Who doesn’t love a delicious and refreshing peach dessert? This easy-to-follow recipe will guide you through creating a delectable peach dessert that will impress your family and friends. Peaches are a fantastic fruit that can add a burst of flavor to any dish, and this dessert is no exception. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps needed to make this delightful treat!
Ingredients Needed
- 500g peaches
- 100g condensed milk
- 350 ml peach juice
- 200 ml milk
- 70g corn starch
- 200 g cream cheese
- 1 peach
- 20g sugar
- 30 ml water
- 6 g agar agar
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor for this dessert. Fresh peaches provide a natural sweetness and vibrant color, while the condensed milk adds a rich, creamy texture. Peach juice enhances the fruity flavor, and cream cheese adds a tangy element that balances the sweetness. Corn starch is essential for thickening the mixture, and agar agar helps set the dessert.
Preparing the Peaches
Start by peeling and slicing the peaches. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth blend and ensuring that the peaches are free from any tough skin. To peel peaches easily, you can blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transfer them to ice water. The skins should slip right off.
Blending the Peach Mixture
In a blender, combine the sliced peaches, condensed milk, and peach juice. Blend until smooth. This mixture will form the base of your dessert, so it’s important to blend until there are no chunks remaining. A high-powered blender works best for this task, but a regular blender will also do the job with a little extra blending time.
Cooking the Milk and Corn Starch
In a saucepan, mix the milk and corn starch until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. This step ensures that your dessert will have a creamy, pudding-like consistency. Be patient and keep stirring to avoid lumps.
Combining Mixtures
Once the milk and corn starch mixture has thickened, add the blended peach mixture to the saucepan. Stir well to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the mixture is well combined and smooth. This step helps to integrate all the flavors and achieve a uniform texture.
Incorporating Cream Cheese
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool slightly before stirring in the cream cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure it incorporates smoothly into the mixture. Stir until fully incorporated, resulting in a rich and creamy dessert base.
Refrigerating the Mixture
Pour the mixture into a serving dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This allows the dessert to start setting and develop its flavors. Use a spatula to smooth the top for a professional finish.
Preparing the Agar Agar Mixture
In a small saucepan, combine the chopped peach, sugar, water, and agar agar. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens. Agar agar is a vegetarian gelatin substitute that helps the dessert set. Ensure the mixture is smooth and well-cooked.
Adding the Agar Agar Mixture
Pour the peach agar agar mixture over the refrigerated cream mixture and spread evenly. This layer adds a beautiful, glossy finish and enhances the peach flavor. Use a spatula to ensure an even spread.
Final Refrigeration
Let the dessert rest in the refrigerator for 5 hours. This step is crucial for allowing the agar agar to set fully and for the flavors to meld together. Patience is key here; the longer it sets, the better the texture will be.
Serving Tips
Serve the peach dessert chilled. You can garnish with fresh peach slices, mint leaves, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance. This dessert is perfect for summer gatherings or as a refreshing end to any meal.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dessert will keep well for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
Conclusion
This peach dessert is a delightful and refreshing treat that’s easy to make and sure to impress. By following these simple steps, you can create a dessert that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the sweet, creamy goodness of peaches in every bite!
FAQs
1. Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh peaches? Yes, you can use canned peaches if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to drain them well before blending.
2. What can I use as a substitute for agar agar? You can use gelatin as a substitute, but it won’t be vegetarian. Follow the package instructions for the correct amount to use.
3. Can I make this dessert ahead of time? Absolutely! This dessert can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
4. Is there a non-dairy substitute for cream cheese? Yes, you can use a non-dairy cream cheese substitute to make this dessert vegan.
5. How can I make this dessert lower in sugar? You can reduce the amount of sugar in the agar agar mixture or use a sugar substitute. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the taste and texture.