Hey y'all! If you're looking for a show-stopping dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious, Peach Melba is the answer. With juicy, tender peaches, a vibrant raspberry sauce, and velvety vanilla ice cream, this classic treat is perfect for summer parties, family dinners, or whenever you crave something sweet and elegant. Ready to impress your guests with a timeless dessert? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Peach Melba Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple, fresh ingredients.
- Perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors.
- Stunning presentation for special occasions or casual get-togethers.
- Customizable for dietary preferences and different fruits.
- No baking required—ideal for hot weather and quick preparation!
Peach Melba Ingredients
- 4 ripe peaches (halved and pitted)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 vanilla bean (split, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
- 1 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
- 2 tablespoon powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 4 scoops vanilla ice cream
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions for Peach Melba
1. Poach the Peaches
- In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup granulated sugar, 2 cups water, and the vanilla bean (or extract). Bring to a gentle boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- Add peach halves to the simmering syrup. Poach for 3–5 minutes on each side until just tender but not mushy.
- Remove peaches with a slotted spoon and let them cool. Peel the skins off if desired (they should slip off easily after poaching).
2. Make the Raspberry Sauce
- In a blender or food processor, combine 1 cup raspberries, 2 tablespoon powdered sugar, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.
- Blend until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
- Chill the sauce until ready to serve.
3. Assemble the Peach Melba
- Place two peach halves in each serving bowl.
- Add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream beside the peaches.
- Drizzle with raspberry sauce and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Notes & Tips for Homemade Peach Melba
- For best flavor, use ripe, fragrant peaches—clingstone or freestone both work well.
- Vanilla bean adds a lovely aroma, but good-quality vanilla extract is a great substitute.
- Check out Bon Appétit's Peach Melba guide for more inspiration.
Peach Melba Variations
- Berry Medley Melba: Substitute half the raspberries with strawberries or blackberries for a mixed berry sauce.
- Grilled Peach Melba: Grill peach halves for a smoky flavor before assembling.
- Vegan Melba: Use plant-based vanilla ice cream and agave in place of sugar.
Required Equipment for Peach Melba
- Medium saucepan
- Slotted spoon
- Blender or food processor
- Fine mesh sieve
- Serving bowls
Storing Peach Melba and Shelf Life
Poached peaches and raspberry sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble Peach Melba just before serving for best texture and flavor. Assembled desserts do not store well due to melting ice cream.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Peach Melba
- Serve Peach Melba with crisp shortbread cookies or almond biscotti for added crunch.
- Pair with a glass of Moscato or sparkling lemonade for a refreshing touch.
- Top with extra fresh berries for a burst of color and flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfect Peach Melba
- Don’t overcook the peaches—keep them tender yet firm to hold their shape.
- Chill the raspberry sauce and serving bowls for a cooler, more refreshing dessert.
- For tips on poaching fruit, visit this Serious Eats guide.
Peach Melba FAQ
- Can I use canned peaches for Peach Melba?
- Yes, you can use canned peaches (in juice, not syrup) for convenience, but fresh peaches offer the best flavor and texture.
- What other fruits can I use in place of peaches?
- Nectarines, apricots, or plums make tasty substitutes in this Peach Melba recipe.
- Is Peach Melba gluten-free?
- Yes, Peach Melba is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your vanilla ice cream and any garnishes!
For more info on the history and variations of Peach Melba, check out Wikipedia's Peach Melba article.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe peaches, peeled and halved
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 2 cups water
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
-
1In a medium saucepan, combine water and ¼ cup sugar. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
-
2Add the peach halves to the simmering syrup and poach for 5-7 minutes, or until tender. Remove peaches with a slotted spoon and let cool.
-
3In a blender, combine raspberries, remaining sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
-
4To assemble, place a scoop of vanilla ice cream in each serving bowl. Top with two peach halves and drizzle with raspberry sauce.
-
5Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!