Peach Melba

The Peach Melba is a timeless dessert born from opera and haute cuisine. Invented by the legendary chef Auguste Escoffier in honor of soprano Nellie Melba, this delightful dish balances sweet, poached peaches with tangy raspberry sauce and velvety vanilla ice cream. A masterpiece on the plate and palate, it’s a luxurious treat with deep roots in culinary history.

This recipe embraces simplicity and elegance. It’s perfect for summer entertaining or a romantic evening at home. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a dessert that looks stunning and tastes even better. Whether served after a gourmet meal or enjoyed solo on a warm afternoon, Peach Melba always makes a statement.

Full Recipe:

2–3 cups raspberries, fresh or frozen
1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup water
4 cups water

1 cup granulated sugar
1 lemon, juiced
1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)

6 ripe peaches
1 pint high-quality vanilla ice cream
Fresh mint leaves, optional

Extra raspberries, optional

Directions:

Make the Raspberry Sauce: In a medium saucepan, combine raspberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture thickens slightly.
Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve into a heat-proof bowl. Set aside to cool.
Poach the Peaches: In a large saucepan, combine water, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. Bring to a boil.

While the syrup heats, prepare an ice bath in a large bowl.
Cut a small X into the bottom of each peach. Reduce syrup to medium-low, add peaches, and simmer for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally.
Remove peaches with a slotted spoon and transfer to the ice bath for 5 minutes.

Peel the peaches starting at the X, remove pits, and cut into wedges.
Serve: Divide peaches into dessert bowls, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzle with raspberry sauce, and garnish with mint leaves and extra raspberries.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: ~280 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Recipe Overview

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as elegant as it is easy, Peach Melba is your answer. This classic French dessert brings together sweet, poached peaches, tangy raspberry sauce, and creamy vanilla ice cream to create a symphony of flavors that’s perfect for summer—though, if we’re being honest, it’s delightful year-round. It’s a dish that delivers on texture, color, and flavor, offering the perfect balance of fruity brightness and indulgent creaminess. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself, Peach Melba never fails to impress.

History and Origin

Peach Melba isn’t just a dessert; it’s a story. This iconic dish was created in the 1890s by none other than Auguste Escoffier, a French culinary legend often referred to as the father of modern cuisine. Escoffier crafted this dessert in honor of the famous Australian opera singer Dame Nellie Melba (born Helen Porter Mitchell), after watching her perform at Covent Garden in London. Inspired by her voice and presence, he originally served the dish at the Savoy Hotel under the name “Pecheau Cygne” (Peach with Swan), presented with an ice sculpture of a swan to reflect the opera Lohengrin, in which Melba starred.

Later, he refined the recipe, removed the swan sculpture, and renamed the dessert “Peach Melba.” It became a sensation, not just for its flavors but for its symbolism—a perfect harmony of art and gastronomy. Escoffier’s intention was clear: to craft something visually stunning yet made from the simplest of ingredients. Today, it remains a staple of classic French cuisine and a testament to culinary creativity inspired by art and admiration.

Variations and Adaptations

Though the traditional Peach Melba uses poached peaches, raspberry coulis, and vanilla ice cream, modern interpretations have spun it in delicious new directions across cultures and kitchens.

In the UK, you might find Peach Melba layered into trifles or even folded into Eton mess-style puddings. In Australia, where Nellie Melba hailed from, chefs have embraced the dish as part of their national heritage, often using local stone fruits and native berries for a twist. Some even substitute the peaches with grilled nectarines, giving the dessert a smoky edge.

There are also deconstructed versions where each component is plated separately for a fine-dining presentation. For a healthier adaptation, frozen yogurt or Greek yogurt replaces ice cream, and honey or agave syrup substitutes granulated sugar. Vegan versions are easily created with plant-based ice creams and natural sweeteners, making this dessert as inclusive as it is iconic.

You might also find Peach Melba reimagined as ice cream popsicles, layered parfaits, or even cocktails, using peach liqueur, raspberry purée, and a scoop of vanilla sorbet to toast summer evenings.

Nutritional Information

While Peach Melba may be classified as a dessert, its nutritional profile is a bit friendlier than your average pastry or cake, especially when made with mindful ingredients. Let’s break it down per serving (assuming a portion includes one peach, 1/4 cup of raspberry sauce, and one scoop of vanilla ice cream):

Calories: ~280 kcal

Protein: ~3g
Fat: ~8g (mostly from the ice cream)
Carbohydrates: ~48g

Sugars: ~36g
Fiber: ~4g
Vitamin C: ~20% of the Daily Value

Potassium: ~300mg
Calcium: ~10% of the Daily Value

Peaches and raspberries bring a wealth of micronutrients to the dish—think antioxidants, fiber, and immune-boosting vitamins. The downside? Sugar content can be high, especially with sweetened ice cream and syrup. But with moderation—or a few tweaks—you can still enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Peach Melba is incredibly versatile when it comes to presentation and pairing. For a classic look, serve it in a chilled glass dessert dish or coupe to emphasize its layered elegance. A drizzle of raspberry sauce over a scoop of ice cream nestled between tender peach wedges creates a visually stunning and crowd-pleasing finale.

For Brunch: Serve Peach Melba alongside buttermilk pancakes or Belgian waffles, drizzling the raspberry sauce like a syrup and topping with a scoop of vanilla yogurt instead of ice cream.

For Drinks: Pair it with a sparkling rosé, Moscato, or a non-alcoholic raspberry spritzer. The tartness of raspberry and the fruity depth of the peach align beautifully with floral, effervescent beverages.

For Kids: Skip the poaching step and serve fresh sliced peaches with frozen yogurt and berry drizzle. They’ll love the colors and sweetness, and you’ll love the lack of effort.

For a Dinner Party: Add toasted slivered almonds, a sprig of mint, or a shortbread biscuit on the side for extra crunch and sophistication.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Peach Melba is simple, but execution matters—especially with so few ingredients. Here are some chef-tested tricks to ensure it turns out perfect every time:

Choose Ripe but Firm Peaches: Overripe peaches will disintegrate during poaching. You want them fragrant and yielding to the touch, but not mushy.
Poach Gently: Never boil your peaches aggressively. A soft simmer in the poaching liquid will yield silky, tender fruit without falling apart.

Use Real Vanilla: If you can, use a real vanilla bean. Scrape the seeds into your poaching syrup for unmatched flavor depth. If using extract, opt for a high-quality pure vanilla.
Strain the Sauce: Raspberry seeds can be unpleasant. Always strain your coulis through a fine sieve for a velvety finish.
Chill Everything: Chilling your dishes before serving keeps the ice cream from melting too quickly and adds a luxurious touch.

Make Ahead: Poach your peaches and prepare the sauce up to two days in advance. Store separately in airtight containers in the fridge to make dessert assembly a breeze.

Potential Health Benefits

At first glance, Peach Melba might seem like a decadent treat—and it is—but that doesn’t mean it lacks nutritional value. In fact, its ingredients offer a number of health benefits when enjoyed in moderation.

Peaches are rich in vitamin A, C, and fiber. They help support skin health, digestion, and immune function.
Raspberries pack a serious antioxidant punch, including quercetin and ellagic acid, known for their anti-inflammatory properties. They’re also high in fiber, making them great for blood sugar regulation.
Vanilla, while often relegated to a flavoring role, contains vanillin, which may have antioxidant and even mood-lifting properties.

Opting for lower-sugar ice cream or frozen yogurt can further enhance the health profile, and swapping sugar with natural alternatives like stevia or honey can make it more diabetic-friendly.

Conclusion

Peach Melba is more than just a dessert—it’s a culinary love letter written in fruit and ice cream. With its rich backstory, visual elegance, and balance of sweet, tart, and creamy, it’s no wonder this dish has endured for over a century. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook trying it for the first time, this timeless treat offers an easy path to gourmet glory.

So the next time peaches are in season or you’re craving something light, fruity, and indulgent all at once, give Peach Melba a try. You’ll not only impress your guests—you might just start a new tradition of your own.