Here’s the full recipe for Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad:
Ingredients:
Topping:
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 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 oven to 350°F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- In a medium size microwave-safe bowl, combine brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Stir to combine. Microwave 30 seconds at a time until the mixture is bubbly and the sugar is melted.
- Add the crumbled graham crackers and stir until the graham cracker pieces are coated well.
- Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with granulated sugar (this will give it a real crisp coating).
- Bake until golden brown, about 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool.
- While the topping bakes, in a tall bowl (I use an 8-cup glass measuring cup), use an electric mixer to whip cream cheese until it becomes smooth. It may bind up in the beaters, but continue as-is; it will loosen up.
- Add the dry pudding mix and mix on high speed until well combined.
- With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the creamer to the cream cheese mixture. Add it about a tablespoon at a time and then mix until it becomes a smooth mixture and all of the creamer has combined into the cream cheese. Repeat until all of the creamer has been added to the mixture. Whip until smooth.
- Fold the peaches into the cheesecake mixture. Chill until ready to serve or serve immediately.
- Just before serving, add the topping and stir to combine.
Notes: Ensure that the creamer is added slowly and mixed well to avoid any lumps in the cheesecake mixture.
20 Popular Questions and Answers:
- How do I store Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Can I use fresh peaches in this recipe?
- Yes, fresh peaches are recommended for the best flavor and texture.
- Can I use a different type of pudding mix?
- Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of pudding mix to customize the recipe.
- Can I use a different type of creamer?
- Yes, you can use any flavor of liquid creamer that complements the peach flavor.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare the topping and cheesecake mixture ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving.
- Can I freeze Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad?
- Freezing is not recommended as the texture may change upon thawing.
- Can I omit the nuts in the topping?
- Yes, you can omit the nuts or substitute them with another type of nut if desired.
- Can I use store-bought whipped topping instead of making it from scratch?
- Yes, you can use store-bought whipped topping as a time-saving option.
- Can I use a different type of fruit in this salad?
- Yes, you can substitute the peaches with another fruit of your choice, such as strawberries or mixed berries.
- Can I use gluten-free graham crackers for the topping?
- Yes, you can use gluten-free graham crackers to make the topping gluten-free.
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be slightly different.
- Can I use a different type of sugar in the topping?
- Yes, you can use brown sugar or granulated sugar interchangeably in the topping.
- Can I add additional spices to the topping?
- Yes, you can customize the spice blend in the topping to suit your taste preferences.
- Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?
- Yes, you can use canned peaches, but be sure to drain them well before adding to the salad.
- Can I make this recipe vegan?
- Yes, you can use vegan cream cheese and whipped topping to make a vegan version of this salad.
- Can I use almond milk instead of creamer?
- Yes, you can use almond milk or another non-dairy milk as a substitute for the creamer.
- Can I add additional toppings to the salad?
- Yes, you can customize the salad with additional toppings such as shredded coconut or chopped nuts.
- Can I serve this salad warm?
- This salad is best served chilled, but you can serve it at room temperature if desired.
- Can I use a different type of pudding mix besides cheesecake?
- Yes, you can experiment with different flavors of pudding mix to create variations of this salad.
- Can I make this salad sugar-free?
- Yes, you can use sugar-free pudding mix and sugar substitutes in place of granulated sugar to make a sugar-free version of this salad.
Here are some tips to make your Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad even more delightful:
- Choose Ripe Peaches: Select ripe and juicy peaches for the best flavor. They should be firm yet slightly soft to the touch.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice to the cream cheese mixture to brighten the flavors and complement the sweetness of the peaches.
- Toast the Nuts: Toast the chopped pecans before adding them to the topping for extra flavor and crunch. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Add a Hint of Spice: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg into the cream cheese mixture for a warm and aromatic flavor that pairs well with the peaches.
- Experiment with Garnishes: Instead of chopped pecans, try topping the salad with toasted coconut flakes or almond slices for added texture and visual appeal.
- Drizzle with Honey: Before serving, drizzle the assembled salad with a touch of honey for a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Layer with Additional Fruit: Enhance the salad with additional fruits such as sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve in Individual Cups: For a stylish presentation, serve the salad in individual dessert cups or mason jars, layering the cream cheese mixture and peaches for an elegant look.
- Garnish with Mint: Add a sprig of fresh mint on top of each serving for a refreshing and aromatic touch that complements the fruity flavors.
- Chill Thoroughly: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together and the texture to set properly before serving.
To achieve the perfect Peach Cobbler Cheesecake Fruit Salad, be sure to:
- Whip the cream cheese until smooth and creamy to ensure a silky texture for the cheesecake filling.
- Gradually add the liquid creamer to the cream cheese mixture, mixing well after each addition, to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.
- Fold the peaches gently into the cheesecake mixture to avoid crushing the fruit and maintain their texture.
- Bake the graham cracker topping until golden brown and crispy for the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.
- Allow the assembled salad to chill in the refrigerator for the recommended time to ensure it sets properly and develops optimal flavor.