What makes a good no-bake peach dessert
Peaches are sweet, juicy and soft, so they need very little help. The most popular no-bake peach desserts are variations of “peaches and cream”: a buttery crumb crust, a lightly sweetened cream cheese and whipped cream filling, and peaches on top or folded in. The filling cools down the fruit and the crust adds crunch.
This version is built on that formula. It takes roughly 20 minutes of active time, and the rest is chilling.
Choosing and prepping peaches
- Fresh: Choose peaches that smell sweet and give slightly when pressed. Under-ripe peaches can taste bland and firm. To peel, you can score the skin, blanch briefly in boiling water, then move to ice water and slip the skins off. Peeling is optional if you do not mind the skin.
- Canned: Canned peaches in juice or light syrup are a reasonable shortcut, especially out of season. Drain them well and pat dry so extra liquid does not make the filling watery.
- Frozen: Thaw fully, drain and pat dry before using. Frozen peaches release liquid as they thaw, so it is worth removing as much of it as you can.
- Do they need cooking? Not for this dessert. Ripe fresh peaches, or drained canned ones, can go in raw.
Easy no-bake peaches and cream bars
Crust
- About 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- About 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, melted
- 2 to 3 tablespoons sugar (optional)
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- About 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- About 1 cup cold heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks (or 8 oz whipped topping, thawed)
Topping
- About 2 cups sliced peaches, drained and patted dry
Instructions
- Line an 8x8 inch (or similar) pan with parchment so you can lift the bars out later.
- Mix the crumbs, melted butter and sugar until they look like damp sand. Press firmly into the pan and chill while you make the filling.
- Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar and vanilla until completely smooth.
- Gently fold in the whipped cream until no streaks remain.
- Spread the filling over the crust and smooth the top.
- Arrange the peaches on top. Chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the filling is set.
- Lift out and cut into bars with a clean knife, wiping the blade between cuts.
Amounts vary a little by recipe, so if your filling seems very soft, add a bit more chilling time before cutting.
Tips for success
- Dry the peaches. Moisture is the main enemy of a firm filling and a crisp crust.
- Beat the cream cheese alone first. This avoids lumps. See our 3-ingredient cream cheese desserts guide for more on getting a smooth filling.
- Add the fruit late if making ahead. Place the peaches on top shortly before serving so they stay fresh.
- Press the crust firmly. A compact crust cuts cleanly instead of crumbling.
- If the filling separates, it was likely mixed too hard after adding cream or the ingredients were at different temperatures. Fold gently and keep the cream cold.
More no-bake peach ideas
- Peach tiramisu: Dip ladyfingers briefly in peach puree or juice, then layer with a sweetened mascarpone and whipped cream mixture and diced peaches.
- Peach icebox cake: Alternate crisp cookies or graham crackers with sweetened whipped cream and peach slices. Chill overnight so the layers soften.
- Peach cream cake with angel food cake: Layer cubed store-bought angel food cake with a vanilla pudding and whipped cream filling and chopped peaches.
- Peach parfaits: Layer peaches, yogurt or pudding and crushed cookies in glasses. Our vanilla pudding parfaits article has a flexible layering method.
- Peach and berry mix: Strawberries pair well with peaches. See easy mini strawberry cheesecakes for a similar format.
Make ahead and storage
The bars can be assembled a day ahead and kept covered in the refrigerator, which makes them a good fit for a potluck alongside the jello and whipped cream layered dessert. For the best texture, serve within a couple of days, as the peaches release juice over time and may soften the crust. Because the dessert contains cream cheese and cream, do not leave it out at room temperature for long, and keep it chilled until serving.
FAQ
What is a quick and easy dessert I can make with peaches?
Sliced peaches over sweetened whipped cream and crushed cookies, served in a glass, takes only a few minutes. The bars above are the next step up.
What is the easiest no-bake dessert to make?
Parfaits and icebox-style desserts are usually the easiest, since they involve only layering ready-made components.
Can I use frozen or canned peaches?
Yes. Drain them well and pat them dry first.
Can I use another fruit?
Yes. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries or mango work in the same format, as long as they are well drained.
What is the best thing to make with fresh peaches?
That is a matter of taste. In summer, many people enjoy them raw so the flavor stays bright, which makes no-bake desserts a natural fit.