No Bake Peach Pie is the perfect solution for enjoying all the flavors of a classic peach pie without heating up your kitchen on hot summer days. This refreshing dessert combines the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with a smooth, creamy filling nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust that requires absolutely no baking. What makes this pie truly special is how it captures the essence of summer peaches while staying cool and light, making it the ideal dessert for picnics, barbecues, and warm weather entertaining. The secret lies in the perfect balance of fresh peaches, cream cheese, and whipped topping that creates a luscious filling, while a simple gelatin mixture helps everything set beautifully without any oven time. This impressive dessert looks like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it comes together quickly and easily, giving you more time to enjoy the beautiful weather.
Recipe Information
- Serves: 8-10 people
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Chill Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Ingredients You Need
For the perfect no bake peach pie, gather these simple ingredients:
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Peach Filling:
- 4 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar, divided
- 1 packet (1/4 ounce) unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Creating the Perfect Crust
Start by making your graham cracker crust, which provides the perfect buttery foundation for this cool, creamy pie. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined.
Pour the melted butter over the crumb mixture and stir with a fork until all the crumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should hold together when pressed but not be overly wet. If it seems too dry, add another tablespoon of melted butter.
Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to pack it down well, creating an even layer. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
Preparing the Beautiful Peaches
Choose ripe but firm peaches for the best results. To peel them easily, bring a pot of water to boil and prepare a bowl of ice water. Score a small X on the bottom of each peach, then blanch them in the boiling water for 30-60 seconds. Transfer immediately to the ice water, and the skins should slip off easily.
Slice the peeled peaches into thin wedges, removing the pits. Place the sliced peaches in a bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. This mixture helps draw out the peach juices and enhances their natural sweetness. Set aside to macerate while you prepare the rest of the filling.
Creating the Gelatin Base
Sprinkle the unflavored gelatin over the cold water in a small bowl and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes spongy. This process is called blooming and ensures the gelatin dissolves smoothly.
After blooming, microwave the gelatin mixture for 30 seconds or until it’s completely dissolved and clear. Alternatively, you can dissolve it by placing the bowl over simmering water and stirring until clear. Set aside to cool slightly.
Making the Creamy Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until well combined and no lumps remain.
Add the vanilla extract and almond extract if using, along with the remaining granulated sugar. Beat until smooth. The almond extract adds a wonderful depth of flavor that complements the peaches beautifully, but you can omit it if you prefer.
Slowly drizzle the cooled gelatin mixture into the cream cheese mixture while beating on low speed. Make sure the gelatin is well incorporated throughout the mixture.
Whipping the Perfect Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as you want the cream to be smooth and billowy rather than stiff and grainy.
Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a rubber spatula. Use a folding motion rather than stirring to keep the mixture light and airy. The filling should be smooth, creamy, and pale in color.
Assembling Your No Bake Pie
Drain any excess liquid from the macerated peaches. Reserve about 1 cup of the most beautiful peach slices for decorating the top of the pie.
Gently fold the remaining peaches into the cream cheese and whipped cream mixture. The peaches should be evenly distributed throughout the filling, creating lovely pockets of fruit in every bite.
Spoon the peach filling into the chilled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with an offset spatula. The filling should mound slightly above the crust edge, creating an attractive, full-looking pie.
Creating the Beautiful Top
Arrange the reserved peach slices in an attractive pattern on top of the pie. You can create concentric circles, a spiral pattern, or simply arrange them artistically across the surface. The peach slices not only look beautiful but also let everyone know what delicious flavor awaits them.
For an extra special touch, you can brush the top peach slices with a little honey or peach jam mixed with water to give them a glossy, professional appearance.
The Essential Chilling Process
Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap, being careful not to let it touch the surface of the pie. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial for the gelatin to set properly and for all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
The pie is properly set when the filling feels firm to the touch and doesn’t jiggle when you gently shake the pan. The longer it chills, the firmer and more sliceable it becomes.
Serving Your Summer Masterpiece
When ready to serve, remove the pie from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to make slicing easier. Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water and wiped clean between cuts for the cleanest slices.
This No Bake Peach Pie is absolutely delicious on its own, but it’s even more special when served with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool, creamy texture and fresh peach flavor make it the perfect ending to any summer meal.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This pie actually improves after a day in the refrigerator as all the flavors continue to develop and meld together. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, though it’s best enjoyed within the first 2-3 days when the peaches are at their freshest. This makes it an excellent make-ahead dessert for entertaining, allowing you to prepare it the day before your gathering and simply slice and serve when ready.
