Indulge in the decadent fusion of flavors with my Bourbon Peach Streusel Cheesecake recipe. The delightful blend of peaches, bourbon, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a symphony of taste that will tantalize your taste buds. This dessert is a true gem in my collection, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of warmth from the bourbon.
Crafted with love and passion, this Bourbon Peach Streusel Cheesecake is a standout from my cookbook, Simply Beautiful Homemade Cakes. The richness of the cream cheese, the subtle tang of sour cream, and the crunch of the streusel topping come together harmoniously in this delightful treat. Whether you’re a cheesecake enthusiast or a dessert connoisseur, this recipe is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving for more.
Ingredients
For this delectable Bourbon Peach Streusel Cheesecake recipe, we will need a variety of ingredients carefully selected to bring out the rich flavors in every bite.
Crust
- 2 ¼ cups (302g) graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup (112g) salted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp (39g) sugar
Cinnamon Streusel
- ⅔ cup (87g) all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 5 tbsp (70g) salted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 ounces (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup (225g) light brown sugar, packed
- 3 tbsp (24g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup (173g) sour cream, room temperature
- 5 tbsp (75ml) bourbon
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
Peaches
- 3 ½ cups (470g) sliced and peeled peaches (about 4 peaches)*
- 2 tsp (6g) ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp (18g) light brown sugar, loosely packed
Whipped Cream
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- ¼ cup (29g) powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
*It’s important that you have flavorful, ripe peaches to get the full peach-y flavor of this cheesecake. If peaches aren’t in season, canned peaches can be used without any additional changes.
Required Equipment
When preparing this delicious Bourbon Peach Streusel Cheesecake, having the right equipment at hand is crucial for a smooth and efficient baking experience. Here’s a list of the essential tools you’ll need:
- Cooling Rack: To cool the cheesecake properly after baking.
- 9-inch Springform Pan: To create the perfect shape for your cheesecake and allow for easy removal after baking.
- Mixing Bowls: Various sizes for preparing and combining ingredients.
- Electric Mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer for blending ingredients to a smooth consistency.
- Oven: Preheat to the specified temperature for baking.
- Parchment Paper: Line pans for easy cleanup.
- Spatula: For scraping down mixing bowls.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Preparation Steps
Making the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9-inch (23cm) springform pan with parchment paper on the bottom and grease the sides.
- Combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar in a small bowl. Press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the springform pan.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
- Cover the outside of the pan with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during the water bath.
Preparing the Streusel
Spread half of the streusel on a parchment-lined cookie sheet in an even layer and bake for 5–10 minutes, until lightly crisped. Let cool completely before breaking into pieces.
Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).
In a medium bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add melted butter and mix until crumbly.
Making the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large bowl, blend cream cheese, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon on low speed until smooth and well combined.
- Add sour cream and mix on low speed until incorporated.
- Add bourbon and mix on low speed until combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing slowly after each addition.
Preparing Peaches
- In another medium bowl, combine sliced peaches with cinnamon and brown sugar; toss to coat evenly.
Assembling & Baking
- Add about ¼ of the cheesecake filling to the crust to create a thin layer.
- Set aside about 1 cup (140g) of peaches for topping later; lay remaining peaches over the batter in an even layer.
- Crumble unbaked streusel over peaches.
- Pour remaining cheesecake batter evenly over peaches.
- Place springform pan inside a larger pan; fill outer pan with enough warm water to go halfway up its sides.
- Bake at 300°F (148°C) for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Turn off oven; leave cheesecake inside with door closed for 15 minutes.
- Remove cheesecake from oven; top with reserved peaches and about ⅔ baked streusel, leaving an inch around edges for whipped cream later.
- Return cheesecake to oven for another 15 minutes, then crack oven door open slightly and leave for 30 minutes before removing.
Cooling & Topping
- Let cheesecake sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then refrigerate until fully cooled—about 6–7 hours or overnight.
- Once cooled, remove from springform pan.
Whipped Cream & Final Touches
Sprinkle remaining baked streusel over cheesecake.
Whip heavy cream on high speed until it begins to thicken; add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon while continuing to whip until stiff peaks form.
Pipe whipped cream around edges using Ateco tip #844.
Serving & Storage
When serving this Bourbon Peach Streusel Cheesecake:
- Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water for clean slices.
- Garnish each slice with fresh peach slices if desired.
To store:
- Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil; refrigerate for up to 3 days—though it may last up to 4–5 days if needed.
Enjoy every bite of this indulgent dessert!
Conclusion
Creating this Bourbon Peach Streusel Cheesecake is a delightful experience that promises a symphony of flavors. The richness of bourbon, sweetness of peaches, and crunch of streusel come together in perfect harmony. Your taste buds will thank you for indulging in this decadent treat. Remember to follow the detailed instructions for a flawless outcome. From the creamy texture to the crunchy topping, every bite is a heavenly delight. Don’t forget to garnish with a fresh peach slice for that extra touch of elegance. With proper storage and serving techniques, this cheesecake can be enjoyed for up to 3 days. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this irresistible Bourbon Peach Streusel Cheesecake!
PrintBourbon Peach Streusel Cheesecake Recipe
This Bourbon Peach Streusel Cheesecake is a luscious dessert that combines the creamy richness of cheesecake with the sweet, spiced flavor of peaches and a warm hint of bourbon. Topped with a buttery cinnamon streusel and whipped cream, this indulgent treat offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an irresistible centerpiece for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 55 minutes (plus cooling time)
- Total Time: 8 hours (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Crust
- 2 ¼ cups (302g) graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup (112g) salted butter, melted
- 3 tbsp (39g) sugar
Cinnamon Streusel
- ⅔ cup (87g) all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cup (150g) light brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 5 tbsp (70g) salted butter, melted
Cheesecake Filling
- 24 ounces (678g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup (225g) light brown sugar, packed
- 3 tbsp (24g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup (173g) sour cream, room temperature
- 5 tbsp (75ml) bourbon
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
Peaches
- 3 ½ cups (470g) sliced and peeled peaches (about 4 peaches)*
- 2 tsp (6g) ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp (18g) light brown sugar, loosely packed
Whipped Cream
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream, cold
- ¼ cup (29g) powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
*Tip: If fresh peaches are unavailable, canned peaches work well. No pre-cooking required.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper and grease the sides.
- In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of the pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Pro Tip: Use the bottom of a glass to press the crust evenly.
Step 2: Make the Streusel
- Reduce oven temperature to 300°F (148°C).
- Combine flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Add melted butter and mix until crumbly.
- Spread half of the streusel on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 5–10 minutes, until lightly golden. Let cool completely before breaking into pieces. Reserve the other half for layering.
Common Mistake: Overbaking the streusel can make it too hard to crumble later.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon on low speed until smooth. Avoid overmixing to prevent cracks in the cheesecake later. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add sour cream and mix until incorporated. Follow with bourbon and mix again on low speed.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing slowly after each addition.
Pro Tip: Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter.
Step 4: Prepare the Peaches
- Toss sliced peaches with cinnamon and brown sugar in a medium bowl until evenly coated.
Step 5: Assemble the Cheesecake
- Pour about ¼ of the cheesecake batter into the crust to create a thin base layer.
- Layer most of the peaches over this batter evenly, reserving about 1 cup for topping later. Sprinkle unbaked streusel over the peaches.
- Pour remaining cheesecake batter over peaches and smooth out with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake in a Water Bath
- Wrap the outside of your springform pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent water from seeping in during baking.
- Place the pan inside a larger baking dish or roasting pan; pour warm water into the outer pan until it reaches halfway up the sides of the springform pan.
- Bake at 300°F (148°C) for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Turn off oven; leave cheesecake inside with door closed for an additional 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven; top cheesecake with reserved peaches and about ⅔ baked streusel, leaving an inch around edges for whipped cream later.
- Return cheesecake to oven for another 15 minutes, then crack oven door open slightly and leave for another 30 minutes before removing completely.
Common Mistake: Skipping the water bath can lead to cracks in your cheesecake.
Step 7: Cool & Chill
- Let cheesecake sit at room temperature for 15 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 6–7 hours, or overnight, until fully set.
Step 8: Whipped Cream & Garnish
- In a mixing bowl fitted with a whisk attachment, whip cold heavy cream on high speed until it begins to thicken.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon; continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
- Pipe whipped cream around edges using Ateco tip #844 or similar.
- Sprinkle remaining baked streusel over whipped cream border.
Pro Tip: Chill your mixing bowl and whisk attachment before making whipped cream for best results.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled with additional fresh peach slices as garnish if desired.
- Pair with coffee or dessert wine for an elevated experience.
Tips & Tricks:
- To ensure clean slices, dip your knife in hot water between cuts.
- For non-alcoholic variation: Replace bourbon with an extra ¼ cup sour cream; reduce baking time by about 5–10 minutes.
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers tightly covered for up to 3 days.
- Cheesecake can also be frozen for up to one month; thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.