This “Peaches and Cream, Literally” recipe is a delicious and refreshing dessert that combines fresh peaches with sweetened cream. It’s a simple, no-bake treat perfect for warm weather. The peaches are lightly simmered in a sugar syrup, then paired with rich, chilled heavy cream, creating a dessert that’s as elegant as it is easy to make.

Peaches and Cream, Literally

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of classic fruit and cream desserts, you’ll love this peaches and cream recipe. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, requiring just a few fresh ingredients to create a flavorful, indulgent treat. The peaches become tender and sweet in a light syrup, perfectly complementing the richness of the heavy cream. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile – you can adjust the sweetness and even add your own twist, like a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla. Serve it chilled for a refreshing summer dessert or any time you’re craving a sweet, creamy treat.

Ingredients

4 medium fresh peaches, or as needed
⅓ cup white sugar, or to taste
¼ cup water
1 ½ cups heavy cream

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cut each peach in half along the crease, twist open, and remove the pit. Peel and slice. Cut slices in half to get roughly 2 cups of sliced peaches.
Bring sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Boil until a syrup forms, about 3 minutes. Stir in peaches until coated. Bring syrup back to a light simmer for about 1 minute. Immediately remove from heat and pour the mixture into a bowl to cool, 15 to 20 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer peaches to a large bowl. Discard the simple syrup or reserve it for another use. Pour in heavy cream and stir to combine.
Divide the mixture between six serving glasses or bowls, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until completely chilled and the cream has absorbed all the peach flavor, at least 3 hours.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (chilling)
Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes

Variations

Sweetness Adjustment: If your peaches are very sweet, you can skip the simple syrup step for a lighter version.
Cinnamon Spice: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for a warm, comforting twist to the flavor.
Vanilla Flavor: Stir a small amount of vanilla extract into the cream for an extra layer of flavor.
Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Storage/Reheating

This dessert is best served chilled, and it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To store, cover the serving glasses with plastic wrap and refrigerate. You can also store any leftover peach syrup in a separate container and use it for drizzling over other desserts or breakfast items like pancakes or waffles.

Since this dessert is no-bake, it doesn’t require reheating. Simply take it out of the fridge when ready to serve.

FAQs

1. Can I use canned peaches for this recipe?

Using fresh peaches is ideal for this recipe, but if fresh peaches are out of season, you can use canned peaches. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid excess syrup.

2. How long do I need to chill this dessert?

For the best results, refrigerate for at least 3 hours, but you can let it chill overnight for even better peach and cream infusion.

3. Can I skip the syrup-making step?

If your peaches are very sweet, you can skip the syrup-making step and simply combine the sliced peaches with the heavy cream.

4. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes! This dessert is perfect for making ahead. Prepare it up to a day in advance, and just let it chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

5. Can I use a different type of cream?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with whipping cream or even a non-dairy cream alternative like coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

6. Can I freeze this dessert?

While the cream might freeze fine, the texture of the peaches may change after freezing. It’s best served chilled but not frozen.

7. What other fruits can I use instead of peaches?

You can substitute peaches with other fruits such as nectarines, apricots, or even berries for a different flavor profile.

8. How can I adjust the sweetness?

You can increase or decrease the amount of sugar in the syrup to adjust the sweetness to your liking. For a more natural sweetness, try using honey or maple syrup.

9. Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

You can reduce the amount of cream or use a lower-fat alternative like half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

10. Can I add nuts to this dessert?

Yes, toasted almonds, walnuts, or even pistachios would make a lovely addition to this dessert for some extra crunch.

Conclusion

This Peaches and Cream, Literally, is a perfect summer dessert that’s both simple and indulgent. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress. The sweet, juicy peaches paired with rich, creamy heavy cream are a timeless combination that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether you serve it for a casual get-together or a special occasion, this recipe will never disappoint.