Preparing the Crust:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Mix the crust ingredients: Combine the graham cracker crumbs, 1/4 cup sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and let cool while preparing the filling.
Making the Cheesecake:
- Beat the cream cheese and 1 cup sugar in a large bowl until smooth. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Pour the filling over the cooled crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for about 45 minutes or until the center is just set. Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly ajar, and allow the cheesecake to cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking. Remove from the oven and cool completely.
Preparing the Peach Cobbler Topping:
- Combine peaches, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until the peaches are just tender.
- Mix cornstarch and water; stir into the peach mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool slightly.
Making the Streusel Topping:
- Combine flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Assembling the Cheesecake:
- Spoon the peach cobbler topping evenly over the cooled cheesecake.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping over the peach layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the streusel is golden brown.
- Cool the cheesecake in the pan on a wire rack. Once cool, refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set.
Serving:
- Serve chilled. For a beautiful presentation, garnish with fresh peach slices or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for Success:
- Use room temperature ingredients for the cheesecake batter to ensure a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Gently fold in the eggs to avoid incorporating too much air into the batter, which can cause the cheesecake to rise too much and then crack.
- Cool gradually to avoid cracks. Letting the cheesecake cool in the turned-off oven with the door ajar is a crucial step.
- Chill thoroughly before serving to ensure the cheesecake sets properly and is easy to cut.
This Peach Cobbler Cheesecake is a delightful fusion of two beloved desserts, offering layers of flavor and texture that make it a perfect treat for any season, especially during peach season. Enjoy this lush, creamy dessert that promises to be a hit at any gathering, or as a special treat to end a meal on a sweet note.