir in 2 tsp vanilla.
- Fold in 3/4 cup sour cream until incorporated. Do not overmix; you want a smooth batter with minimal air.
- Gently fold in the roasted peach pieces.
- Pour batter over the prepared crust. Smooth the top. Sprinkle the brown-butter crumble evenly over the batter.
- Place the pan in a larger roasting pan. Pour hot water into the roasting pan to come halfway up the sides of the springform (water bath).
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50–65 minutes. The center should jiggle slightly but not be liquid. A thin crack is okay.
- Turn oven off. Crack the oven door and let cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour to reduce cracking.
- Remove from oven, cool completely on a rack, then refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
- Roast the second batch of 2 medium peaches the same way (1 Tbsp sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg) at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Cool and arrange slices atop chilled cheesecake just before serving. Add extra crumble if desired.
