Peach Melba - knedir Recipes

The Peach Melba is a timeless classic that captures the elegance of French cuisine in a refreshingly simple dessert. Tender poached peaches, drenched in a ruby-red raspberry coulis, are paired with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for a flavor combination that sings of summer.

Created in honor of opera singer Nellie Melba by the famed chef Auguste Escoffier, this dessert is as beautiful in presentation as it is delightful to eat. Whether served at a summer soirée or enjoyed on a quiet afternoon, Peach Melba is a sweet nod to culinary history that’s sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

2–3 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup water
4 cups water
1 cup granulated sugar
Juice of 1 lemon
1 vanilla bean (split lengthwise) or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
6 ripe peaches
1 pint high-quality vanilla ice cream
Fresh mint leaves (optional)
Extra raspberries (optional)

Directions:

Make Raspberry Sauce: In a saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens. Strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl and cool.
Poach Peaches: In another large saucepan, mix water, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Bring to a boil until sugar dissolves.
Prepare Ice Bath: Fill a large bowl with ice and water.
Score Peaches: Using a paring knife, score an “X” at the bottom of each peach.
Cook Peaches: Reduce the syrup to medium-low heat and lower in peaches. Simmer, turning occasionally, for 6–8 minutes until just tender.
Cool Peaches: Transfer peaches to the ice bath for 5 minutes. Peel using the X cuts, then halve, pit, and cut into wedges.
Assemble: Scoop vanilla ice cream into serving bowls. Add peach wedges, drizzle with raspberry sauce, and garnish with mint and extra raspberries.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Recipe Overview

Peach Melba is one of those elegant desserts that looks like it came straight out of a fine dining menu but is surprisingly simple to prepare at home. With its tender poached peaches, bright raspberry coulis, and creamy vanilla ice cream, it’s a dish that strikes a perfect balance between fruity freshness and creamy indulgence. This timeless treat not only looks stunning in a bowl but also bursts with a mix of sweet, tangy, and floral flavors.

Whether you’re hosting a summer dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or just craving something sweet and satisfying, Peach Melba is the kind of dessert that never goes out of style. It’s light enough to end a heavy meal, yet decadent enough to stand on its own. And if you’ve never tried it, now’s the perfect time to discover why it has stood the test of time for over a century.

History and Origin

Peach Melba has a surprisingly glamorous backstory that begins in the late 19th century at the height of European high society. The dessert was created by Auguste Escoffier, the legendary French chef often considered the father of modern cuisine. He crafted this dessert in honor of Australian opera soprano Nellie Melba (born Helen Porter Mitchell), who had become a sensation on the stages of Europe.

Escoffier first served the dish at the Savoy Hotel in London, where he worked as head chef. The original creation featured poached peaches served over vanilla ice cream and adorned with a delicate sugar-spun swan, all presented in an ice sculpture—a truly theatrical presentation worthy of an opera star. A few years later, Escoffier simplified the dessert and added a raspberry sauce to the mix, creating what we now know as Peach Melba.

This dessert became instantly popular, not just for its deliciousness, but for its association with celebrity and luxury. Since then, it has been replicated in restaurants and home kitchens around the world, cementing its place in the pantheon of classic French desserts.

Variations and Adaptations

While the traditional Peach Melba recipe calls for poached peaches, raspberry sauce, and vanilla ice cream, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this classic. For instance, instead of poaching, you might grill the peaches for a smoky twist that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the fruit and creaminess of the ice cream.

Other variations include:

Using different fruits such as nectarines, apricots, or even mango in place of peaches.
Flavoring the raspberry sauce with liqueurs like Chambord or Grand Marnier to add depth and a grown-up twist.
Swapping the vanilla ice cream for other options like peach sorbet, Greek frozen yogurt, or even coconut milk ice cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Layering the components into a parfait-style dessert with crushed cookies or granola for added texture and richness.

Modern takes even turn Peach Melba into milkshakes, popsicles, or ice cream cakes. Some versions integrate it into breakfast by topping pancakes or waffles with sliced peaches and raspberry drizzle.

The beauty of Peach Melba lies in its versatility—it’s a canvas for creativity while still being rooted in classic culinary tradition.

Nutritional Information

At first glance, Peach Melba seems like a purely indulgent treat—and it certainly can be—but it also has some surprisingly redeeming qualities from a nutritional standpoint.

A typical serving includes:

Calories: Approximately 280–350 kcal (depending on serving size and type of ice cream)
Carbohydrates: Around 40–50 grams
Sugars: 35–40 grams (mostly natural from fruit, though added sugar is present in the poaching syrup and sauce)
Fats: 10–15 grams (primarily from the ice cream)
Protein: 2–4 grams

From a micronutrient perspective:

Peaches are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.
Raspberries offer fiber, antioxidants, and small amounts of iron and magnesium.
If you choose high-quality or homemade ice cream, especially with natural ingredients, you can limit artificial additives and preservatives.

To make it lighter, you can reduce the sugar in the poaching syrup and raspberry sauce, or substitute low-sugar versions altogether. Vegan ice cream or frozen yogurt options also provide ways to cut down on fat and lactose.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Peach Melba is a showstopper on its own, but you can elevate the experience even further with creative presentation and pairings.

Serving Ideas:

Serve in chilled glass dessert bowls or martini glasses for an elegant touch.
Garnish with fresh mint, toasted almond slivers, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Layer in a trifle glass with cake cubes or shortbread cookies for added texture and richness.

Drink Pairings:

Sparkling wine or Prosecco makes a delightful match, enhancing the fruitiness and cutting through the cream.
Earl Grey tea brings out the floral notes in the vanilla and raspberry.
Dessert wines like Moscato d’Asti or Sauternes complement the sweetness beautifully.

This dish is ideal for summer gatherings, brunch spreads, or a romantic date night dessert. It’s simple enough for a casual evening, yet fancy enough to impress guests.

Tips and Tricks for Success

As simple as it sounds, making Peach Melba absolutely perfect does require a few expert touches:

Choose ripe but firm peaches: Overripe peaches may become mushy during poaching.
Gently poach the fruit: Avoid boiling—simmer the peaches in gently bubbling syrup for the best texture.
Use high-quality vanilla: Whether it’s a vanilla bean, paste, or real extract, it makes a huge flavor difference.
Strain the raspberry sauce: This step is essential to remove seeds and achieve that silky-smooth texture.
Chill your serving dishes: This keeps the ice cream from melting too quickly and enhances presentation.
Make ahead: You can prepare the peaches and sauce up to two days in advance and assemble when ready to serve.
Don’t skip the garnish: A sprig of mint or a few fresh raspberries adds color and a burst of freshness.

With these tips in mind, even a beginner cook can create a dessert that looks—and tastes—like it came from a professional pastry kitchen.

Potential Health Benefits

While Peach Melba is undoubtedly a dessert, many of its core ingredients offer nutritional benefits:

Peaches are hydrating and rich in vitamin C, which supports immune health and collagen production.
Raspberries are among the highest-fiber fruits and contain potent antioxidants like ellagic acid, known for their anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
Vanilla, especially in natural form, contains vanillin, which has mild antioxidant and mood-boosting effects.

Swapping in low-sugar ice cream or frozen yogurt boosts the protein and reduces added sugar. You can even make this dessert gluten-free and dairy-free without compromising flavor.

In short, Peach Melba is a treat you can feel good about enjoying—especially when made with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Conclusion

Peach Melba is more than just a pretty dessert—it’s a bite of culinary history, a celebration of seasonal fruit, and a canvas for your personal creativity. Whether you’re a fan of traditional French cuisine or just someone who loves peaches and ice cream, this classic dessert offers something for everyone.

It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress with its flavor and presentation. So next time you want a sweet treat that feels both refreshing and indulgent, give Peach Melba a try. Your taste buds—and your guests—will thank you.