Lucy M. Is there anything better than biting into a perfectly ripe peach? That sweet, juicy burst of flavour that drips down your chin and tastes like sunshine. Now imagine turning that deliciousness into proper desserts that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Peaches are brilliant in puddings because they’re naturally so sweet and fragrant. You don’t need to do much to make them shine. A simple crumble, a quick grill with honey, or baked into a gorgeous upside-down cake. They work in everything and always taste incredible.
These peach dessert recipes celebrate that gorgeous stone fruit in all its glory. Whether you’ve got a bag of fresh peaches from the market or a tin in the cupboard, there’s something here for you. From classic British crumbles to easy no-bake cheesecakes, these six recipes will become your go-to treats all summer long.
6 Peach Dessert Recipes to Try This Summer
Ready to make the most of peach season? These six recipes range from classic British crumbles to quick no-bake treats, each one celebrating those sweet, juicy peaches. Here’s what you can make!
1. Peach Crumble
Nothing says British comfort food quite like a crumble, and peaches work beautifully here. The fruit breaks down into a lovely jammy filling while the buttery, golden topping adds that essential crunch. Mix your sliced peaches with a touch of sugar and cinnamon, then pile on the crumble mixture made from flour, butter, and oats. Bake until bubbling and golden. The smell alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen. Serve it piping hot with cold vanilla ice cream melting into the warm fruit, or go traditional with thick custard. It reheats brilliantly the next day too.
2. No-Bake Peach Cheesecake
Perfect for hot summer days when turning on the oven feels like punishment. Start with your classic biscuit base, then whip up a creamy filling using cream cheese, double cream, and pureed peaches for that gorgeous peachy colour and flavour. The mixture sets firm in the fridge without any baking needed. Top with fresh peach slices arranged in a pretty pattern or spoon over some peach compote for extra fruitiness. Make it the day before your gathering and you’re sorted. Clean slices, impressive presentation, zero stress. Everyone thinks you’ve spent hours on it.
3. Peach Upside-Down Cake
This retro beauty deserves a comeback. Arrange peach slices in a pattern at the bottom of your tin with butter and brown sugar, which caramelizes as it bakes. Pour over a simple vanilla sponge batter and bake until golden. The magic happens when you flip it over. Those peaches turn glossy and sticky, creating the most gorgeous topping. The cake stays incredibly moist from all that peachy goodness. Serve it warm so the caramel is still slightly gooey, maybe with a dollop of crème fraîche to cut through the sweetness. It looks fancy but couldn’t be simpler.
4. Peach Cobbler
If you’ve never made cobbler, you’re missing out on one of the easiest desserts going. Toss peaches with sugar and a squeeze of lemon, then dollop spoonfuls of sweet biscuit dough on top. As it bakes, the dough puffs up into golden, fluffy clouds while the peaches bubble away underneath. It’s rustic, homely, and absolutely delicious. The beauty is you don’t need perfect technique. Rough and ready looks charming here. Grab a spoon and dig straight into the dish, making sure everyone gets both fruit and topping. Vanilla ice cream isn’t optional, it’s essential.
5. Grilled Peaches With Honey and Cream
Sometimes the simplest things are the best. Halve your peaches, remove the stones, and place them cut-side down on a hot grill or griddle pan. A few minutes gives you beautiful char marks and concentrates all that natural sweetness. Drizzle with honey while they’re still warm, then add a generous spoonful of mascarpone or thick Greek yogurt. Sprinkle over some cinnamon or fresh mint if you fancy. That’s it. Five minutes from start to finish. The contrast between the warm, caramelized fruit and cool cream is absolutely lovely. Perfect after a barbecue.
6. Peach Tart
This one takes a bit more effort but looks absolutely stunning. Roll out your pastry and spread a layer of frangipane or vanilla custard over the base. Arrange thin peach slices on top in overlapping circles for that professional bakery look. Bake until the pastry is crisp and the peaches have softened and started to caramelize at the edges. Brush with apricot jam while it’s still warm for a glossy finish. Let it cool to room temperature before slicing. Each piece should hold together beautifully, showing off those pretty peach layers. Proper afternoon tea material, this one.
Tips for Perfect Peach Desserts Every Time
Choosing ripe peaches makes all the difference. Give them a gentle squeeze near the stem – they should yield slightly and smell wonderfully fragrant. If they’re rock hard, leave them on the counter for a day or two to ripen up.
For peeling, blanch them in boiling water for 30 seconds, then plunge into ice water. The skins slip right off. Though honestly, for crumbles and cobblers, you can leave the skin on and nobody will mind.
Tinned peaches work brilliantly in most recipes. Just drain them well and pat dry with kitchen paper to avoid soggy results. A squeeze of lemon juice over fresh peaches stops them browning while you prep the rest of your ingredients. Peaches love vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and almonds, so don’t be shy with flavourings.
If you’re craving something rich and nostalgic after trying these 6 Peach Dessert Recipes, the Deep Treacle Tart is a must. Its deep caramel flavor and buttery crust bring a touch of old-fashioned comfort to your dessert table.
Conclusion
Peaches truly shine when you turn them into desserts, don’t they? Whether you’re keeping things simple with grilled peaches or going all out with an elegant tart, these peach dessert recipes celebrate that sweet, juicy fruit perfectly. They work brilliantly with fresh summer peaches or tinned varieties year-round, so you’re never far from a peachy treat. Pick one that matches your mood and skill level, then get baking. Which of these six will make it onto your table first?
