Peach Dessert Salad is a delightful blend of creamy cheesecake filling, juicy peaches, and a crunchy graham cracker topping. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings, family dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your guests with a unique and delicious dessert. The combination of flavors and textures in this salad creates a truly memorable treat that is both refreshing and indulgent.
I first encountered this recipe at a summer potluck. The host, a friend with a knack for creating incredible dishes, served this Peach Dessert Salad as the highlight of the evening. Its creamy, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors, combined with the fresh peaches and crunchy topping, made it an instant favorite. Inspired by that experience, I decided to recreate it at home. Since then, it has become a staple in my dessert repertoire, always met with rave reviews.
Ingredients
For the Topping:
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
9 graham cracker sheets, crumbled
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
For the Cheesecake Salad:
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
3.4 ounces instant cheesecake pudding mix, unprepared
1 cup liquid French vanilla creamer
8 medium peaches, pitted and cut into bite-size pieces
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Topping
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Mix the Topping Ingredients:
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (cut into pieces), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg. Stir these together until well combined.
Melt the Mixture:
Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the butter is melted and the sugar has dissolved, forming a bubbly, smooth mixture.
Add the Graham Crackers:
Mix in the crumbled graham crackers until they are well coated with the sugar mixture.
Bake the Topping:
Spread the graham cracker mixture onto the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Sprinkle with 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar to add a caramelized crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool the Topping:
Remove from the oven and let the topping cool completely on the baking sheet. It will become crisp as it cools, adding a delightful texture to the dessert salad.
Step 2: Make the Cheesecake Salad
Whip the Cream Cheese:
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to whip 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth. If the cream cheese binds up in the beaters initially, don’t worry—it will loosen as you continue to mix.
Add the Pudding Mix:
Add the 3.4 ounces of instant cheesecake pudding mix to the whipped cream cheese. Mix at high speed until fully combined.
Incorporate the Creamer:
Gradually add 1 cup of liquid French vanilla creamer, about a tablespoon at a time, with the mixer on low speed. This gradual addition prevents the mixture from becoming too runny. Continue mixing until all the creamer is incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Fold in the Peaches:
Gently fold 8 medium peaches (pitted and cut into bite-size pieces) into the cheesecake mixture. Ensure the peaches are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. You can chill this mixture until you’re ready to serve or proceed to the next step for immediate serving.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Add the Topping:
Just before serving, crumble the cooled graham cracker topping over the cheesecake salad. Gently stir to distribute the topping throughout the salad. This adds a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheesecake and soft peaches.
Serve:
Serve the Peach Dessert Salad chilled. You can present it in a large serving bowl for family-style dining or in individual cups for a more elegant presentation.
Variations and Substitutions
Fruit Variations:
Substitute or mix the peaches with other fruits such as nectarines, mangoes, or berries for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option:
Use gluten-free graham crackers to make the topping suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Low-Sugar Version:
Use a sugar-free instant pudding mix and a sugar substitute in place of granulated and brown sugar for a lower-sugar option.
Nutty Addition:
Add chopped nuts such as pecans or almonds to the topping mixture for added crunch and flavor.
Dairy-Free:
Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a non-dairy creamer to make the salad suitable for those with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance.
Conclusion
Peach Dessert Salad is a delightful, crowd-pleasing dessert that combines the best elements of a fruit salad and a cheesecake. The creamy cheesecake mixture, fresh peaches, and crunchy graham cracker topping create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for various substitutions and additions to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
The preparation process is straightforward, and the result is a beautiful, indulgent dessert that is perfect for warm days or special occasions. Whether served as a chilled treat on a hot summer day or as a sweet finale to a holiday meal, this Peach Dessert Salad is sure to impress and delight your guests.
Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the sweet, creamy, and crunchy goodness that each bite brings. It’s a dessert that’s bound to become a favorite in your home, just as it has in mine. Enjoy!
