Peach Delight is a refreshing summer layered dessert that showcases fresh peaches over a graham cracker crust with a creamy cream cheese layer. Baked or no-bake, it’s simple to assemble in a 9 x 13″ pan and is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or warm-weather dinners.
Ingredients
Top Peach Layer:
- Water – the liquid base for the peach glaze.
- Sugar – sweetens and balances the peaches.
- Salt – heightens the other flavors.
- Cook-type Clear Jel – thickens the peach topping and keeps it clear (a modified cornstarch used for canning).
- Peach Jello – adds peach flavor and helps the top layer set.
- Fresh peaches – peeled and sliced; the star ingredient for flavor, texture, and color.
Crust:
- Crushed graham crackers – form a sturdy, flavorful base.
- Brown sugar – adds sweetness with a hint of caramel.
- Melted butter – binds the crumbs and adds richness.
Middle Layer:
- Cream cheese – softened to create a smooth, tangy filling.
- Powdered sugar – sweetens and stabilizes the cream cheese layer.
- Heavy whipping cream (or Cool Whip) – whipped in to make the middle layer light and creamy.
How to Make Cream Cheese Peach Delight
This no-bake layered dessert is assembled in three parts: a graham cracker crust, a creamy middle layer, and a peach topping. Each part is quick to prepare, and the dessert comes together easily once you have the components ready.
Peach Sauce (Top Layer):
- Make the peach glaze:
- Combine 1 1/2 cups water, 3/4–1 cup sugar, and 1/8 tsp salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Mix 4 tablespoons cook-type Clear Jel with about 1/2 cup cold water to form a slurry. Slowly whisk the slurry into the boiling mixture, stirring constantly until it thickens slightly. Stir gently to avoid splattering.
- Remove from heat and stir in one 3-ounce package of peach jello (about 1/3 cup) until dissolved. Let the mixture cool.
- Add the peaches:
- Peel and slice 6–7 fresh peaches. When the jello mixture has cooled, fold the sliced peaches into the glaze and set aside to finish cooling.
Cracker Crust (Bottom Layer):
- Prepare the crust:
- Crush about 2 cups crushed graham crackers (roughly 12 whole crackers) to fine crumbs in a food processor or by sealing them in a bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 8 tablespoons (1 stick) melted butter until combined.
- Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan to form an even crust.
Cream Cheese (Middle Layer):
- Mix the cream cheese layer:
- Beat 8 ounces softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and mix thoroughly, scraping the bowl as needed.
- Whip 1 1/2–2 cups heavy whipping cream until thick and fold it into the cream cheese mixture. Alternatively, fold in an 8-ounce tub of thawed Cool Whip for convenience.
Assemble the Dessert:
- Layer:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pressed graham cracker crust.
- Pour the cooled peach glaze with the sliced peaches over the cream cheese layer, spreading gently to cover.
- Chill:
- Refrigerate for several hours or overnight until the peach layer is set.
- Serve:
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. Cut into squares and enjoy chilled.
Can I Use Cornstarch Instead of Clear Jel?
Clear Jel produces a clear, glossy fruit topping and is preferred for canning and fruit salads. Cornstarch will thicken but can give a slightly cloudy appearance. If you don’t have Clear Jel, you can substitute cornstarch, but the amount may need adjusting—cornstarch thickens more as it cools, so avoid overcooking. Clear Jel (cook-type) thickens at boiling and remains clearer.
Heavy Whipping Cream or Cool Whip?
Both options work for the middle layer. Heavy whipping cream gives a richer, fresher whipped flavor and lets you control sweetness and texture. Cool Whip is convenient, lighter, and consistent if you prefer a quicker option. Use heavy cream for a more natural, rich result; choose Cool Whip for simplicity and stability.
Fresh Peach Dessert
This dessert is a true taste of summer—ripe peaches make the flavor bright and fresh. It’s a favorite for gatherings and potlucks because it’s easy to make in large quantities and travels well when refrigerated. Make extra: this one disappears fast at family movie nights and summer get-togethers.
Community and Family Friendly
Peach Delight is commonly served at family and community gatherings where a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert is needed. Multiple pans can easily feed large groups, and the dessert’s no-bake nature makes assembly and transport straightforward for picnics, reunions, or potlucks.
More Dessert Ideas
- Strawberry Tapioca Pudding
- Pearl Tapioca Pudding
- Strawberry Shortcake
- Strawberry Pie
- Fruit Jello Cake
- Shoofly Cake (Molasses Cake)
- Pumpkin Custard Pie
If you enjoy fresh peach recipes, consider trying peach cobbler, peach crumb pie, or other simple fruit desserts that highlight seasonal fruit.
Recipe Card
Peach Delight Recipe
Ingredients
Top Peach Layer:
- 1 1/2 c. water
- 3/4–1 c. sugar
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 4 Tbs cook-type Clear Jel mixed with approx. 1/2 c. cold water
- 1 (3 oz.) pkg peach jello (about 1/3 c.)
- 6–7 fresh sliced peaches
For the Crust:
- 2 c. crushed graham crackers (about 12 whole)
- 2 Tbs brown sugar
- 8 Tbs melted butter (1 stick)
For the Middle Layer:
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/2 c. powdered sugar
- 1 1/2–2 c. heavy whipping cream (or an 8 oz container Cool Whip)
Instructions
For the peach glaze:
- In a saucepan combine water, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil.
- Mix Clear Jel with about 1/2 cup cold water to make a slurry. Gradually whisk into the boiling mixture until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the peach jello until dissolved. Allow to cool.
- Peel and slice peaches; fold into the cooled glaze.
For the crust:
- Combine crushed graham crackers, brown sugar, and melted butter. Press firmly into the bottom of a 9 x 13″ dish.
For the middle layer:
- Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and mix well.
- Whip heavy cream until thick and fold into the cream cheese mixture. Alternatively, fold in thawed Cool Whip.
To assemble:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture over the graham cracker crust.
- Pour the cooled peach glaze with peaches evenly over the cream cheese layer.
- Refrigerate for several hours or overnight until set. Keep chilled and cut into squares to serve.
Notes
Use cook-type Clear Jel for best clarity. Cornstarch can substitute in a pinch but may require adjustments and can make the topping cloudy. Heavy whipping cream yields a richer texture; Cool Whip is a convenient alternative. Nutrition values are approximate.