Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe first warm rays of summer sunshine hit my kitchen, and suddenly, my mind drifts to a delightful treat that brings a smile to everyone’s face: Peaches and Cream Dessert. This recipe is a luscious combination of fresh peaches, a smooth no-bake cheesecake layer, and a dreamy pecan shortbread crust. Not only is it incredibly refreshing, making it a perfect summer dessert, but it also offers the fabulous perk of easy preparation—no baking required if you choose! Whether you’re hosting a sun-soaked barbecue or looking for a light finish to a family meal, this is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress. Ready to dive into a slice of peachy heaven? Let’s explore how to make this dreamy treat together! Why is this dessert the ultimate summer treat? Simplicity and Ease: With no baking involved, this Peaches and Cream Dessert is perfect for busy summer days. Fruity Freshness: Utilize ripe, sweet peaches that bring the taste of summer right to your table. Decadent Creaminess: The no-bake cheesecake layer offers a rich creaminess that beautifully complements the fruit. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: A great choice for gatherings, everyone loves a slice of this chilled dessert! Versatile Options: Want to customize? Switch it up with graham crackers or add berries for extra flavor. Enjoy this delightful dessert that saves you time while bringing smiles to your loved ones! Looking for more easy summer ideas? Check out this Broccoli Alfredo Bake or try our Creamy Coconut Shrimp Thai for a refreshing twist! Peaches and Cream Dessert Ingredients • For the Peach Topping Fresh Peaches – 2 ½ lbs of fresh peaches bring the delicious fruity flavor to this Peaches and Cream Dessert; canned peaches can be used, but fresh is optimal. Granulated Sugar – 1 cup to sweeten the peach layer, making it irresistibly delightful. Lemon Juice – 1 Tbsp helps enhance the peach flavor and keeps them from browning. Cornstarch – 2 Tbsp to thicken the peach juice for a perfect topping. Unflavored Gelatin – 0.25 oz packet (7 g) helps set the peach topping; feel free to substitute with peach gelatin and adjust the sugar. Almond Extract – ¼ – ½ tsp adds a lovely aromatic depth to the flavors. Salt – A pinch enhances the overall flavors, making each bite even better. • For the Crust Pecan Shortbread Cookies – 11.3 oz package provides a nutty, delicious base for the dessert. Butter – 6 Tbsp melted to bind the crust; for a no-bake option, reduce to 4 Tbsp. • For the Cheesecake Layer Cream Cheese – 8 oz softened gives that rich, creamy texture that everyone loves in cheesecake. Powdered Sugar – 1 cup adds sweetness, balancing the tanginess of cream cheese. Frozen Whipped Topping – 4 oz thawed lightens the cheesecake, making it airy and delightful. This delightful Peaches and Cream Dessert is your ultimate summer recipe, promising to impress your loved ones while being easy and fun to prepare! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Peaches and Cream Dessert Step 1: Peach Preparation Start by peeling, slicing, and dicing the fresh peaches. In a mixing bowl, toss the sliced peaches with granulated sugar and lemon juice for 5 minutes to enhance their flavor. Afterward, drain the mixture in a colander for about 30 minutes to remove excess juice, allowing for a luscious peach topping in your Peaches and Cream Dessert. Step 2: Crust Preparation Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush the pecan shortbread cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. In a bowl, combine the crumbs with melted butter, mixing until well-coated. Firmly press the mixture into an ungreased 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, then remove and allow it to cool completely. Step 3: Cream Cheese Layer In a mixing bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 1 cup of powdered sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gently fold in 4 oz of thawed frozen whipped topping until fully combined. Spread this luscious cheesecake mixture evenly over the cooled pecan shortbread crust, creating a delightful base for your Peaches and Cream Dessert. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. Step 4: Peach Layer Assembly Once the peach mixture has drained, measure 1 cup of the juice into a saucepan. Stir in 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and the packet of unflavored gelatin until well mixed. Cook over medium heat while stirring continuously until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat and add ¼ teaspoon of almond extract. Allow it to cool to room temperature before proceeding. Step 5: Final Assembly Arrange the drained peach slices beautifully on top of the chilled cheesecake layer. Pour the cooled juice mixture gently over the peaches, ensuring an even coating. Cover and refrigerate the entire dessert for at least 4 additional hours or overnight to let the flavors meld and set, transforming it into a refreshing Peaches and Cream Dessert. Step 6: Serve When ready to serve, slice the chilled Peaches and Cream Dessert into squares. Serve them alongside a dollop of whipped cream, if desired. Keep any leftovers refrigerated for up to 2-3 days, allowing you to enjoy this delightful treat multiple times! Peaches and Cream Dessert: Delightful Variations Feel free to explore and customize this beloved Peaches and Cream Dessert with these exciting variations that will tantalize your taste buds! Graham Cracker Crust: Swap pecan shortbread for crushed graham crackers to create a light, sweet crust. This classic twist adds a delightful crunch! Berry Bliss: Add a layer of blueberries or raspberries on top of the cheesecake for a pop of color and a burst of fruity flavor. Pair the sweetness of peaches with tart berries for a balanced treat. Mascarpone Upgrade: Mix in a dollop of mascarpone cheese into the cheesecake layer for an ultra-creamy texture that elevates your dessert to new heights. Nutty Variation: Try using almond meal or hazelnut crumbs for the crust instead of pecan shortbread for a different nutty flavor. It adds depth and sophistication! Chilled Tropical Treat: Incorporate coconut cream into the cheesecake mixture for a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the peaches, evoking island vibes. Add Heat: For a subtle kick, sprinkle in a touch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeño into the peach mixture, balancing the sweetness with a spicy flair. Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the peach topping to boost the dessert’s richness, adding a decadent finish that’s chocolate-lover approved. Minty Freshness: Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving to introduce a refreshing herbal note that complements the sweetness of the peaches beautifully. These variations can take your Peaches and Cream Dessert to new heights, making it even more versatile for your summer gatherings. And if you’re looking for more summer dessert inspiration, don’t miss out on trying our Baked Mac Cheese or our refreshing Grilled Beef Cream! What to Serve with Peaches and Cream Dessert Imagine a sun-drenched picnic or a cozy family dinner, where your Peaches and Cream Dessert is the crown jewel, captivating everyone’s taste buds. Refreshing Lemonade: Perfectly tart and sweet, this drink echoes the refreshing peaches, elevating your dessert experience. Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy, smoky flavors from marinated chicken complement the creamy dessert, creating a balanced meal. Arugula Salad: The peppery bite adds a delightful contrast to the creamy sweetness, making each bite feel fresh and vibrant. Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and cool, a scoop enhances the dessert and offers a classic flavor pairing that everyone loves. Berry Medley: A mix of fresh berries adds a touch of tartness and texture, beautifully enhancing the peach and cream layers. Chilled White Wine: A crisp, fruity white wine amplifies the dessert’s flavors, making your meal feel like a summer celebration. Chocolate Drizzle: A light drizzle of chocolate sauce over individual servings adds a decadent touch; the richness balances the dessert’s lightness. Coconut Macaroons: For a chewy, sweet contrast, these tropical treats bring a complementary flavor while enhancing the summer vibe. How to Store and Freeze Peaches and Cream Dessert Fridge: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure it’s sealed well to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. Freezer: If you’d like to preserve your Peaches and Cream Dessert longer, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 1 month. Thawing: To enjoy frozen slices, transfer them to the fridge overnight for a gentle thaw. Avoid microwaving as it may alter the texture. Reheating: This dessert is best served chilled, so there’s no need to reheat. Just slice and enjoy the refreshing layers straight from the fridge! Expert Tips for Peaches and Cream Dessert Use Fresh Peaches: Fresh peaches offer the best flavor and texture. If opting for frozen, ensure they are well-drained for optimal results. Adjust Sweetness: Taste your peaches before adding sugar; if they’re sweet enough, reduce sugar in the layer to avoid overpowering the dessert. No-Bake Crust Option: For a completely no-bake dessert, skip the oven and chill the crust in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm it up. Chill Properly: Allow ample chilling time at each step; this is key for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your Peaches and Cream Dessert. Customize with Berries: Don’t hesitate to add layers of blueberries or raspberries for an extra burst of flavor and color in your dessert. Make Ahead Options Preparing your Peaches and Cream Dessert in advance is a fantastic way to save time, especially during the busy summer months! You can slice and toss the peaches with sugar and lemon juice up to 24 hours before assembly, ensuring they stay fresh and flavorful. Additionally, the crust can be baked and cooled up to 3 days in advance. To maintain quality, store the crust in an airtight container at room temperature. When you’re ready to finish, simply prepare the cheesecake layer and assemble everything, allowing it to set in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. You’ll end up with a perfectly chilled, deliciously creamy dessert that’s just as delightful as if you made it the same day! Peaches and Cream Dessert Recipe FAQs What kind of peaches should I use for this dessert? Absolutely! Fresh, ripe peaches are essential for the best flavor in your Peaches and Cream Dessert. Look for peaches that are slightly soft to the touch and free from any dark spots or blemishes. If fresh peaches aren’t available, you can use canned peaches, but the flavor won’t be as vibrant. How should I store leftovers? Perfectly! Leftovers should be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure the dish is sealed well to maintain freshness and prevent drying out. If you notice the peaches starting to look a bit soft or dried, it’s best to consume them sooner rather than later. Can I freeze this dessert? Yes, you can! If you want to save your Peaches and Cream Dessert for later, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 1 month. This way, you can enjoy each slice as a sweet treat later on! What if my crust turns out too crumbly? No worries! A crumbly crust can happen if there isn’t enough butter or if the cookie crumbs are too coarse. To fix this, add a tablespoon of melted butter at a time to your crumb mixture until it holds together better when pressed. If you prefer, you can mix in a little granulated sugar or even a teaspoon of water to help bind the crumbs together. Is this dessert safe for those with nut allergies? Great question! The pecan shortbread crust does contain nuts, which can be problematic for those with allergies. For a nut-free version, simply substitute the pecan shortbread cookies with a nut-free option like graham crackers or digestive biscuits to enjoy a similar texture without the worry. How long should I chill the dessert before serving? It’s very important to chill your Peaches and Cream Dessert properly! I recommend chilling the cheesecake layer for at least 4 hours, then allowing the assembled dessert to set for an additional 4 hours or overnight. This ensures all flavors meld beautifully and the texture is creamy and smooth. Peaches and Cream Dessert: Your Ultimate No-Bake Summer Bliss Enjoy a refreshing Peaches and Cream Dessert that's a perfect no-bake treat for summer gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsChill Time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 6 hours hrs 7 minutes mins Servings: 12 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Peach Topping2.5 lbs Fresh Peaches Fresh peaches bring the delicious fruity flavor.1 cup Granulated Sugar To sweeten the peach layer.1 Tbsp Lemon Juice Helps enhance the peach flavor.2 Tbsp Cornstarch To thicken the peach juice.0.25 oz Unflavored Gelatin Helps set the peach topping.0.25-0.5 tsp Almond Extract Adds a lovely aromatic depth.Salt A pinch enhances flavor.For the Crust11.3 oz Pecan Shortbread Cookies Provides a nutty, delicious base.6 Tbsp Butter Melted to bind the crust.For the Cheesecake Layer8 oz Cream Cheese Softened for creamy texture.1 cup Powdered Sugar Adds sweetness to balance creaminess.4 oz Frozen Whipped Topping Thawed to lighten the cheesecake. Equipment Mixing bowlFood processorSaucepanbaking dishcolander Method Peach PreparationPeel, slice, and dice fresh peaches. Toss with granulated sugar and lemon juice for 5 minutes, then drain for 30 minutes.Crust PreparationPreheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Crush cookies and mix with melted butter. Press into a 9x13-inch baking dish and bake for 10-12 minutes. Cool completely.Cream Cheese LayerBeat cream cheese with powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping and spread over cooled crust. Chill for at least 4 hours.Peach Layer AssemblyMeasure 1 cup peach juice, stir in cornstarch and gelatin, cook until thickened, then add almond extract. Cool before using.Final AssemblyArrange peach slices on cheesecake layer, pour cooled juice mixture over peaches, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.ServeSlice dessert into squares, serve with whipped cream if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 2gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 400IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 0.5mg NotesThis dessert is best served chilled. Use fresh peaches for optimal flavor, and allow ample chilling for the best texture. 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