Peaches and Cream

By On Aug 18, 2023

Peaches and cream is a simple and refreshing summertime dessert. Ripe peaches lightly sweetened with sugar and vanilla bean paste then topped with fresh homemade whipped cream. Every summer we make this classic treat that is bursting with sweet peaches and fluffy cream!

You are going to love this fast and easy dessert! It only takes 5 simple ingredients, and it doesn’t get any easier than that! I have a lot of easy dessert recipes on the blog that I know you will love! In fact, I have a lot of 5-ingredient desserts! Try this popular pistachio pudding salad, this delightful lemon posset, or the world’s easiest peach dump cake!

What is Peaches and Cream?

Simple yet elegant, peaches and cream is a classic treat everyone will love. Fresh summer peaches are the star of this dessert, but the homemade cream takes it over the top. Softly whipped cream is the perfect complement to the tender sweet peaches. The sweetened peaches create a delicious syrup that melts into the cream. It is SO incredible!

If you love peaches like I do, this dessert will check all the boxes. It is the ultimate summertime treat that we look forward to every summer when it’s peach season. I have so many more peach recipes that you have to make! This smoothie and this milkshake are my two favorite peach drinks. And this classic peach pie is a MUST!

Ingredients Needed

This peaches and cream recipe only needs 5 simple ingredients. It is such an easy recipe that is perfect to make when you’re short on time. Gather your peaches from the farmers market or the grocery store and you’re all set. And if you’re lucky enough to have your own peach tree then this recipe is even easier!

Peaches: Fresh ripe peaches are ideal for this recipe because it results in the BEST flavor!
Granulated Sugar: To sweeten the peaches!
Heavy Whipping Cream: Chilled heavy cream is ideal for making whipped cream.
Powdered Sugar: This is optional if you want your cream on the sweeter side.

How to Make Peaches and Cream

Making peaches and cream is so incredibly easy! All you need is 15 minutes and it’s ready to serve. Follow my easy instructions below on the recipe card!

Cut the Peaches: Slice the peaches into wedges or bite-sized pieces and add to a medium bowl.
Add Sugar and Vanilla and Allow to Macerate: Add the granulated sugar and vanilla bean paste. Stir to combine. Cover and set aside for 10-15 minutes, until the peaches are syrupy and the sugar has dissolved.
Beat the Whipped Cream: Add the cream to a large bowl. If desired, add the powdered sugar. Use a hand mixer to beat the cream until very soft peaks form.
Assemble and Enjoy: Spoon the peaches and the syrup evenly into 4 dishes or short cups then top generously with cream. Enjoy immediately.

First photo of peach slices in a glass bowl with sugar on top. Second photo of whipped cream in a glass bowl.

Tips and Variations

I have lots of tips and variations for making this peaches and cream recipe. There are ways to ripen your peaches quicker and tips for adding sweetness. I also love that you can substitute canned peaches and use ice cream instead of making cream. It’s such a versatile recipe!

Ripen the Peaches: To ripen peaches quickly, place them in a paper bag together and close it tightly. This traps the ethylene gas the fruit gives off and ripens them faster. Leave the peaches for a few hours, or overnight depending on how much ripening they need. Adding a banana to the bag can help boost the amount of ethylene gas and speed things up a bit.
Use Canned Peaches: Canned peaches are a great option when fresh peaches are unavailable or out of season. Reserve a little bit of the syrup from the can and hold the granulated sugar.
Tips For Sweetness: The sweetness is adaptable in this recipe. Adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the peaches. Sweeten the whipped cream to your liking. A splash of lemon juice also helps brighten underwhelming peaches.
Use Chilled Cream: Be careful not to overheat the cream. It should be pretty soft peaks for this recipe in order for the cream to melt around the peaches and really get that luscious combination. It’ll still taste great if the cream is over whipped, it just won’t be as silky and soft as intended.
Add Spices: Classic peaches and cream is simple and basic, but you can add spices to amp up the flavor. Try a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Substitute Ice Cream for the Cream: Short on time? Swap out the whipped cream for a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s delicious!

Top view of three glass dishes filled with peaches and cream. Gold spoons are nestled inside the dishes.

Storing Leftovers

This dessert is best eaten fresh but can be prepared a few hours in advance. Keep the macerated peaches and whipped cream chilled until ready to serve. It’s an easy dessert to serve for dinner guests. Here are some tips for storing leftovers to enjoy later.

In the Refrigerator: The macerated peaches can be kept overnight in an airtight container in the fridge, but they may get a bit watery and browned the longer they sit. Store leftover peaches in an airtight container for 1 day.

Storing Whipped Cream: To make the whipped cream more than an hour or two in advance, replace the powdered sugar with a teaspoon of instant vanilla pudding powder. This will sweeten the whipped cream while also giving it stability as it chills in the fridge for an extended period of time. Without it, the cream will fall flat.