If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping, crowd-pleasing dessert salad that’s as dreamy as it is easy, look no further than Millionaire Peach Salad! This deliciously creamy, fruity creation marries luscious peaches, velvety cream cheese, fluffy Cool Whip, and a sweet kiss of peach Jello, all dotted with mini marshmallows and a sprinkle of pecans. It’s the kind of retro magic that instantly sparks smiles—one bite and you’ll see why it earns its “millionaire” name!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly Creamy & Fruity: Every spoonful is a dreamy balance of silky cream, juicy peaches, and a whisper of vanilla-marshmallow sweetness.
- No-Bake Crowd Pleaser: Whips up in minutes (plus chill time) and delivers sophisticated flavor with basically zero effort—making it perfect for potlucks, parties, or cozy weekends at home.
- Retro Charm, Modern Simplicity: Millionaire Peach Salad has that sweet, nostalgic magic but uses easy, pantry-friendly ingredients.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This salad actually tastes better after chilling, so you can prep the day before and simply stir in pecans just before serving!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Millionaire Peach Salad is in its simplicity—just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients come together to create pure dessert bliss. Each addition brings its own layer of flavor, color, or texture to the party!
- Cream Cheese (softened): Lends rich, tangy creaminess—make sure it’s room temperature for a super-smooth salad.
- Powdered Sugar: Dissolves instantly into the cream cheese, adding gentle sweetness.
- Cool Whip: This gives the salad its signature light, fluffy texture (use your favorite whipped topping here).
- Peach Jello (dry mix): Delivers a pop of peachy flavor and a gorgeous peachy hue without any extra fuss.
- Canned Sliced Peaches in Heavy Syrup: Sweet, juicy, and always in season—don’t forget to set aside a few spoonfuls of syrup for extra flavor!
- Mini Marshmallows: They add pillowy bites that soak up the flavors and provide fun, nostalgic sweetness.
- Chopped Pecans: Stirred in just before serving, they add buttery crunch and a touch of Southern charm.
Variations
One of the best things about Millionaire Peach Salad? It’s endlessly customizable! You can swap, add, or adjust ingredients to make it perfect for any taste, allergy, or occasion—just have fun with it.
- Nut-Free Version: Leave out the pecans or swap in toasted coconut or sunflower seeds for delicious crunch without nuts.
- Go Fresh: Substitute fresh peaches when they’re in season—add a little extra sugar to boost sweetness if needed.
- Switch the Fruit: Swap the peaches for canned or fresh mandarin oranges, pineapple, or even strawberries for a whole new fruity twist.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based cream cheese and a dairy-free whipped topping so everyone can enjoy this treat.
How to Make Millionaire Peach Salad
Step 1: Beat the Cream Cheese & Sugar
Start by beating the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until perfectly smooth and creamy. This step really sets the tone for the whole salad—no lumps allowed! An electric hand mixer works best here to whip everything together in under a minute.
Step 2: Stir in Cool Whip & Jello
Gently fold in the Cool Whip and the dry peach Jello mix. You don’t want to deflate the whipped topping, so use a spatula and fold only until well blended. This mixture will turn the most irresistible shade of peach!
Step 3: Prep the Peaches
Drain both cans of peaches, but remember to set aside 2 tablespoons of syrup—that little bit gives the salad extra peachy punch! Chop the peaches into bite-sized pieces so every spoonful has some juicy fruit.
Step 4: Combine Peaches, Syrup & Marshmallows
Stir the chopped peaches and those reserved spoonfuls of syrup into your creamy base. Next, fold in the mini marshmallows—they’ll add a playful pop of sweetness and make the texture even more fun. Everything should be evenly coated in that gorgeous, peachy cream.
Step 5: Chill, Then Add Pecans
Cover your Millionaire Peach Salad and let it chill in the fridge for at least two hours—this helps all the flavors meld and lets the marshmallows soften slightly. Right before you’re ready to serve, gently fold in the chopped pecans for that buttery, crunchy finish that makes every bite irresistible.
Pro Tips for Making Millionaire Peach Salad
- Soft Cream Cheese Is Key: Take your cream cheese out ahead of time so it’s completely softened—this is the secret to a dreamy, lump-free base!
- Gentle Folding = Fluffy Texture: When you add Cool Whip and marshmallows, be delicate—this keeps your Millionaire Peach Salad delightfully light and airy.
- Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Letting the salad relax in the fridge for a couple hours helps the flavors develop and creates that signature “cloud” texture.
- Add Pecans at the Very End: Mix in your pecans just before serving to preserve their satisfying crunch and toasty flavor.
How to Serve Millionaire Peach Salad
Garnishes
For a truly “millionaire” finish, I love topping my salad with a few extra peach slices, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, and even a little swirl of whipped cream. A fresh mint leaf or two adds a lovely color contrast and a touch of elegance—so simple, but it really makes the dessert feel special!
Side Dishes
While Millionaire Peach Salad is plenty rich on its own, it pairs beautifully alongside a light, savory brunch spread—think quiche, bacon, or herby frittatas. For potlucks or barbecues, it balances classic picnic fare like grilled chicken, burgers, or a tangy pasta salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the salad into individual parfait cups for charming single servings, or pile it high in a glass trifle dish to show off its gorgeous layers of fruit and cream. For baby showers or birthdays, pipe the mixture into hollowed-out peach halves or serve with vanilla wafer cookies for scooping—it’s as fun as it is tasty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover Millionaire Peach Salad will keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The marshmallows will get even softer and the flavors deepen as it sits, so it’s just as delightful the next day (if there’s any left!).
Freezing
While you technically can freeze it, the texture can suffer when thawed—the cream cheese mixture may separate, and the marshmallows can become overly mushy. For best results, enjoy Millionaire Peach Salad fresh or well-chilled from the fridge.
Reheating
This is one of those glorious make-ahead desserts that never needs reheating! Just stir before serving if any liquid separates, and you’re good to go—creamy, chilled perfection awaits.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh, ripe peaches make Millionaire Peach Salad extra special in summer. Just peel and slice them, and add a little extra sugar if your peaches aren’t super sweet. Since you won’t have syrup on hand, you can add a splash of orange juice or peach nectar to mimic that magical flavor boost.
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Do I need to dissolve the Jello in water first?
Nope! For this recipe, you’ll add the dry Jello powder straight to the cream mixture. It blends in perfectly and lends all its refreshing peach flavor without any extra steps or setting time.
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Is Millionaire Peach Salad gluten-free?
Yes—as written, there are no gluten-containing ingredients in the base salad. Just check your brand of marshmallows and other packaged products to be sure (some brands may vary), and you’ll have a gluten-free treat everyone can enjoy.
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Can I make Millionaire Peach Salad ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, this salad’s flavor and texture improve with chilling, so it’s perfect for prepping a day in advance. Just remember to stir in the pecans right before serving so they stay nice and crunchy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sweet, crowd-pleasing, and genuinely unforgettable dessert, Millionaire Peach Salad absolutely deserves a spot on your table. Each scoop is cozy, nostalgic, and bursting with peachy goodness—so don’t wait for a special occasion to whip up this family favorite. Give it a try this week and let the smiles speak for themselves!
PrintMillionaire Peach Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Millionaire Peach Salad is a delightful and creamy fruit salad that combines the sweetness of peaches with the richness of cream cheese and the crunch of pecans.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (12-ounce) carton Cool Whip
- 1 small (3-ounce) box peach jello
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 (14-ounce) cans sliced peaches in heavy syrup
- 2 cups mini marshmallows
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar: In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar with a hand-held mixer until smooth.
- Combine with Cool Whip and Jello: Stir in the Cool Whip and dry peach Jello mix until well blended.
- Prepare peaches: Drain the canned peaches, reserving 2 tablespoons of syrup. Cut the peaches into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine ingredients: Stir the peaches and reserved syrup into the cream cheese mixture. Add marshmallows and mix well.
- Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Add pecans: Just before serving, stir in the chopped pecans for added crunch.
Notes
- This salad can be made a day in advance for even better flavor as the ingredients meld together.
- Feel free to customize by adding other fruits like mandarin oranges or strawberries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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