Juicy peaches, a buttery graham crust and a cloud-like cheesecake topping come together in a layered dessert that screams summer. This easy-to-follow recipe stays light on hands-on time but delivers vibrant peach flavor and creamy texture. Read on to learn how to build this chilled peach tart, plus tips to get the best results.
What makes this summer peach tart a crowd-pleaser
Bright, fresh fruit sits under a silky cream cheese topping. The crust adds crunch without fuss.
- Fresh peaches keep the filling bright and naturally sweet.
- The graham cracker base is quick to prepare and bakes in minutes.
- The chilled layers mean you can make it ahead for parties.
Ingredients: what you’ll need for each layer
Crust and crunchy topping
- 2 cups crushed graham crackers
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Peach filling (fresh is best)
- 5 cups fresh peaches, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces (about 6–7 medium peaches)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 (3 oz) package peach-flavored gelatin
Creamy cheesecake layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
How to make the layered peach dessert, step by step
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine graham crumbs and 6 tablespoons sugar.
- Stir in the melted butter until crumbs are evenly moistened. Remove 1½ cups and set aside for the topping.
- Press the remaining crumbs into the bottom of a 13×9-inch baking dish. Bake for about 8 minutes.
- Let the baked crust cool completely before adding the filling.
- In a saucepan, whisk together 2 cups water, 1 cup sugar and 3 tablespoons cornstarch. Bring to a boil while stirring.
- Remove from heat and stir in the peach gelatin until dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Fold the diced fresh peaches into the cooled gelatin mixture. Pour the peach filling over the cooled crust.
- Refrigerate until the filling is firm, about 4 hours.
- Beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Gently fold in the thawed whipped topping.
- Spread the cheesecake layer over the set peach filling. Sprinkle the reserved graham crumbs across the top.
- Chill again until ready to serve. Slice into about 24 pieces.
Prep time, yield and quick facts
- Prep time: 25 minutes active
- Cook time (crust): 8 minutes
- Total time including chill: about 4 hours 33 minutes
- Yield: roughly 24 servings
- Category: Dessert • Method: Oven + chill • Cuisine: American
Practical tips for perfect peaches and easy swaps
- Use ripe, fragrant peaches for the best texture and aroma. If not in season, thawed frozen slices work.
- Peel peaches by blanching them 30–60 seconds, then shock in ice water for easy skins.
- Swap vanilla peach gelatin for lemon or orange to brighten the flavor.
- Use graham cracker alternatives like digestive biscuits or shortbread for a different base.
- For a lighter option, reduce sugar by 1/4 cup in the filling if your peaches are very sweet.
Storage, make-ahead tips and serving ideas
- Make the crust and peach layer a day ahead. Add the cheesecake topping just before serving if you prefer firmer slices.
- Keep refrigerated up to 3–4 days in an airtight container.
- This dessert does not freeze well after assembly; freeze components separately if needed.
- Garnish with fresh mint, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Other peach desserts to try this season
- Peach cobbler — a rustic, warm classic that’s simple to make.
- Crescent roll peach dumplings — a Southern favorite with a tender crust.
- Caramel crumble peach pie — buttery crust, salted caramel and cinnamon crumbs.
Similar Posts:
- Peach jello lasagna: no-bake 3-ingredient summer dessert that wows
- Peach cheesecake recipe: how to make a creamy, no-bake summer dessert
- Peach cobbler cheesecake goes viral: easy summer dessert that steals the show
- Summer berry lasagna: no-bake, effortless layered dessert for hot days
- no-bake strawberry jello lasagna: easy, crowd-pleasing summer dessert in minutes
Health advocate and wellness researcher, Dr. Monroe brings clarity to confusing health trends with science-backed advice. Her mission is to help readers live vibrantly, from the inside out.