5 Peach Desserts: The Ultimate Summer Treats
Peaches reign supreme as the best summer fruit, and these 5 peach desserts showcase their delicious versatility.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, these recipes will help you make the most of this juicy stone fruit.
Why Peaches Are the Best Summer Fruit
Peaches are a delight, both in taste and texture. Their sweetness, juiciness, and aroma make them an ideal choice for summer desserts. The variety of peach available also adds to their appeal.
Freestone peaches are perfect for baking, while clingstone peaches offer a more delicate flavour when eaten fresh. Knowing how to pick and prepare peaches will enhance your summer baking experience.
Tips for Selecting and Storing Peaches
When you’re at the market or farmstand, keep these tips in mind to ensure you get the best peaches:
- Choose the Right Variety: Look for peaches that are yellow or red-tinged. White peaches are excellent for poaching or using raw, while yellow peaches are ideal for baking.
- Check for Ripeness: Ripe peaches should yield slightly when pressed but shouldn’t be overly soft or mushy. If they’re too hard, leave them on the counter for a day or two to ripen.
- Store Properly: Store unripe peaches at room temperature. Once ripe, you can refrigerate them to prolong their freshness.
- Use Hard-sided Containers: This will prevent bruising from other produce in your bags.
Now, let’s dive into five delightful peach dessert recipes that will make your summer memorable.

1. Heavenly Peach Crumble
Peach crumble is one of the most satisfying desserts you can make. The combination of sweet peaches and a buttery crumble topping is simply divine.
Ingredients:
- 6 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup oats
- ½ cup butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches with half the brown sugar.
- In another bowl, mix flour, oats, remaining brown sugar, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Layer the peach mixture in a baking dish and top with the crumble mixture.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with ice cream.
This peach crumble recipe is simple and delicious, making it the perfect dessert for any gathering.

2. Classic Peach Lattice Pie
Nothing says summer like a peach pie. This peach lattice pie is a classic that will impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 8 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 package pie crusts
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
- In a large bowl, toss the peaches with sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Roll out one pie crust and place it in a pie dish.
- Pour in the peach filling and top with the second rolled-out crust, cutting it into strips to create a lattice effect.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
This peach lattice pie is a labour of love, but every bite will be worth it.

3. Peach Blueberry Cobbler
If you’re looking for a dessert that brings back nostalgic summer memories, this peach blueberry cobbler is the one.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe peaches, sliced
- 1 cup blueberries
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
- In a bowl, combine peaches, blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Pour into a greased baking dish.
- In another bowl, mix flour, milk, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Pour the batter over the fruit and bake for 45 minutes.
This cobbler is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

4. Elegant Peach Pavlova
For a show-stopping dessert, try this peach pavlova. The light meringue paired with whipped cream and poached peaches creates a delightful combination.
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe peaches, peeled and sliced
- 4 egg whites
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 120°C (250°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whip egg whites until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
- Spread the meringue into a circle on the parchment, creating a slight well in the centre.
- Bake for 1 hour and turn off the oven, allowing the pavlova to cool inside.
- Whip the cream and top the pavlova with poached peaches and a drizzle of the poaching liquid.
This peach pavlova is a light and refreshing dessert perfect for summer gatherings.

5. Refreshing Peach Sherbet
Finally, let’s wrap up with the easiest of the bunch—peach sherbet. This frozen treat requires no ice cream maker and is incredibly refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen peaches
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine frozen peaches and sweetened condensed milk. Blend until smooth.
- Transfer to a loaf pan and freeze for at least 2 hours.
- Before serving, remove from the freezer for 10 minutes to soften.
This peach sherbet is a delightful treat that requires minimal effort.
Conclusion
Peaches are truly the star of summer. Whether you enjoy them in a classic pie, a comforting crumble, or a refreshing sherbet, these 5 peach desserts are sure to bring joy to your summer gatherings.
Remember, the best peach desserts come from fresh, ripe peaches, so don’t hesitate to stock up while they’re in season. Embrace the summer flavours and impress your family and friends with these delightful treats.
FAQs
What are the best peaches for baking?
Freestone peaches are best for baking, as they easily release from the pit.
Can I use nectarines instead of peaches?
Yes, nectarines work wonderfully in any peach dessert.
How do I know when my peaches are ripe?
Ripe peaches yield slightly when pressed and emit a sweet fragrance.
What is the difference between clingstone and freestone peaches?
Clingstone peaches cling to their pit, while freestone peaches separate easily.
Can I freeze peaches for later use?
Yes, you can freeze peaches by slicing and storing them in airtight containers.
How can I make my peach pie less runny?
Use cornstarch or flour to thicken the filling before baking.
What can I do with leftover peach skins?
Peach skins can be used to make compote or added to smoothies for extra fibre.
References
- Nutritional Information about Peaches
- Peach Preservation Techniques
- Cooking with Peaches: Tips and Tricks
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