Summer Peaches with Baked Meringue Recipe

This delectable and light dessert showcases the tantalizing sweetness of summer peaches, delicately offset with the airy crispness of baked meringue. A touch of amaretto almond liqueur and a whisper of cinnamon infuse an intriguing complexity into the peaches, creating an indulgent treat that remains refreshingly light.

Photos of Summer Peaches with Baked Meringue Recipe

Most of the ingredients in this recipe are easily found in any kitchen. However, amaretto almond liqueur may not be a common household item. It's a sweet, almond-flavoured Italian liqueur that adds a distinctive hint of almond nuttiness to dishes. If it's not available in your local supermarket, it can be substituted with almond extract mixed with a bit of brandy or whiskey.

Ingredients for Summer Peaches with Baked Meringue

Butter: Used to create a caramelized base for baking the peaches.

Dark brown sugar: Adds a rich molasses flavor to complement the peaches.

Vanilla extract: A common flavoring that adds depth to the sweetness of the dessert.

Amaretto almond liqueur: Gives a distinctive almond flavor with a hint of sweetness.

Salt: A flavor enhancer to balance the sweetness.

Peaches: The star of the dish, providing natural sweetness and a succulent texture.

Cinnamon: Gives a warm, spicy flavor that pairs wonderfully with peaches.

Egg whites: The main ingredient for meringue, creating a fluffy and airy texture when whipped.

Cream of tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites during whipping for a better meringue texture.

Sugar: Sweetens the meringue to pair with the peaches.

Lemon zest: Adds a tangy freshness to the meringue, balancing the dessert's overall sweetness.

One reader, Glenine Aldridge says:

The summer peaches with baked meringue recipe is a delightful treat! The peaches were perfectly caramelized, and the meringue topping was light and fluffy. The combination of flavors was simply divine. I highly recommend this recipe for a refreshing and elegant summer dessert.

Glenine Aldridge

Techniques Required for Making Summer Peaches with Baked Meringue

How to prepare the peaches: The peaches need to be washed, pitted, and sliced before being tossed with the brown sugar, vanilla, amaretto, and salt mixture.

How to make the meringue topping: The meringue topping requires beating the egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar until foamy, then gradually adding the sugar until the meringue is thick and glossy and holds firm peaks. Finally, fold in the lemon zest before spooning it over the peaches.

How To Make Summer Peaches with Baked Meringue

Warm baked summer peaches topped with a swirl of sweet whipped meringue, this recipe is easy to prepare and will surely have everyone asking for more.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For Baked Peaches:

3tbspbutter,unsalted
½cupdark brown sugar,lightly packed
1tspvanilla extract
1½tbspAmaretto almond liqueur,or 1 tsp of pure almond extract
⅛tspsalt
4medium peaches,halved, pitted, thickly sliced, unpeeled
½tspcinnamon

For Meringue Topping:

4egg whites,at room temperature
⅛tspsalt
½tspcream of tartar
1cupsugar
lemon zest,(from ½ lemon) finely grated

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Have on hand a 9- to 10-inch oven-safe skillet or a similar-sized ceramic baking dish.
In the skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 to 3 minutes or so, until the butter solids turn light brown and the butter smells nutty.
Immediately remove the pan from the heat.
Prepare the peaches: Stir the brown sugar, vanilla, Amaretto, and salt into the brown butter.
Add the peaches and toss to coat them with the sugar.
Spread in the pan and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Meringue Topping:

In the bowl of a stand mixer on low speed using the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar until foamy.
Gradually increase the speed and slowly add the sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons at a time, until the meringue is thick and glossy and holds firm peaks. (This takes about 3 to 4 minutes.)
Fold in the lemon zest.
With a large spoon, spoon the meringue over the peaches and swirl it gently to give it pretty peaks.
Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown. It should be firm on top, but still soft in the center.
Cool briefly before serving.
This dessert is best eaten on the day it is served, but leftovers will keep for a few days, refrigerated.

Recipe Notes

To bring cold eggs to room temperature quickly, set them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes before separating them.
If using a baking dish for this dessert, brown the butter in a small skillet and transfer it to the baking dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 217.93kcal
Fat: 4.54g
Saturated Fat: 2.75g
Trans Fat: 0.17g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.17g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.23g
Carbohydrates: 42.50g
Fiber: 1.21g
Sugar: 41.25g
Protein: 2.19g
Cholesterol: 11.45mg
Sodium: 98.38mg
Calcium: 16.25mg
Potassium: 211.26mg
Iron: 0.30mg
Vitamin A: 48.45µg
Vitamin C: 4.96mg

Crucial Technique for Achieving Perfect Baked Meringue

When preparing the meringue topping, ensure that your mixing bowl and whisk are completely clean and dry. Any trace of oil or water can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly. Also, add the sugar gradually to the egg whites, this allows the sugar to dissolve properly and creates a smoother, glossier meringue.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Summer Dessert

Prepare the ingredients: Gather all the necessary ingredients and measure them out before starting to cook. This will help you work more efficiently and prevent any last-minute scrambling for items.

Use pre-made meringue: To save time, consider using store-bought meringue instead of making it from scratch. This can significantly cut down on preparation time while still delivering a delicious result.

Choose ripe peaches: Select ripe peaches to reduce the baking time. Ripe peaches will soften more quickly in the oven, allowing you to achieve the desired texture without extended cooking.

Multi-task: While the peaches are baking, use that time to prepare other components of your meal or work on additional dishes to maximize efficiency in the kitchen.

Substitute Ingredients For Summer Peaches with Baked Meringue Recipe

butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can provide a similar richness and flavor to the dish, while also adding a hint of coconut flavor.
dark brown sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the peaches, and it also complements the fruit beautifully.
amaretto almond liqueur - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can provide a similar nutty flavor and aroma to the dish without the alcohol content.
peaches - Substitute with nectarines: Nectarines are a close relative of peaches and can be used as a substitute, providing a similar sweet and juicy flavor.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg can add a warm and slightly sweet flavor to the peaches, complementing their natural sweetness.
egg whites - Substitute with aquafaba: Aquafaba, the liquid from canned chickpeas, can be whipped into a meringue-like consistency and used as a vegan alternative to egg whites.
cream of tartar - Substitute with lemon juice: Lemon juice can help stabilize the egg whites and achieve the same effect as cream of tartar in the meringue topping.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can add sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor to the meringue, while also providing moisture to the topping.
lemon zest - Substitute with orange zest: Orange zest can provide a similar citrusy aroma and flavor to the meringue, enhancing its overall taste.

Impressive Presentation Ideas for Summer Peaches with Baked Meringue

Elevate the meringue: Create a beautiful swirl pattern with the meringue, using a piping bag for precision and elegance.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves: Place a few delicate mint leaves on top of the meringue for a pop of color and a refreshing aroma.
Serve on fine china: Present the baked peaches with meringue on exquisite fine china to add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Dust with powdered sugar: Lightly dust the plate with powdered sugar for a subtle sweetness and an elegant finishing touch.
Drizzle with amaretto reduction: Create a luxurious amaretto reduction and delicately drizzle it around the plate for a burst of flavor and visual appeal.
Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream: Serve the dish with a small scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream on the side for a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
Sprinkle with edible flower petals: Scatter colorful and edible flower petals around the plate to add a whimsical and artistic element to the presentation.
Use gold leaf accents: For a truly luxurious touch, carefully place delicate gold leaf accents on the meringue for a stunning and opulent presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Baked Meringue with Peaches

Skillet: A skillet is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It typically has low sides and a long handle, making it perfect for cooking the peaches in this recipe.
Oven: An oven is a kitchen appliance used for baking and roasting. It provides the heat necessary to bake the meringue-topped peaches to perfection.
Stand mixer: A stand mixer is a countertop appliance used for mixing, whipping, and beating ingredients. It's essential for creating the fluffy meringue topping in this recipe.
Mixing bowl: Mixing bowls are essential for combining ingredients and are used in various stages of this recipe, from preparing the meringue to tossing the peaches with the brown sugar mixture.
Whisk: A whisk is a kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients. It's used to mix the egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar to create the meringue topping.
Spoon: A spoon is used for stirring, scooping, and spreading. In this recipe, a large spoon is used to spoon the meringue over the peaches and create decorative peaks before baking.

Storing and Freezing Tips for Summer Peaches with Baked Meringue

This dessert is best enjoyed on the day it is made, as the meringue will start to soften and weep over time.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The peaches will release more juice as they sit, which will pool at the bottom of the container. This is normal and still delicious!
To serve leftovers, let the dessert come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying.
Freezing this dessert is not recommended, as the meringue will not hold up well to freezing and thawing.

How To Reheat Leftover Peach Meringue Dessert

The best way to reheat leftover summer peaches with baked meringue is to preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the dessert in an oven-safe dish and loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the peaches are heated through and the meringue is slightly crisp on the outside but still soft in the center.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a serving of the peach meringue dessert on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on medium power for 30-45 seconds, or until warmed to your liking. Be careful not to overheat, as the meringue may become rubbery or deflate.
If you have a kitchen torch, you can also use it to lightly toast the top of the meringue before serving. This will help restore some of the crispness and add a pleasant caramelized flavor to the dessert.
For a quicker option, you can enjoy the leftover peach meringue cold, straight from the refrigerator. The flavors will still be delicious, and the contrast between the chilled peaches and the soft, sweet meringue can be quite refreshing.
If the meringue has become slightly soggy during storage, you can try separating it from the peaches and placing it on a baking sheet. Bake the meringue in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until it regains some of its crispness. Then, serve it alongside the warmed peaches.

Interesting Trivia About Peaches and Meringue

Amaretto almond liqueur is a popular Italian liqueur that adds a sweet, nutty flavor to dishes and drinks. It's often used in desserts like tiramisu and can also be enjoyed on its own.

Is Making Summer Peaches with Baked Meringue Budget-Friendly?

The cost-effectiveness of this summer peaches with baked meringue recipe largely depends on the availability and price of the ingredients. Peaches, brown sugar, and egg whites are generally affordable, while amaretto and cream of tartar may be pricier. Considering the yield and the delightful experience it offers, this dessert scores a solid 8. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it a reasonable indulgence for a special occasion or a delightful treat.

Is This Summer Dessert Healthy or Unhealthy?

The summer peaches with baked meringue recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:

The recipe uses a significant amount of butter and sugar, which are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.
The meringue topping is made with a cup of sugar, adding to the overall sugar content of the dish.
The recipe includes amaretto almond liqueur, which contains alcohol and adds extra calories.

However, the recipe does incorporate some healthier elements, such as the use of fresh peaches, which are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of butter and sugar used in the recipe, or substitute them with healthier alternatives like coconut oil and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Instead of using a full cup of sugar in the meringue, try reducing the amount or using a sugar substitute like erythritol or stevia.
Omit the amaretto almond liqueur to reduce the calorie and alcohol content.
Serve the peaches with a dollop of Greek yogurt instead of the meringue topping for a protein-rich and lower-calorie option.
Experiment with adding other healthy ingredients to the peaches, such as a sprinkle of nuts for added protein and healthy fats, or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for extra flavor without added calories.

Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Summer Peach Recipe

The combination of sweet, juicy peaches and airy meringue creates a delightful summer dessert. The brown butter and amaretto add depth of flavor to the peaches, while the meringue provides a light and fluffy contrast. The balance of sweetness and tartness from the peaches and the meringue is truly exquisite. The meringue topping is perfectly golden and adds a beautiful touch to the dish. Overall, this recipe is a wonderful way to showcase the seasonal bounty of peaches and impress your guests with a stunning and delicious dessert.

Enhance Your Summer Peaches with Baked Meringue Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Create a zesty and refreshing grilled asparagus with a hint of lemon zest to complement the sweetness of the peaches and meringue.

Honey Glazed Carrots with Thyme: Indulge in the natural sweetness of honey glazed carrots with a touch of aromatic thyme, adding a savory element to balance out the dessert.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Glaze: Elevate the flavors with roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with a rich balsamic glaze, providing a tangy and caramelized contrast to the baked peaches and meringue.

Similar Dessert Recipes to Try This Summer

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a tangy balsamic vinaigrette before threading them onto skewers and grilling to perfection.

Braised Beef Short Ribs: Slow cook the beef short ribs in a rich red wine and tomato sauce until they are fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavor.

Mango Coconut Popsicles: Blend together ripe mangoes and creamy coconut milk, then freeze in popsicle molds for a refreshing and tropical treat.

Chicken Tortilla Soup: Simmer together tender chicken, hearty beans, and flavorful spices to create a comforting and satisfying soup that's perfect for any time of year.

Appetizer and Entrée Ideas to Serve with This Summer Dessert

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: For a delicious and savory appetizer, try creating stuffed mushrooms filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. These bite-sized treats are perfect for a dinner party or gathering.

Bruschetta: Whip up a classic bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and balsamic glaze on toasted baguette slices. This light and refreshing appetizer is a great way to start off any meal.

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce: Impress your guests with a perfectly grilled salmon fillet, topped with a refreshing lemon dill sauce. The combination of the smoky char from the grill and the bright, tangy flavors of the sauce will leave everyone wanting more.

Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil: Indulge in a creamy and luxurious mushroom risotto, drizzled with aromatic truffle oil. The earthy flavors of the mushrooms combined with the decadent truffle oil create a dish that is both comforting and elegant.

Why trust this Summer Peaches with Baked Meringue Recipe:

This recipe guarantees a delightful summer dessert experience, featuring fresh peaches and a luscious baked meringue topping. The combination of rich brown butter, aromatic vanilla, and a hint of amaretto liqueur infuses the peaches with irresistible flavors. The airy meringue topping, delicately flavored with lemon zest, crowns the dish with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the meticulous preparation to ensure a memorable and satisfying culinary experience.

Want to share your experience making Summer Peaches with Baked Meringue or discuss the recipe further? Join the conversation in the Baking and Desserts forum!

FAQ:

Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use canned peaches if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to drain them well before using in the recipe.

Can I omit the amaretto almond liqueur?

Absolutely! If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can simply omit the amaretto almond liqueur. The peaches will still be delicious with the other flavors.

Can I make the meringue topping ahead of time?

It's best to make the meringue topping just before you're ready to bake the peaches. The meringue may lose its volume if made too far in advance.

How do I know when the meringue is done baking?

The meringue is done when it turns a beautiful golden brown color. It should be firm on top but still soft in the center.

Can I freeze the leftover dessert?

It's not recommended to freeze the leftover dessert as the texture of the meringue may change. It's best to enjoy it within a few days of making it.