This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
This easy Peaches and Cream recipe combines buttery warm peaches with homemade whipped cream for a simple summer dessert everyone loves.
Know Before You Scroll
What You’ll Need
Fresh peaches, butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, whipping cream, powdered sugar, and optional cinnamon.
Flavor Profile
Sweet, juicy peaches cooked in a buttery caramel-like sauce with light notes of brown sugar and cinnamon, finished with fluffy homemade whipped cream. Fresh, creamy, and perfect served warm or chilled.
Difficulty Level
Easy! Just one pan and a few minutes on the stove.
Equipment Needed
Large skillet, hand mixer or stand mixer, mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons, serving bowls.
Top Tip
Cook the peaches just until they’re slightly tender. They should still hold their shape so you get juicy slices coated in buttery syrup instead of peach compote.
Time-Saving Tips
Use ripe peaches and have the whipped cream ingredients measured before you start so the whole dessert comes together in minutes.
Ingredient Swaps
Swap nectarines for peaches, use unsalted butter with a pinch of salt instead of salted butter, replace the cinnamon with a splash of vanilla or almond extract, or serve the peaches over vanilla ice cream instead of whipped cream.
Why This Recipe Works
When I first published this Peaches and Cream recipe back in 2014, I had no idea it would become such a reader favorite. Since then, it’s earned five-star reviews and been shared more than 10,000 times across social media. Somehow, though, it slowly slipped under the radar among all the new recipes I’ve shared over the years. It deserved another moment in the spotlight, so I gave it a complete refresh with brand-new photos, a step-by-step video, and even more helpful tips, FAQs, and serving ideas to make sure it turns out perfectly every time. The recipe itself hasn’t changed a bit—because it simply didn’t need to.
There’s a reason this dessert has stood the test of time. Sweet, ripe peaches are gently cooked in butter and sugar until they release their juices into a silky, caramel-like sauce that coats every slice. Finished with soft, homemade whipped cream, it’s light enough for a warm summer evening but indulgent enough to feel like a special treat. It’s simple, timeless, and proof that when you start with great peaches, you don’t need much else.
Ingredient Notes
Peaches
Best Choice
Fresh, ripe yellow peaches with a little firmness hold their shape best while cooking.
Substitutions
Nectarines or frozen sliced peaches (thawed first) work well too.
Whipping Cream
Best Choice
Heavy whipping cream (36% milkfat) creates the richest, most stable whipped cream.
Substitutions
Regular whipping cream also works, although it won’t hold its shape quite as long.
Sugars
Best Choice
A combination of granulated and brown sugar creates balanced sweetness with a light caramel flavor.
Substitutions
Light brown sugar can replace dark brown sugar, or use all granulated sugar if needed.
Where to Find
Baking aisle.
Butter
Best Choice
Salted butter adds richness and balances the sweetness.
Substitutions
Unsalted butter works too—just add a tiny pinch of salt.
Where to Find
Dairy section.
You can find the full, printable recipe at the top of this post, but you can read the detailed instructions with photos for each step below.
Step By Step Instructions
1
Step 1
Add the sliced peaches, butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and optional cinnamon to a large skillet over medium heat.
2
Step 2
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently until the butter melts, the sugars dissolve, and the peaches begin to soften in a glossy sauce. Remove from the heat and let the peaches cool slightly, or refrigerate until chilled if serving cold.
3
Step 3
Beat the whipping cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
4
Step 5
Spoon the peaches and their buttery syrup into serving bowls and finish with generous dollops of fresh whipped cream.
More Peach Recipes
Rate This Recipe
Recipe
Peaches & Cream
Ingredients
For the peaches:
- 5 ripe peaches ( peeled, cored and sliced (about 4 cups))
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
For the cream:
- 2 cups whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar (more or less according to taste)
Instructions
- Add the peaches, butter, sugars, and cinnamon to a large skillet over medium heat.
- Stir until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves, about 2 to 3 minutes. The peaches will soften slightly, and the butter and sugar will make a sauce that coats the peaches.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool while you make the whipped cream or to serve cold, chill for 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, using a mixer or food processor, beat the cream and sugar until soft peaks form.
- Spoon the peaches and sauce into bowls and serve topped with whipped cream.
Tips
- Look for peaches that aren’t too ripe. Very ripe peaches will get too soft as they cook and become mushy.
- I made the whipped cream from scratch, but store-bought will work if you’re short on time.
Save to favoritesYour saved recipes will be right here waiting for you every time you visit, so you can easily find and make the meals you love.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes. Thaw and drain them first to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
Do I have to peel the peaches?
No. The skins soften during cooking, but peeling creates a smoother, more elegant dessert.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Cook the peaches up to two days ahead and refrigerate. Whip the cream shortly before serving for the best texture.
What’s the difference between whipping cream and heavy cream?
Heavy cream contains slightly more milkfat, producing a richer, more stable whipped cream, but either works well in this recipe.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. If your peaches are especially sweet, you can reduce both sugars without affecting the recipe.
Is this best served warm or cold?
Both! Warm peaches create a comforting dessert, while chilled peaches are incredibly refreshing during the summer.
Leave a Reply