Easy No-Bake Peaches and Cream Delight Squares: Your Perfect Summer Dessert Recipe
Get ready to discover your new favorite summer dessert: these incredible No-Bake Peaches and Cream Delight Squares! This recipe is a true family treasure, passed down from my mama, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. While I sadly missed out on tasting it during its peak popularity in my family (I was off at college!), my sisters kept the tradition alive. This summer, I finally decided it was my turn to whip up a batch, and let me tell you, the hype is absolutely real. It’s unbelievably good!
This dessert is a symphony of delightful textures and flavors, built with three irresistible layers:
- A buttery, crunchy **no-bake graham cracker crust** that forms the perfect foundation.
- A rich, smooth, and tangy **cream cheese filling** that adds a creamy dreaminess.
- A vibrant, fruity **fresh peach Jell-O topping** bursting with sweet peach flavor.
What’s not to love? It’s wonderfully light, incredibly summery, and intensely peachy – everything you crave in a warm-weather treat. This recipe yields a generous sheet pan of these delightful squares, making it the ideal choice for feeding a crowd. Planning an end-of-summer barbecue, a family reunion, or just a backyard party? Look no further! Both adults and kids will adore this refreshing, easy-to-eat dessert.
Why These Peaches and Cream Delight Squares Are a Must-Try
Beyond being a family favorite, there are so many reasons why these no-bake peach squares should be at the top of your dessert list:
- Effortless & No-Bake: Forget turning on your oven in the heat of summer! This recipe requires zero baking, making it perfect for hot days and busy schedules.
- Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: The recipe is designed to make a large batch, ensuring there’s enough to go around for everyone at your next potluck, party, or family gathering.
- Layers of Flavor & Texture: From the crispy graham cracker crust to the creamy cheesecake-like filling and the fresh, fruity peach topping, each bite offers a delightful combination.
- Customizable Peach Flavor: Whether you prefer the convenience of store-bought peach Jell-O or the rich, natural taste of a homemade peach gelatin, this recipe offers both options.
- Visually Stunning: The vibrant peach topping layered over the white cream cheese filling and golden crust makes for an eye-catching dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Kid-Friendly & Adult-Approved: The sweet and fruity profile appeals to all ages, guaranteeing smiles all around.
Essential Tips for Crafting Your Peach Delight Squares
What is a Jelly Roll Pan and Why Use It?
My mom traditionally made her “Peach Delight” in two pie pans, which works perfectly fine. However, for easier assembly and serving into neat squares, I’ve found that a jelly roll pan is the ideal vessel. A standard jelly roll pan measures approximately 12 inches by 17 inches and is typically a bit shallower than your everyday baking sheet, usually about 1 inch deep. These pans are famously used for delicate sponge cakes, sheet cakes, and of course, jelly roll cakes, where a thinner cake layer is desired for rolling.
For these Peaches and Cream Delight Squares, the dimensions of a jelly roll pan allow for a perfect balance of all three layers: a substantial crust, a generous cream cheese filling, and a beautiful peach topping that sets just right. If you don’t have a jelly roll pan, a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish is a great alternative. Just keep in mind that your squares will be taller and you’ll end up with fewer servings, but they’ll be equally delicious. And as mentioned, two 9-inch pie pans are always an option for a more traditional, wedge-shaped dessert.
How to Quickly Bring Cream Cheese to Room Temperature for the Smoothest Filling
Achieving a perfectly smooth, lump-free cream cheese filling is crucial for this dessert. This starts with ensuring your cream cheese is at room temperature. Cold cream cheese will be stiff and difficult to beat evenly, often resulting in a lumpy mixture even after prolonged mixing. Here are a few quick methods to soften cream cheese:
- Cube and Spread: Cut the cream cheese block into small cubes and spread them out on a plate. This increases the surface area exposed to room air, softening it in about 15-20 minutes.
- Warm Water Bath: Remove the cream cheese from its paper carton, but keep it in its foil packaging. Place it in a bowl and cover with warm (not hot!) water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes. The foil protects the cream cheese from the water while allowing the heat to quickly penetrate.
- Microwave in Bursts: This method is the quickest but requires careful attention to avoid melting or cooking the cream cheese. Remove the cream cheese completely from all packaging. Microwave it in 10-second bursts, flipping it after each burst. For an 8-ounce block, 30-40 seconds total is usually sufficient, but always check for softness in between bursts.
Once softened, it will blend beautifully with the heavy cream and sugar, creating that irresistible silky-smooth filling.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Peach Topping: Choose Your Adventure!
The original family recipe calls for a box of peach-flavored Jell-O for convenience, and that’s a fantastic option, especially if you’re short on time or peach Jell-O is readily available in your area. However, I’ve found that making a homemade version of the peach topping truly elevates the flavor profile, giving it a much more natural and intense peach taste. It’s still incredibly simple to prepare, and it gives you more control over the sugar content. Plus, sometimes peach-flavored Jell-O can be a bit tricky to find depending on your grocery store.
To ensure everyone can enjoy this delightful dessert, I’ve included instructions for both methods in the recipe card below. Whether you opt for the simplicity of a pre-packaged mix or the rich, authentic flavor of a homemade gelatin made with real peach juice and unflavored gelatin, your Peaches and Cream Delight Squares will be spectacular. The homemade version allows the fresh peach slices to truly shine!
Crafting Each Layer: Step-by-Step Guidance
The Crunchy Graham Cracker Crust
The foundation of this dessert is a simple yet satisfying graham cracker crust. To achieve a perfectly fine crumb, you can use a food processor, which makes quick work of crushing the crackers. If you don’t have one, a ziplock bag and a rolling pin work just as well – a great way to release some stress! Combine the fine crumbs with a pinch of salt, a touch of brown sugar for added depth, and melted butter. This mixture should resemble wet sand. Press it firmly and evenly into your chosen pan. For a jelly roll pan, ensure it’s a thin, compact layer. Chill it in the fridge while you prepare the next layer; this helps it set up and become extra sturdy.
The Velvety Cream Cheese Filling
Once your cream cheese is at room temperature (following the tips above!), beat it with an electric mixer until it’s wonderfully smooth and creamy. This is key to preventing any lumps. Gradually add the heavy whipping cream and granulated sugar. Continue to beat the mixture until it becomes thick, fluffy, and smooth, which usually takes about two minutes. The filling should be able to hold soft peaks. Gently spread this luscious filling over your chilled graham cracker crust, making sure to create an even layer. Pop it back into the fridge to firm up while you get started on the peach topping.
The Gorgeous Peach Topping
If you’re making the homemade peach topping, start by “blooming” the unflavored gelatin. Sprinkle it over a quarter cup of cold peach juice in a small bowl and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens and absorbs the liquid. Meanwhile, bring the remaining peach juice and sugar to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. Pour this hot mixture over the bloomed gelatin and whisk until the gelatin is entirely dissolved and the liquid is smooth and clear. Let this mixture cool down slightly at room temperature while you prepare your fresh peaches. Thinly slice 5-6 ripe peaches. Arrange these slices beautifully over the cream cheese filling. Then, carefully spoon the cooled peach gelatin mixture over the peaches, ensuring they are as covered as possible to prevent browning. If using a jelly roll pan, you might have a little extra gelatin mixture – don’t overfill!
Once all layers are assembled, carefully transfer the pan back to the fridge. Chilling is crucial for this no-bake delight; allow it at least 2 hours, or ideally longer, until the gelatin is fully set and firm. The longer it chills, the easier it will be to cut into clean, perfect squares.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peaches and Cream Delight Squares
Can I use frozen peaches for this recipe?
While fresh peaches are highly recommended for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen sliced peaches. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before layering them on top of the cream cheese filling. Keep in mind that frozen peaches might release a bit more water, so ensure they are very well-drained. If using store-bought Jell-O, you might also consider adding a touch less water to the Jell-O mixture to compensate for any residual moisture from the peaches.
How do I prevent the fresh peaches from browning if not fully covered?
The gelatin layer acts as a protective seal for the peaches. If some peach slices are exposed to air, they may oxidize and brown over time. To minimize this, ensure the gelatin mixture covers the peaches as much as possible. If some browning does occur, it’s generally harmless and only affects the aesthetics. For the freshest look, it’s best to serve the dessert within 12-24 hours of assembly, especially if any peaches are exposed. A very thin layer of whipped cream on top before serving can also help.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! This is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. It requires at least 2 hours of chilling, but it can be prepared a day in advance. Store it covered loosely with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. The flavors often meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious.
How should I store leftover peach squares?
Leftover Peaches and Cream Delight Squares should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3-4 days. The texture might soften slightly over time, but the flavor will remain wonderful.
What other fruits can I use for this recipe?
This recipe is wonderfully versatile! My mom often used fresh strawberries and strawberry Jell-O for a delicious variation. You could also experiment with raspberries, blueberries, or even a mix of berries. Just ensure the fruit you choose pairs well with gelatin and consider if a homemade fruit juice topping is feasible or if a corresponding flavored Jell-O box is available. Tropical fruits like pineapple and kiwi contain enzymes that prevent gelatin from setting, so avoid those unless cooked first.
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Peaches and Cream Delight Squares
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Ingredients
Graham cracker crust:
- 18 whole graham crackers
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup light or dark brown sugar (53 grams)
- ½ cup butter (113 grams), melted
Cream cheese filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (226 grams), softened to room temperature
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (500 ml)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
Peach topping:
- 2 cups peach juice or nectar (500 ml)
- 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin (1 envelope)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 ml)
- 5-6 peaches , sliced
Instructions
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To make the graham cracker crust, use a food processor or a ziplock bag with a rolling pin to crush graham crackers.
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Combine graham cracker crumbs, pinch of salt, brown sugar, and melted butter.
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Press evenly into the bottom of a jelly roll pan (12in x 17in x 1in). You can also use 9in x 13in pan, you’ll just end up with thicker squares. Chill crust in the fridge while you prepare the filling.
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To make the filling, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add heavy whipping cream and sugar and beat until thick and smooth, about 2 minutes.
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Spread evenly on top of the graham cracker crust. Chill in the fridge while you prepare the topping.
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To make the topping, pour 1/4 cup of the peach juice into a small bowl. Sprinkle the gelatin on top and let it sit for a few minutes until absorbed into the juice.
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Heat remaining juice and sugar just to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Pour over the gelatin mixture and whisk until gelatin is completely dissolved and mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool while you slices the peaches.
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Layer peach slices on top of the cream filling. Spoon peach gelatin mixture over the top, covering the peaches as much as possible without spilling over the sides. If you use a jelly roll pan, you may not be able to use all of the gelatin mixture.
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Carefully transfer pan to the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours until set and firm.
Notes
NOTES:
- If you’d like, you can substitute a 6oz box of peach Jell-O for the peach juice, gelatin and sugar in the topping. Follow directions on the box.
- If the peaches aren’t completely covered with the gelatin/Jell-O the peaches may brown over time and will be best served within 12 hours.
- Can also be prepared in 2 9-inch pie pans.
- Feel free to make this recipe with other fruit if desired! My mom would often use fresh strawberries and strawberry Jell-O.
Final Thoughts on This No-Bake Summer Delight
These Peaches and Cream Delight Squares are more than just a dessert; they’re a celebration of summer, family traditions, and the joy of simple, delicious food. The no-bake aspect means less time in a hot kitchen and more time enjoying the sunshine with loved ones. Whether you’re serving them at a casual backyard BBQ, a festive holiday gathering, or simply as a special treat for your family, these squares are guaranteed to leave everyone feeling delighted.
So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and prepare to create a truly memorable dessert. Don’t be surprised if this recipe quickly becomes a cherished favorite in your own home, just as it has in mine!