There are desserts that satisfy a sweet craving, and then there are masterpieces that transport you to a world of flavor and texture with every bite. The Bourbon Peach Streusel Cheesecake falls into the latter category, offering a decadent fusion of juicy peaches, warming bourbon, and a buttery, crumbly streusel that makes each slice an unforgettable experience.
Why This Cheesecake is Special
This cheesecake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. The combination of ripe, juicy peaches with the sophisticated note of bourbon, all encased in a creamy cheesecake filling and topped with a crispy cinnamon streusel, creates a harmony that is both comforting and exotic.
The crust, made from graham cracker crumbs mixed with melted salted butter and sugar, forms a firm yet crumbly base that complements the creamy filling perfectly. The cinnamon streusel not only adds a delightful crunch but also a warmth that pairs beautifully with the peaches and bourbon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crust:
- 2 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted salted butter
- 3 tbsp sugar
For the Cinnamon Streusel:
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 5 tbsp melted salted butter
For the Cheesecake Filling:
- 24 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 5 tbsp bourbon
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
For the Peaches:
- 3 1/2 cups sliced and peeled peaches (about 4 peaches)
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp loosely packed light brown sugar
For the Whipped Cream:
- 1/2 cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prep Work: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F. Line and grease your springform pan for the crust.
- Crust: Combine the crust ingredients, press into the pan, and bake. Then, set aside to cool.
- Streusel: Mix the streusel ingredients and bake as directed. Allow it to cool for later use.
- Cheesecake Filling: Blend the cheesecake filling ingredients together, carefully adding the eggs last to avoid overmixing.
- Peaches: Toss the sliced peaches in cinnamon and brown sugar for that extra flavor.
- Layering: Start by adding the cheesecake filling over the crust, followed by the seasoned peaches, and finish with a layer of unbaked streusel.
- Baking: Use a water bath to bake the cheesecake, ensuring a moist and even cook.
- Cooling & Decorating: Once baked, top the cheesecake with additional peaches and the baked streusel. After cooling, add a layer of whipped cream piped to perfection and sprinkled with streusel.
How to bake the streusel:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Spread the streusel mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown and crisp.
- Allow the streusel to cool completely before using it to top the cheesecake.
Total Time Commitment
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Additional Time (Cooling & Setting): 6 hours
- Total Time: 9 hours 25 minutes
- Servings: 12-16 slices
- Calories per Serving: 459 kcal
This Bourbon Peach Streusel Cheesecake is more than a dessert; it’s a work of art that invites you to indulge in its rich, complex flavors and textures. Whether for a special occasion or a luxurious weekend treat, this cheesecake promises to be a memorable culinary experience. Enjoy the process of creating it and the pleasure of savoring each bite.
I must be missing something here. The Bourbon Peach Streusel
Cheesecake recipe gives no directions for baking the Streusel.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention! You’re correct, and we apologize for the oversight. The streusel should be baked separately before being added to the cheesecake. Check the update
How long do you bake the crust in the oven for? Also, how do you give the cheesecake a water bath?
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until it is set and lightly golden brown.
Do we bake the cheesecake for 2hrs 25 minutes?
No, you don’t bake the cheesecake for the entire duration of 2 hours and 25 minutes. The total cooking time includes the prep time, baking time, and additional time for cooling and setting. Typically, the baking time for a cheesecake is around 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the recipe and oven temperature. After baking, the cheesecake needs to cool completely and then chill in the refrigerator for several hours to set properly. So, the actual baking time for the cheesecake itself would be less than 2 hours and 25 minutes.
In the layering section you mention unbaked streusel. Does this mean we should set aside some of the mixture and bake the rest?
The picture shows peaches in the filling but directions do not reflect this so do you add a layer of peaches before the filling?
I’m sorry, you have step by step instructions, but it is missing very important
information!!! I had to read the comments to the complete instructions.