Are you craving a dessert that's both elegant and effortlessly delicious? Look no further! This Puff Pastry Peach Recipe is the perfect answer for a quick and impressive treat, ideal for a weeknight dessert or a special occasion. Forget complicated baking – this recipe utilizes store-bought puff pastry to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. It's one of those easy recipes that always impresses, making it a staple in my healthy meal repertoire. This recipe is a shining example of how homemade cooking can be both simple and satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 1 sheet (14.1 ounces) frozen puff pastry, thawed
- 4 ripe but firm peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Optional: A sprinkle of coarse sugar or sliced almonds for topping
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Prepare the peaches: In a medium bowl, gently toss the sliced peaches with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Let this mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the peaches to release their juices and the sugars to dissolve. This step enhances the flavor and prevents the filling from being too watery.
Assemble the pastry: Unfold the thawed puff pastry onto a lightly floured surface. Gently stretch it slightly to create a more even rectangle. Arrange the peach mixture evenly over the pastry, leaving about a half-inch border.
Bake to perfection: Fold the pastry over the filling. Crimp the edges with a fork to seal. Brush the top with the beaten egg wash for a beautiful golden-brown finish. For extra deliciousness, sprinkle with coarse sugar or sliced almonds before baking.
Into the oven: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed up, and the filling is bubbly. Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Tips for Puff Pastry Perfection:
- Don't overwork the pastry: Gently handle the thawed puff pastry to avoid deflating it.
- Proper thawing is key: Ensure the puff pastry is completely thawed before using it for optimal results.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference and the sweetness of your peaches.
- Serve warm or at room temperature: This dessert is delicious either way!
Variations:
- Add a creamy element: A dollop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream makes this dessert even more decadent.
- Use different fruit: This recipe works well with other fruits like berries, apples, or pears.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the peach mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 5-7g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This Puff Pastry Peach recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and delicious dishes. It's a simple yet elegant dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!