Name: Classic Peach Melba
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 4 ripe peaches (or 1 can peach halves, drained); 1 pint fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed); 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for raspberry sauce); 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 quart good-quality vanilla ice cream; Optional for garnish:; Fresh mint leaves; Tools:; Blender or food processor; Fine mesh sieve (optional, for a smooth sauce); Ice cream scoop; Serving bowls

Classic Peach Melba

In our home, desserts tend to fall into two categories: quick-and-easy or elaborate-and-worth-it. Peach Melba is that rare gem that fits snugly in between. I stumbled across this classic dessert on a particularly warm summer afternoon when I was desperate for something refreshing but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. From the first time we made it, it instantly became a family favorite. The combination of juicy peaches, vibrant raspberries, and creamy vanilla ice cream is simple, but the flavor feels anything but.

There’s something about Peach Melba that feels nostalgic, even if you didn’t grow up eating it. It has that timeless elegance, yet it’s approachable enough for a casual weeknight treat. What I love most is how effortless it is—canned peaches work beautifully when fresh ones aren’t in season, and the raspberry sauce is a quick blitz in the blender. When I served it the first time, my kids were mesmerized by the bright colors, and my husband couldn’t believe how gourmet it tasted.

It’s one of those recipes that makes you look like you spent hours planning, but in reality, it’s ready in minutes. And when you hear the happy sighs around the table, you know it’s a keeper. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself after a long day, this Peach Melba recipe is the answer to all your sweet cravings.

Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use frozen raspberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work just as well for the sauce. Just thaw them slightly before blending.

What’s the best way to peel fresh peaches?
Blanch them briefly in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water. The skins will slip right off.

Can I make the raspberry sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 days ahead. Store it in the fridge in a sealed container.

What if I don’t have a blender?
No problem! You can mash the raspberries with a fork and push them through a fine sieve for a rustic, seed-free sauce.

Is there a dairy-free alternative?
Definitely—swap the vanilla ice cream with your favorite dairy-free or vegan ice cream. It’s just as delicious!

What You Need to Make Peach Melba

Ingredients:

4 ripe peaches (or 1 can peach halves, drained)

1 pint fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)

2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for raspberry sauce)

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 quart good-quality vanilla ice cream

Optional for garnish:

Fresh mint leaves

Tools:

Blender or food processor

Fine mesh sieve (optional, for a smooth sauce)

Ice cream scoop

Serving bowls

How to Make Peach Melba

Prepare the Raspberry Sauce: In a blender, combine raspberries, powdered sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. For an extra-silky texture, strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.

Prepare the Peaches: If using fresh peaches, peel and slice them. If using canned peaches, drain and slice as needed.

Assemble: Place a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream in a serving bowl. Top with a few peach slices.

Drizzle and Decorate: Generously spoon the raspberry sauce over the ice cream and peaches. Garnish with a few whole raspberries and fresh mint if desired.

Serve Immediately: Enjoy the beautiful medley of creamy, fruity flavors before the ice cream melts!

Tips for Making the Best Peach Melba

Ripe Peaches: If you’re using fresh peaches, choose ones that are perfectly ripe—they should yield slightly to gentle pressure.

Chill the Bowls: For a touch of luxury, chill your serving bowls in the freezer for about 10 minutes before assembling.

Sweetness Control: Taste your raspberry sauce; if your raspberries are very tart, feel free to add another tablespoon of powdered sugar.

Layering Tip: For a more layered presentation, do a scoop of ice cream, a peach slice, a drizzle of sauce, and repeat.

Make it Fancy: A little whipped cream on top or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios can elevate the dessert to dinner party status.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Such an easy, elegant dessert! Made it for a dinner party and everyone was impressed.” — Laura P.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved the combination of peach and raspberry flavors. Next time, I might try adding a little almond extract to the sauce.” — Ben M.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect summer treat. My kids devoured it, and I loved how quick it was to put together.” — Michelle T.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Good, but the raspberry sauce was a little tart for my taste. Will add more sugar next time!” — Sophia D.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This is now my go-to dessert when I want something fast but still fancy. Loved it with vegan vanilla ice cream too!” — Rachel L.

Printable Recipe

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