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Peach Melba Recipe

4.9 from 129 reviews

Peach Melba is a classic and elegant dessert featuring tender poached peaches served with a vibrant raspberry sauce and creamy vanilla ice cream. This refreshing summer treat combines the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with tangy raspberries, making it a delightful and visually appealing dessert perfect for warm weather.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Poached Peaches

  • 4 firm, ripe peaches
  • 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 cups water

For the Raspberry Sauce

  • 1/2 cup (58 g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups fresh raspberries

For Serving

  • Vanilla ice cream
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries (reserved for topping)

Instructions

  1. Score and Poach Peaches: Using a paring knife, score an X into the bottom of each peach to make peeling easier later. In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and 4 cups of water and bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Add the peaches, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer gently for 6 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are tender. Let the peaches cool in the syrup if not serving immediately. If using right away, transfer the peaches to a cutting board with a slotted spoon and let cool slightly.
  2. Make Raspberry Sauce: While the peaches poach, blend the confectioners’ sugar, fresh lemon juice, and 2 cups of fresh raspberries in a blender on high speed for about 1 minute until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium bowl, using a spatula to press the mixture through, leaving the seeds behind in the sieve. You should have about 3/4 cup of raspberry sauce.
  3. Prepare Peaches: Once the peaches are cool enough to handle, peel off and discard the skins. Cut each peach in half, remove and discard the pits, then slice each half into 4 wedges.
  4. Assemble the Dessert: Divide the peach wedges evenly into serving bowls. Add a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream to each bowl. Drizzle generously with the fresh raspberry sauce and top with the remaining 1 cup of fresh raspberries for garnish and added texture.

Notes

  • Choose firm, ripe peaches for best texture and flavor when poached.
  • Cooling peaches in the syrup helps them stay juicy and flavorful if not serving immediately.
  • For a seedless sauce, make sure to strain the raspberry puree thoroughly.
  • You can prepare peach poaching in advance and refrigerate both peaches and syrup to serve chilled later.
  • Vanilla bean ice cream enhances the dessert’s flavor, but any high-quality vanilla ice cream works well.

Keywords: Peach Melba, poached peaches, raspberry sauce, vanilla ice cream dessert, classic summer dessert