Peach Melba is a delightful dessert that combines the luscious sweetness of ripe peaches, the tartness of raspberry purée, and the creamy richness of vanilla ice cream. This elegant dessert is perfect for warm summer evenings, special occasions, or whenever you want to indulge in something sweet and refreshing. Enjoying a Peach Melba is like taking a bite of summer itself—vibrant, colorful, and utterly delectable.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (blanching)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 250
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 50mg
Why Make This Peach Melba
Peach Melba is a perfect treat that captures the essence of summer with its divine combination of flavors and textures. The juicy, tender peaches pair beautifully with the creamy vanilla ice cream, while the raspberry purée adds a vibrant acidity that enhances the sweetness of the fruit. This dessert is not only visually stunning with its rich colors but also quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for home cooks of all skill levels.
How to Make Peach Melba
Creating a Peach Melba is simpler than you might think! Just follow the steps below, and you’ll have an impressive dessert ready in no time.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe peaches
- 1 cup raspberry purée
- Vanilla ice cream
- Sugar (optional)
- Fresh raspberries (for garnish)
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Blanch the peaches in boiling water for about 30 seconds until the skins start to loosen. This quick blanching ensures that the skins come off easily.
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Step 2: Cooling
Remove the peaches from the boiling water and plunge them into an ice bath. This stops the cooking process and makes the peaches cool enough to handle.
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Step 3: Peeling and Slicing
Once the peaches are cool, peel off the skins and slice the peaches into wedges. They should be soft and juicy.
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Step 4: Assembling
In a serving dish, place a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. Top with the sliced peaches and drizzle with raspberry purée for that burst of flavor.
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Step 5: Garnishing
Finish by garnishing with fresh raspberries. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
How to Serve Peach Melba
Peach Melba is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it in elegant bowls or light dessert glasses for a more sophisticated look. It makes a stunning centerpiece for summer gatherings, birthday parties, or even a cozy family dessert night.
How to Store Peach Melba
While it’s best served immediately, if you have leftovers, you can store the individual components separately. Keep the peach slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and the raspberry purée for about a week. However, the ice cream should be stored in its original container in the freezer and consumed within a few weeks.
Expert Tips for Perfect Peach Melba
- Choose Ripe Peaches: The best peaches for this dessert are ripe but still firm. They should yield slightly to gentle pressure.
- Make Your Own Raspberry Purée: For a fresher taste, blend fresh raspberries with a little sugar to your liking, then strain if desired.
- Sugar Adjustments: Adjust the sugar when using raspberries, as they can vary in sweetness. Taste the purée and add sugar if needed.
- Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding a splash of lemon juice to the raspberry purée for extra tang or a sprinkle of chopped mint for a refreshing twist.
Delicious Variations
- Berry Blend: Substitute half of the raspberry purée with strawberry purée for a mixed berry experience.
- Grilled Peaches: For a smoky flavor, grill the peaches instead of blanching them!
- Alternate Ice Cream Flavors: Try peach or coconut ice cream to give this dessert an exciting twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned peaches?
Yes, you can use canned peaches, but fresh peaches will yield the best flavor and texture. - How do I make the raspberry purée?
Simply blend fresh or frozen raspberries in a blender until smooth. Add a touch of sugar if needed and strain to remove seeds. - Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
You can prepare components ahead of time (peel and slice peaches, make purée) but assemble just before serving for the best experience. - What if I don’t have raspberries?
Other berries, such as blueberries or strawberries, can be substituted or blended together for a different flavor. - Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes, but thaw them first and drain excess water before using to prevent a watery dessert.
Conclusion
Peach Melba is not just a treat; it’s an experience that brings the flavors of summer to your palate. With its easy preparation, stunning presentation, and delicious balance of flavors, this dessert is bound to be a hit at any gathering. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful serving of Peach Melba—you won’t regret it!
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Peach Melba
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful dessert combining ripe peaches, raspberry purée, and creamy vanilla ice cream—perfect for summer occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe peaches
- 1 cup raspberry purée
- Vanilla ice cream
- Sugar (optional)
- Fresh raspberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Blanch the peaches in boiling water for about 30 seconds until the skins start to loosen.
- Remove the peaches and plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process and cool them down.
- Peel off the skins and slice the peaches into wedges.
- In a serving dish, place a scoop of vanilla ice cream, top with sliced peaches and drizzle with raspberry purée.
- Garnish with fresh raspberries and serve immediately.
Notes
For a fresher taste, consider making your own raspberry purée. Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of your raspberries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
