Peaches and Cream
by Sommer Collier — last updated on Jul 2, 2025 
Today we’re making Best Peaches and Cream Recipe! This sweet and refreshing no-bake dessert is a classic summer treat. We add fresh lemon zest for the most delicious peaches n cream ever.
Where Did Peaches and Cream Come From?
Long before the early 2000s hip-hop sensation Peaches and Cream (I’ll let you Google that one yourself, folks), there was this Peaches n’ Cream… An old-school “fancy hotel” brunch item.
The dish became popular in the South as a simple dessert, but it made its way up the coast and is now a national staple.
Although the song brings back some funny memories, I think I prefer Peaches and Cream as an edible delight over a sound bite. You decide for yourself.
Sommer’s Recipe Notes
Peaches and Cream is one of the easiest yet most refreshing desserts! Fresh, juicy peaches paired with fluffy cream are absolutely heavenly together. Some “peaches n’ cream” recipes are literally just sliced peaches with heavy cream poured over the top.
Although this is a passable option, adding just a handful of ingredients turns something good into something fabulous, yet still simple…
Our peaches and cream recipe includes an “elevated” cream made with vanilla extract and lemon zest. It’s a practically foolproof no-bake dessert that tastes bright and decadent, and is unbelievably easy to prepare!
5 Ingredients Needed
- Ripe peaches – pick perfectly soft summer peaches for their sweetness
- Lemon zest – juice the lemons to use later, you only need the zest for this recipe
- Granulated sugar – or your preferred sweetener alternative
- Heavy cream – a must for the richest and silkiest peaches with cream
- Vanilla extract – to bring together all of the sweet, vibrant flavors
Plus a pinch of salt and your favorite garnishes.
How to Make Peaches and Cream
Find the full Peaches with Cream recipe with ingredient proportions, detailed instructions, and video tutorial in the printable form at the bottom of the post.
Serving Suggestions
When ready to serve, remove the plastic and garnish the tops. Here are a few of our favorite garnishes and goodies to enjoy with this fresh treat:
- Lemon zest
- A sprinkling of cinnamon
- Vanilla wafers
- Granola
- Fresh mint leaves
Peaches and Cream Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 4 fresh ripe peaches
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar divided
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream cold
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch salt
- Optional garnishes: extra lemon zest cinnamon, vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Cut the ripe peaches into half inch wedges. Gently peel off the fuzzy peach peels.
- Set out a medium mixing bowl. Add the peaches, lemon zest, and 5 tablespoons of sugar. Add a pinch of salt and mix well. Set aside.
- Pour the cold heavy cream into a second bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use a handmixer with a whip attachment to lightly whip the heavy cream. It should be whipped and fluffy but still slightly pourable. (Not firm like whip cream you would pipe on top of the cake.)
- Set out 4 large or 6 small serving cups. These can be glass ramekins or pedestal ice cream glasses. Spoon the peaches evenly into the cups. Make sure to pour the peach juices over the top.
- Spoon the lightly whipped cream into the cups. Tap the cups gently so that the whipped cream works down in between the peaches.
- Cover each glass with plastic then refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to two days. When ready to serve, remove the plastic and garnish the tops with additional lemon zest, a sprinkling of cinnamon, or with a vanilla wafer.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
You can, but keep in mind that canned peaches tend to already be very sweet and are much softer than fresh fruit. Drain the can well and skip adding sugar directly to the peaches.
Yes, you can use frozen and thawed peach slices for this recipe. I suggest you lightly pat them with a paper towel after thawing and before adding them to a bowl.
This simple dessert recipe is versatile and can be made with all of your favorite fruits! Consider making…
Blueberries and Cream
Nectarines and Cream
Strawberries and Cream
Raspberries and Cream
Cherries and Cream
Half and half is a bit “lighter” than heavy cream, but the taste is similar. Whip the half-and-half according to the recipe, but note that it won’t get quite as thick and frothy as traditional heavy cream.
These no-bake desserts will keep well for up to 2 days in the fridge. Keep them covered with plastic wrap!
good
Working one half at a time, cut into quarters or wedges about ½ to ¾- inch thick.
I prepared this yumminess yesterday. It is definitely one of the most delicious (sweet) recipes I have made in the last month! Since my son has diabetes, I considered using a sweetener, but I was unsure about the taste. Instead, I decided to use less sugar.
This was delicious!!! Adding to my list of faves for sure.
This dish is really delicious. I followed your method and it worked.
Made this last night and it was a hit! Followed recipe exactly.
Thoughts on sugar substitutions? Coconut sugar?
Or honey?
Hi Jasmine,
You can use any sugar substitute that can be measured in equal proportion to sugar. I personally would not use a liquid sweetener, unless highly concentrated, because it will dilute the thickness of the cream. Hope this helps!
This is one of the best cream recipes I have tried in recent times.
Good thing I have some peaches on hand!! It’s so creamy & when you get a bite from the peach, that flavor just bursts in your mouth!
wow, this dessert is decadent and amazing, thank you so much for sharing it!
It has been hot, so this no-heat dessert was perfect! The cream is delicious on its own, but paired with the peaches it is just perfection.
Oh my gosh, who doesn’t love peaches and cream? My kids were hesitant at first, but fell in love at first bite – this is definitely a great and easy summer dessert!