About the Recipe
Creating this Baked Peaches with Cream Cheese and Amaretti dessert (a.k.a Some of my favorite desserts come from a bit of improvising—and these Cheesecake Peaches are a perfect example. They were born on a late summer afternoon when I had a bowl of perfectly ripe peaches, a tub of cream cheese, and a lingering craving for something creamy but not too heavy. I remembered a box of amaretti cookies tucked away in the pantry, and suddenly the whole dessert came together.
This recipe lands somewhere between my Mango-Lime Cheesecake and my warmly spiced Nutmeg Cheesecake—creamy and satisfying, but with a fresh fruit-forward twist that keeps it from feeling too rich. And if you’ve tried my Baked Apples, you’ll recognize that same cozy, oven-roasted comfort—but with a sunny summer vibe instead of fall spice.
What I love most about these Cheesecake Peaches is how effortlessly they come together, yet how elegant they feel on the plate. The juicy baked peaches pair beautifully with the tangy cream cheese filling, while the amaretti crumble adds just the right nutty crunch. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream, or chill them for a lighter, make-ahead treat. However you serve them, they’re pure summer joy baked into every bite.
Perfect Balance of Freshness and Richness: The juicy sweetness of ripe peaches pairs beautifully with the creamy cheesecake filling, creating a dessert that’s both refreshing and decadent.
Easy and Elegant Dessert: With minimal prep and an eye-catching presentation, these cheesecake peaches are as impressive as they are simple to make, ideal for any occasion.
Versatile Flavor Pairings: You can add a hint of almond extract to the filling or top with crushed amaretti cookies for a delightful Italian twist.
Kid-Friendly and Fun to Eat: These stuffed peaches are easy to hold and bite into, making them a fun treat for kids and adults alike.
A Lighter Way to Enjoy Cheesecake: With fresh fruit and a smaller amount of filling, these cheesecake peaches offer a lighter alternative to traditional cheesecake while still satisfying that craving.
Perfect Summer Dessert: Cool and refreshing, these peaches are a great way to enjoy a summer dessert without turning on the oven.
What You'll Love
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh? Fresh peaches provide the best texture and flavor, but canned peaches can work in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well before using.
How do I keep the cheesecake filling from getting too soft? For a firmer filling, chill the cheesecake mixture before spooning it into the peach halves. This helps it hold shape better and prevents it from melting.
Can I make cheesecake peaches ahead of time? Yes! These can be assembled a few hours before serving and kept chilled in the refrigerator. Add any garnishes, like crushed amaretti, right before serving.
What type of cream cheese works best? Full-fat cream cheese provides a rich and creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the juicy sweetness of the peaches.
How should I serve cheesecake peaches? These peaches are delicious served chilled or at room temperature, and they pair well with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Frequently asked Questions
Ingredints Explained
Ingredients
What you'll need:
4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
200g (7 oz) cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons sugar (or honey)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or almond extract for a twist)
8-10 amaretti cookies, crushed
2 tablespoons melted butter
Optional: honey or balsamic reduction for drizzling
Preparation
Looking for a delightful summer dessert that combines fresh, seasonal fruits with rich, creamy textures and a satisfying crunch? These Baked Peaches with Cream Cheese and Amaretti is the perfect choice! This recipe takes juicy, ripe peaches and elevates them with a luxurious cream cheese filling and a topping of crushed amaretti cookies. The result is a dessert that’s both indulgent and refreshingly light, perfect for warm evenings or special gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
Fresh and Seasonal: Peaches are at their peak in the summer, and this recipe is an excellent way to showcase their natural sweetness.
Creamy and Crunchy: The combination of smooth cream cheese and crunchy amaretti creates a delightful contrast of textures in every bite.
Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this dessert is both simple to make and impressive to serve.
Versatile: Serve these baked peaches warm with a drizzle of honey, or pair them with vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Health Benefits of Peaches:
Peaches are rich in vitamins A and C, both of which are essential for healthy skin and immune function.
They are also a good source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health.
Perfect Pairings:
These baked peaches pair beautifully with a glass of Moscato or a chilled Riesling, enhancing the fruity flavors of the dish.
For a non-alcoholic option, consider serving with iced herbal tea or a sparkling water infused with peach slices.
Recipe Variations:
Mascarpone Filling: Swap out cream cheese for mascarpone for an even richer, more indulgent filling.
Almond Extract: Add a touch of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for a nutty flavor that complements the amaretti topping.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free amaretti cookies to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Let's get started!
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Peaches:
Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits.
If the peaches are a bit firm, you can scoop out a small amount of the flesh to create a slightly larger cavity for the filling.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the cavity of each peach half.
Crush the Amaretti:
Place the amaretti cookies in a plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass (or if you don't mind getting your fingers a little crumbly, simply crush them using your hands). The crumbs should be coarse for added texture.
Top the Peaches:
Sprinkle the crushed amaretti over the cream cheese filling in each peach.
Drizzle a bit of melted butter over the top of each peach to help the amaretti crisp up while baking.
Bake the Peaches:
Place the stuffed peaches in a baking dish. You can add a small amount of water or wine to the dish to keep the peaches moist.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the peaches are tender and the topping is golden brown.
Serve:
Serve the peaches warm, drizzled with honey or balsamic reduction if desired.
You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for an extra treat.
Tips:
If you prefer a tangy filling, add a little lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
For a different texture, you can toast the amaretti crumbs before adding them to the peaches.