Peach Melba Recipe

This peach and raspberry delight always hits my sweet spot with its perfect blend of juicy summer fruits and creamy vanilla ice cream—so nostalgic and refreshing. Plus, the vibrant raspberry sauce adds a tangy twist that makes this dessert totally Instagram-worthy and amazing!

The classic dessert Peach Melba showcases seasonal fruit at its best. Sweet juicy peaches and fresh, tart raspberries—along with the creamy richness of vanilla ice cream—bring you the perfect balance of flavors in this warm weather favorite.

For that added “wow” factor, the ice cream is topped with toasted (or you could use untoasted) sliced almonds. If you’re going to make this ahead of time (it does serve six), just wait until the last minute to top it with the almonds.

And if you don’t have sliced ones on hand, whole almonds will work just as well chopped up.

Ingredients

Peaches are sweet and juicy, and they’re full of vitamins A and C and lots of dietary fiber.

Raspberries: Sweet yet tart, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Sucrose: Contributes sweetness; furnishes carbohydrates that serve as the source of energy.

Juice of the lemon: Imparts a zesty radiance; copious amounts of vitamin C.

Vanilla Ice Cream: Texture like cream; source of protein and calcium.

Almonds, when sliced, can add a crunch to a dish or snack.

They also deliver nutty flavor, and with so much happening in their kitchen, almonds have for too long been overshadowed by their cousin, the California walnut.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 ripe peaches
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 pint vanilla ice cream
• 1 tablespoon sliced almonds (optional)

Instructions

1. Take a large pot and fill it with water. Heat the water until it reaches a rolling boil. Using a sharp knife, make a small “X” at the bottom of each peach to be blanched.

2. To blanch the peaches, place them in boiling water for about 30 seconds. Then, transfer them to an ice bath to cool.

3. After the peaches have cooled, remove the skins by starting at the “X” mark. Cut the peaches in half, then take out the pits.

4. In a blender or food processor, combine the fresh raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth to create the raspberry sauce.

5. To remove the seeds from the raspberry sauce, strain it through a fine mesh sieve. Use a spoon to press the sauce through the sieve. Reserve the sauce.

6. In a medium saucepan over low heat, gently poach the peach halves in a few tablespoons of water until they are tender but still hold their shape, about 5-10 minutes.

7. Take the poached peaches out of the saucepan and let them cool a bit.

8. To present, put one or two peach halves in each serving vessel or dish.

9. Scoop a generous portion of vanilla ice cream, and place it next to the peaches.

10. If using, drizzle with raspberry sauce and sprinkle with sliced almonds. Serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Sharp knife
3. Ice bath (bowl with ice water)
4. Blender or food processor
5. Fine mesh sieve
6. Spoon
7. Medium saucepan
8. Serving vessels or dishes

FAQ

• What is Peach Melba?The classic dessert Peach Melba consists of poached peaches, raspberry sauce, and vanilla ice cream.
• Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh ones?If fresh raspberries aren’t available, frozen raspberries can be used. Just thaw them out before preparing the sauce.
• How do I poach the peaches?To prepare peaches by poaching them, one should first boil the peaches in water until the skins come off easily. The next step is to let them simmer in a sugar-water solution until they reach a tender state.
• Can I prepare the raspberry sauce in advance?Indeed, the raspberry sauce can be prepared ahead of schedule and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
• What is the role of lemon juice in the recipe?The flavor of the raspberry sauce is brightened by the lemon juice, which also nicely balances the sauce’s sweetness.
• Is there an alternative to vanilla ice cream for dietary restrictions?You can use vanilla ice cream made without dairy or a fruit sorbet as a substitute.
• Are the sliced almonds necessary?Optional sliced almonds are a nice addition to the dessert; they contribute a crunch and texture that I really like.

Substitutions and Variations

For peaches that are ripe: use nectarines or canned peaches (well-drained) as substitutes.
To obtain fresh raspberries: use fresh strawberries, or use thawed frozen raspberries.
To substitute for sugar: use honey or agave syrup (amount to taste).
For vanilla ice cream: replace with yogurt or a plant-based alternative to vanilla ice cream.
For sliced almonds: substitute with chopped pistachios or omit if you prefer not to use nuts.

Pro Tips

1. Caramelized Touch For an extra depth of flavor, try briefly caramelizing the poached peaches. After poaching, sprinkle a little sugar on the cut sides and lightly sear them in a hot pan until golden and slightly caramelized.

2. Chill the Sauce Make sure to chill the raspberry sauce in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before drizzling it over the ice cream. This enhances the contrast between the warm peaches and the cold ice cream, offering a delightful experience.

3. Variety of Textures Consider adding a crunchy element by toasting the sliced almonds before sprinkling them over the dish. This adds a nice contrast to the creamy ice cream and tender peaches.

4. Herbal Infusion Add a hint of freshness by infusing the poaching water with a few sprigs of fresh mint or basil. Simply add them to the water as the peaches poach, then remove before serving.

5. Boozy Boost Elevate the dessert with a touch of liqueur. Pour a tablespoon of Grand Marnier or Amaretto over the peaches just before serving for an aromatic richness that pairs beautifully with the fruit and ice cream.