Peach Fluff is the kind of dessert you make when the day runs long and you still want something sweet, creamy, and unfussy. Maybe you have company coming and your fridge looks a little bare. Maybe it is hot out and you do not feel like turning on the oven. Or maybe you just want a bowl of sunshine you can whip up in minutes. That is where this dreamy peachy fluff comes in. It is quick, affordable, and totally hits the spot.
Why You’ll Love It
I remember the first time I took a bowl of this to a neighborhood barbecue. People kept circling back for just one more scoop, then asking what magic was inside. It is funny because the magic is simply how the ingredients play together. You get cool creaminess, a hint of tang, soft peach bites, and that soft marshmallow cloud that makes it feel like summer in a spoon.
When the craving for Peach Fluff hits, it is not just about dessert. It is about something easy that looks cute on the table, travels well, and makes people smile. It is the dessert version of a favorite playlist. Familiar and comforting, with a little fun mixed in.
“I brought this fluff to my book club and it disappeared. I printed the recipe four times before I left. Zero leftovers. Ten out of ten.”
Another big reason to love it is flexibility. Maybe you prefer canned peaches because they are always ready, or you have fresh peaches on the counter just begging to be used. This recipe is happy either way. It scales easily, it holds up in the fridge, and it feels special without any fussy steps.
Oh, and it is budget friendly. You can swap a few items based on what is on sale, and it still turns out lush and creamy. If you need a dessert you can trust, this one does not let you down.
Key Ingredients in Peaches and Cream Fluff
Here is the lineup that makes this bowl of creamy fruit goodness shine. You will recognize every item, which is my favorite kind of ingredient list.
- Peaches: Fresh or canned both work. Fresh gives you juicy bite and fragrance. Canned is consistent and easy. If using canned, pick peaches in juice instead of heavy syrup to keep things balanced.
- Instant vanilla pudding mix: This sets the base and brings gentle vanilla. It pulls extra moisture together so everything turns creamy instead of watery.
- Whipped topping: Folded in at the end for that cloudlike texture. You can use homemade whipped cream if you prefer, just whip it to medium peaks so it holds its shape.
- Mini marshmallows: They soften as the salad chills, which adds that pillowy texture people love. Stick with minis for even distribution.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream: A small scoop adds a subtle tang and keeps the fluff from being too sweet. I like full fat for extra richness.
- Vanilla and a pinch of salt: The vanilla lifts the flavor. The salt makes the peaches taste more peachy. Small details matter.
- Optional add-ins: Shredded coconut, chopped pecans, or a handful of raspberries. Keep add-ins light so the cream stays silky.
When you keep these on hand, Peach Fluff is always 10 minutes away. If you are using fresh peaches, pick ones that feel heavy and give a little at the top. If they are firm, let them ripen on the counter for a day or two.
How to Make Peaches and Cream Fluff
Before you start
Chill your mixing bowl if you can. Cold tools keep the texture extra light. Drain canned peaches well, or let chopped fresh peaches rest on a paper towel for a minute so extra juice does not water down your cream.
Step-by-step
- Prep the peaches. Chop into bite size pieces. If using canned, drain thoroughly. If they taste too sweet, splash with lemon juice to brighten them up.
- Mix the base. In a big bowl, whisk instant vanilla pudding mix with Greek yogurt or sour cream until smooth. Add a small splash of milk only if the mixture seems too thick. You want it creamy and spreadable.
- Fold in the whipped topping. Use a spatula and a gentle hand so the mixture stays airy. Folding means scooping from the bottom and turning the mixture over itself until combined.
- Add the peaches and marshmallows. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and a little vanilla. Fold just until combined. If you are using add-ins like coconut or chopped nuts, add them now.
- Chill. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 to 60 minutes. This short rest is key. The marshmallows soften, the flavors meld, and the pudding sets everything to that creamy, scoopable texture.
- Serve. Spoon into a big bowl or individual cups. Top with extra peach slices or a few crumbled vanilla wafer cookies if you want a little crunch.
Make ahead and storage
For the best Peach Fluff texture, make it the day you plan to serve. It keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge in a covered container. Stir gently before serving. If the mixture thickens overnight, fold in a spoonful of yogurt or a splash of milk to loosen it slightly. Always keep it chilled, especially on warm days.
Helpful Swaps
Out of vanilla pudding mix? Try cheesecake flavored pudding for extra tang. It changes the vibe a bit but in a lovely way. If pudding mix is not your thing, you can use a slightly sweetened yogurt base. It will be softer, so give it an extra 15 minutes of chill time.
No whipped topping in the freezer? Whip cold heavy cream with a spoonful of powdered sugar and a tiny pinch of cornstarch until medium peaks. The cornstarch helps it hold.
Watching dairy? Coconut whipped topping and a dairy free vanilla instant pudding work nicely together. Go easy on add-ins because dairy free bases can be a touch softer. If dairy is tricky, you can still enjoy Peach Fluff with those simple swaps.
Only have fruit cocktail or mandarin oranges? Drain them well and go for it. The final bowl will taste a bit different, but still light and happy.
Variations/Substitutions
This dessert is forgiving, so make it fit your mood. If you are craving crunch, sprinkle a few crushed graham crackers on top just before serving. For more tropical notes, add a handful of chopped pineapple and a tablespoon of shredded coconut. If you want a lighter sweetness, use plain Greek yogurt and bump the vanilla up just a hair.
Love a pop of color? Toss in raspberries or strawberries with the peaches. Just dry them well so they do not tint the whole bowl. If your peaches are out of season, use frozen peaches that you partially thaw and pat dry. They bring great flavor without the mush factor if you let them thaw just enough to chop cleanly.
And if you are making it for a party, dress it up with mint leaves on top. That tiny bit of green makes it look polished with zero effort. If it is for a weeknight treat, scoop it straight from the mixing bowl and call it a day. No judgment here.
Common Questions
Can I make Peach Fluff ahead? Yes. It is best the same day, but you can make it up to 24 hours ahead. Keep it tightly covered in the fridge and give it a gentle stir before serving.
How do I keep it from getting watery? Drain canned peaches well and pat fresh peaches dry. Do not add extra milk unless the pudding base is overly thick. The rest time in the fridge also helps set everything.
Can I use sugar free pudding? You can. The texture stays similar. Adjust sweetness with a touch of honey or powdered sugar if needed, since sugar free mixes can taste less sweet.
What if my fluff is too thick? Fold in a spoonful of yogurt or a small splash of milk until it loosens. Add a little at a time so it does not get soupy.
How long does it last? Up to 3 days chilled. After that, the marshmallows get too soft and the fruit releases more juice. Store in a sealed container and always keep it cold.
A Sweet Little Send Off
There is something about a bowl of creamy fruit dessert that just makes people relax. This one is easy to pull together, friendly on the budget, and perfect for sharing. Whether you go classic or play with swaps, you will end up with a bowl of comfort that tastes like summer. I hope you enjoy making and eating Peach Fluff as much as I do. If you try it, come back and tell me how it went. 
Peaches and Cream Fluff
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A dreamy, creamy dessert that combines fresh or canned peaches with whipped topping and vanilla pudding for a refreshing treat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or canned peaches, chopped
- 1 packet (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 cup whipped topping
- 1 cup mini marshmallows
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional add-ins: shredded coconut, chopped pecans, or raspberries
Instructions
- Chill the mixing bowl for best texture.
- Prep the peaches by chopping into bite-sized pieces and draining canned peaches thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, whisk the instant vanilla pudding mix with Greek yogurt or sour cream until smooth. Add a small splash of milk if too thick.
- Fold in the whipped topping gently.
- Add the peaches, marshmallows, pinch of salt, and vanilla. Fold until combined.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 to 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve in a big bowl or individual cups, optionally topping with more peach slices or crumbled vanilla wafer cookies.
Notes
For best texture, make the dessert the day you plan to serve it. If made in advance, stir gently before serving and add a splash of milk if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 15mg