Go Back

Frozen Peaches and Cream

This is a truly simple dessert and an easy hack for using up overripe peaches. Every time I indulge in this it takes me back to the heart of summer. Overripe peaches, frozen and grated, become a refreshing granita-like treat bursting with natural sweetness. The richness of the whipped cream with honey and vanilla and the crumbled shortbread cookies are a celebration of flavors and textures.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 2572.4
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 3 overripe peaches
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Zest of 2 limes
  • Fresh mint for garnish
  • 8 shortbread cookies whatever your favorites

Equipment

  • 1 Freezer
  • 1 Electric Mixer or whisk
  • 1 Box Grater
  • 4 Coupe Glasses or serving dishes
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Place the peaches whole (with the pit and skin on) in the freezer and freeze until solid, at least 5 hours but overnight if possible.
  2. Before serving, whip the cream with the confectioners’ sugar, honey and vanilla until it reaches soft to medium peaks.
  3. Place a shortbread cookie in the bottom of each of 4 coupe glasses. Grate the frozen peaches on a box grater and spoon some over the shortbread (it will be like granita). Dollop with the whipped cream and garnish with lime zest and mint. Crumble the remaining shortbread cookies and sprinkle them on top. Serve immediately.

Notes

For the best granita-like texture, ensure peaches are truly frozen solid, ideally overnight. Overripe peaches are crucial for concentrated sweetness and softer texture when frozen. Always use very cold heavy cream and a chilled bowl for whipping to achieve perfect soft to medium peaks quickly and avoid over-whipping, which can lead to grainy cream. The grated peach will melt quickly, so assemble and serve immediately. For an extra layer of flavor, consider briefly toasting the shortbread crumbs for added crunch and nuttiness. Experiment with different citrus zest like orange, or a hint of cardamom in the whipped cream for a subtle aromatic twist.