Really ripe juicy peaches tossed with a little lemon juice and sugar and then sautéed with creamy butter are just heaven. It tastes sinfully waist-wicked, but really, it’s just a little more sugar and butter with a bit of fruit. It’s a go-to when you want a sweet ending to your healthy meal, like a nice side salad for dinner. Healthy, tasty and well balanced does not have to be complicated. Serve as is in this recipe, either warm, at room temperature, or cold.
Letting the sugar and butter caramelize in the pan and pouring over the dessert of your choice is another option for those feeling a little more naughty about their diets. Some choose to serve it with delicious caramel ice cream, or like my daughter, who opts for individual chilled custards where you can add this recipe to a custard or vanilla pudding recipe, chill, and serve. I prefer to serve this recipe with ice cream and lemon cake (both layered together).
This dessert is perfect for those weeknights when you don’t have much more energy than stirring a few ingredients in a pan and when you have almost overripe peaches that need immediate attention. Peeling is optional. The amount of sugar depends on the sweetness of your peaches and your preference. Healthy desserts can be quick and easy. And they can taste fantastic.
I haven’t tried it with brown sugar, but I think it will add a little extra flavor to your caramel, as brown sugar tends to work better when you’re cooking it into a caramel. The contrast between warm peaches and cold ice cream or frozen flan is extremely comforting and highly recommended by this cook, especially if you’re getting a little nostalgic for those sweet summer peaches and looking for a little taste of home.
Sauteed Peaches for Dessert
Using very ripe and not so pretty peaches. Peeling takes a few extra moments to prepare this dish, but the result is a softer, smoother dessert.
- 4-6 ripe, yellow or white peaches
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 spoonfuls of sugar
- 2 butter spoons
Peel and slice peaches; mix with lemon juice; set aside until ready to serve dessert (cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate if not using immediately). Melt the butter over medium-high heat (without burning the butter), add the sugar and stir until creamy. Add the peaches and sauté for 5 to 8 minutes or until the peaches are hot and the butter-sugar mixture begins to caramelize. Stir frequently to prevent burning and sticking.