
This chilled delight is all about rich creaminess and fresh bursts of flavor. Little marshmallows, juicy canned peaches, plus a sweet vanilla mix give you coconut and nutty goodness. It's easy to pull together for parties, but always looks like a center-piece on the table. People always scrape the bowl clean!
I brought this to my grandma’s birthday once and my family devoured it. Now every special dinner, they want me to bring it—it never lasts long!
Luscious Ingredients
- Cream cheese, softened: Smooth and tangy, softens quickest if you leave it out for a while, so it blends into the mix easily.
- Vanilla extract: Smells and tastes sweet and cozy. Pure vanilla gives it the dreamiest flavor.
- Mini marshmallows: Every bite is squishy and sweet. Grab a fresh pack, no one wants sticky marshmallow chunks.
- Heavy cream: Whip super cold so it fluffs up nice and airy. If you chill your bowl and beaters too, it goes even quicker.
- Granulated sugar: Melts in for just enough sweetness. Extra-fine sugar will disappear fast if you hate waiting.
- Crushed pecans: Toast these nuts for the biggest flavor. Crunchy goodness in each bite.
- Coconut flakes: Sprinkle for that chewy, tropical texture. Unsweetened works if you're not into super sweet things.
- Canned diced peaches: Nestled in tasty syrup with a mellow tang. Cling peaches have a pretty gold color—be sure to drain really well so it all stays thick.
Irresistible Steps
- Dive In:
- Pull off the cover and stir things gently right before serving if you notice any separation. Dish out while it’s nice and cold.
- Peach Prep:
- Chop up your well-drained canned peaches into small cubes—use a spoon to press out any extra juice.
- Marshmallow Prep:
- Toss your marshmallows into the biggest mixing bowl you have. That's where everything comes together.
- Whip the Cream:
- Beat your super cold cream until you get firm peaks. If your kitchen's toasty, chill your bowl too.
- Soften the Cheese:
- Mix your cream cheese in a big bowl till it's completely smooth—no lumpy bits allowed!
- Sugar Boost:
- Pour in sugar and blend it with the cream cheese until it’s smooth and not grainy anymore.
- Mix for Flavor:
- Stir in the vanilla so you smell sweetness all through the bowl.
- Fold in the Fluff:
- Gently add whipped cream next, scooping and folding so it stays thick and airy—not flat!
- Add Fruit and Mallows:
- Lightly fold in your diced peaches and marshmallows—mix till they’re just spread out, you want them whole.
- Add the Pecans:
- Sprinkle in your crunchy nuts, so every scoop gets a little bite.
- Sprinkle the Toppings:
- Scatter coconut flakes on top for chewy, sweet flair and a sunny-looking finish.
- Pop It in the Fridge:
- Let it chill for at least a couple hours—cover to keep it from drying out and let everything come together.

I always munch on a warm pecan before mixing it in—so good! Fluffing marshmallows is my cousin and my favorite summer tradition.
Leftover Stash
Cover any leftovers well and keep them in your fridge. Still good for up to three days, but it’s best the first day—the peaches release more juice as it sits, making it a bit softer. Planning ahead? Don’t add the nuts and coconut till right before you eat so they stay crisp.
Switch-Ups
Pecans out? Try walnuts or sliced almonds instead. No heavy cream? Store-bought whipped topping works—cut the sugar a bit. Want it lighter? Go for low-fat cream cheese or even swap in Greek yogurt for extra tang.
Serving Ideas
It’s top-notch cold straight from the fridge, scooped into a bowl solo or served at brunch, holidays, or summer parties. Layer on fresh peach slices and some mint to jazz it up. My mom loves hers with coffee, and I sometimes spoon it over pancakes on lazy weekends.

Southern Roots
This treat’s a throwback to Southern gatherings where creamy, fruity, and nut-packed salads steal the show at potlucks and celebrations. It feels a little fancy—and folks always feel treated. These kinds of dishes never left the table, from grandma’s cookbooks to backyard cookouts, especially during summer.
Recipe FAQs
- → What’s the best way to get the canned peaches dry for this?
Ditch the syrup and let the peaches chill in a strainer to drain off the extra liquid. If you don’t want to wait, pat them dry with some paper towels too.
- → Could I use walnuts or almonds if pecans aren’t around?
Definitely! Either works great and changes up the crunch a bit.
- → What’s the trick for lump-free cream cheese?
Just leave it out till it’s soft and blend it alone first, then toss in everything else. It’ll go super smooth that way.
- → Can I throw this together before I need it?
Oh yeah, it’s even better if you prep it hours ahead or the night before. The flavors settle in and the mix gets thick and rich.
- → Got any tips for making it lighter?
Yep—use light cream cheese and whipped topping or swap in half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Still tasty, just a little less rich.