Why You’ll Love Peach Pudding Recipe
- No baking required: Everything is mixed and layered, making this an especially convenient dessert when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Creamy and fruity: Sweet peaches balance the rich cream cheese and vanilla pudding beautifully.
- Great for gatherings: With approximately 12 servings, this recipe works well for parties, cookouts, holidays, and potlucks.
- Easy to prepare ahead: Peach pudding benefits from refrigeration because the pudding thickens and the vanilla wafers become tender.
- Simple ingredients: The recipe relies on familiar grocery-store ingredients and requires no complicated techniques.
- Beautiful layers: Preparing it in a glass trifle dish creates an attractive layered dessert with very little extra effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8-ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 5-ounce box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 cups cold milk, preferably 2% or whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 8-ounce tub whipped topping, thawed
- 11-ounce box Nilla wafers
- 2 (29-ounce) cans sliced peaches, drained very well and roughly chopped
For the best consistency, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. Cold cream cheese can leave small lumps in the pudding mixture.
It is also important to drain the canned peaches thoroughly. Excess peach syrup or juice can make the finished pudding watery, particularly after it has been refrigerated.
Use instant vanilla pudding mix rather than cook-and-serve pudding. Instant pudding is designed to thicken with cold milk and gives this no-bake dessert the proper texture.
Directions
- Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat it until completely smooth, light, and fluffy.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract to the cream cheese.
- Continue mixing until everything is thoroughly combined and the mixture begins to become smooth and creamy. This can take a few minutes, so continue mixing until there are no obvious streaks of pudding mix or cream cheese.
- Gently stir half of the thawed whipped topping into the pudding mixture. Fold just until evenly incorporated to help keep the filling light and fluffy.
- Begin assembling the dessert by arranging approximately one-third of the Nilla wafers across the bottom of a large trifle dish, serving bowl, or 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Arrange a single layer of the drained and roughly chopped peaches over the vanilla wafers.
- Spoon approximately one-third of the prepared pudding mixture over the peaches, spreading it gently so the fruit is completely covered.
- Repeat the layering process with another third of the Nilla wafers, peaches, and pudding mixture.
- Create the final layer with the remaining wafers, peaches, and pudding mixture.
- Spread the remaining whipped topping evenly over the top of the dessert.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving. During this time, the pudding will continue to thicken and the vanilla wafers will soften.
- Serve the peach pudding chilled. For cleaner portions, especially when using a 9×13-inch dish, allow it to chill for several hours before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 12
Prep time: 30 minutes
Chill time: At least 1–2 hours
Total time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, including chilling
For the best texture, prepare the pudding several hours before you plan to serve it. The extra refrigeration time allows the flavors to blend while giving the wafers enough time to develop their soft, cake-like texture.
Variations
Fresh Peach Pudding: Replace the canned peaches with ripe fresh peaches. Peel and chop them before layering. Make sure the peaches are juicy and flavorful for the best results.
Peach and Berry Pudding: Add sliced strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries between the peach layers for additional color and a sweet-tart contrast.
Peach Cobbler-Inspired Pudding: Sprinkle a small amount of cinnamon over each peach layer. A pinch of nutmeg can also add a warm, spiced flavor reminiscent of peach cobbler.
Extra Vanilla Pudding: Add additional vanilla wafers around the sides or on top just before serving for more cookie flavor and a combination of soft and crunchy textures.
Graham Cracker Version: Substitute graham crackers for the Nilla wafers. They will soften as the dessert chills and give the pudding a slightly different flavor.
Individual Peach Puddings: Assemble the dessert in individual cups or small jars instead of one large dish. Divide the cookies, peaches, pudding, and whipped topping evenly among the containers.
Mixed Fruit Pudding: Combine peaches with other well-drained canned or fresh fruits, such as mandarin oranges or pineapple. Be especially careful to drain canned fruit thoroughly so the pudding doesn’t become runny.
Storage/Reheating
Store Peach Pudding covered tightly in the refrigerator. A layer of plastic wrap or an airtight container will help prevent the pudding from absorbing odors from other foods.
For the best texture and flavor, enjoy the pudding within 3 to 4 days. The vanilla wafers will continue to soften the longer the dessert sits, so the texture will be noticeably softer after the first day or two.
Keep the pudding refrigerated until shortly before serving, particularly because it contains cream cheese, milk, and whipped topping.
Reheating is not necessary. Peach Pudding is designed to be served cold directly from the refrigerator.
Freezing is generally not recommended. Freezing and thawing can change the texture of the pudding, whipped topping, and peaches and may cause the dessert to release excess liquid.
FAQs
Can I make Peach Pudding ahead of time?
Yes. This is an excellent make-ahead dessert because it needs time in the refrigerator for the pudding to set and the wafers to soften. Preparing it several hours ahead works particularly well.
Can I make Peach Pudding the night before?
Yes. You can assemble it the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. The wafers will become very soft and cake-like by the following day.
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned peaches?
Yes. Ripe fresh peaches are a delicious substitute. Peel and chop them before adding them to the dessert. Depending on their size, you’ll need several peaches to provide enough fruit for all three layers.
Why is my Peach Pudding runny?
Excess moisture from the peaches is one of the most common reasons. Drain canned peaches extremely well before chopping and layering them. Using cold milk and instant pudding mix is also important for achieving the correct consistency.
Can I use cook-and-serve pudding instead of instant pudding?
Instant vanilla pudding is the best choice for this recipe because it thickens when combined with cold milk. Cook-and-serve pudding requires a different preparation method and should not be substituted using the same directions.
What type of milk should I use?
Two-percent or whole milk is preferred because it creates a richer, creamier pudding. The milk should also be cold when it is added to the instant pudding mixture.
How long should Peach Pudding chill before serving?
Refrigerate it for at least 1 to 2 hours. A longer chilling period can produce an even softer cookie texture and a more thoroughly set pudding.
Can I make this recipe in a 9×13-inch pan?
Yes. A 9×13-inch baking dish works very well and makes the dessert easy to transport and portion. A trifle dish is a good alternative when you want the layers to be visible.
How do I keep Peach Pudding from becoming watery?
Drain the peaches thoroughly and avoid adding any of the peach syrup to the pudding. Make sure you’re also using the correct amount of cold milk and instant pudding mix. Keep the finished dessert refrigerated until serving.
How long does Peach Pudding last in the refrigerator?
When properly covered and refrigerated, it can generally be stored for 3 to 4 days. Keep in mind that the wafers will become increasingly soft over time, so the dessert is usually at its best during the first couple of days.
Conclusion
Peach Pudding is an easy no-bake dessert that combines juicy peaches, creamy vanilla pudding, fluffy whipped topping, and tender Nilla wafers in every spoonful. The layered preparation is simple enough for everyday desserts while still looking impressive enough for parties and special occasions.
Because it can be prepared ahead of time, it’s especially convenient when you’re feeding a crowd. Give it plenty of time to chill before serving, and you’ll have a cool, creamy peach dessert with soft vanilla wafers and plenty of sweet fruit in every layer.
Peach Pudding
This creamy Peach Pudding layers vanilla pudding, juicy peaches, Nilla wafers, and fluffy whipped topping for an easy chilled dessert.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus chilling
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 5 ounce box INSTANT vanilla pudding mix (larger box)
- 3 cups cold milk (2% or higher is preferred)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 8 ounce tub whipped topping, thawed
- 11 ounce box Nilla wafers
- 2 (29 ounce) cans sliced peaches, drained very well and roughly chopped
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, instant vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until thoroughly combined and smooth. This may take a few minutes.
- Gently stir in half of the whipped topping.
- Place one-third of the Nilla wafers in an even layer on the bottom of a trifle dish, large bowl, or 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add a single layer of the chopped peaches.
- Pour one-third of the pudding mixture over the peaches, spreading it evenly to cover them.
- Repeat the layers two more times with the remaining wafers, peaches, and pudding mixture.
- Top with the remaining whipped topping. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving, allowing the pudding to thicken and the wafers to soften.
Notes
- Drain the peaches very well to prevent excess liquid from making the pudding watery.
- Use instant vanilla pudding mix, not cook-and-serve pudding mix.
- For the creamiest texture, 2% or whole milk is preferred.
- Chill for at least 1 to 2 hours before serving for the best texture.
- Keep leftovers covered and refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 49 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
