About the Recipe
Creating this Baked Peaches with Cream Cheese and Amaretti dessert (a.k.a Cheesecake Peaches) was born out of a late summer afternoon when I found myself with an abundance of ripe peaches and a craving for something sweet but not too heavy. As I rummaged through my pantry, I discovered a box of amaretti cookies that I had gotten a while back, I had really wanted to make something special with them but didn't know what yet. The idea struck me to combine these flavors, and with a tub of cream cheese in the fridge, the recipe practically made itself.
This dessert perfectly captures the essence of summer, celebrating the juicy sweetness of peaches, enhanced by the rich, creamy filling, and topped off with the irresistible crunch of crushed amaretti. The warm, tender peaches contrast beautifully with the smooth filling, while the cookies add a delightfully crunchy texture and nutty flavor that ties everything together.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and the way it transforms seemingly "regular" ingredients into something deliciously special. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, these baked peaches are sure to impress. They’re also versatile—serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy them cold with a drizzle of honey for a lighter treat.
This dessert has quickly become a family favorite, and I’m excited to share it with you. I hope it brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine!
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.