When it comes to capturing the essence of summer in a jar, nothing quite compares to a Homemade Peach Sauce. And, this recipe is all about maximizing the fresh fruity sweetness of ripe, sun-kissed peaches to create a versatile sauce that can elevate any dish. Sugar brings out the peach’s natural sweetness, a combination of orange and lemon provides balance and brightness, and a secret ingredient adds a delightful complexity. The resulting delicious sauce is the perfect accompaniment to both sweet and savory dishes!
Peachy Perfection: A Colorado Summer Staple
Every summer, Coloradans eagerly anticipate the arrival of Palisade peaches. These tender, flavor-packed, and juicy peaches are a true testament to Colorado’s agricultural prowess. While they start appearing in grocery stores and farmers’ markets as early as late June, I prefer to wait until late July or August for the peak of the season. By the end of August, my kitchen is overflowing with the fragrant bounty of these delectable peaches!
The Quest for the Perfect Fresh Peach Sauce Recipe
Last summer during peach season, I embarked on a mission to create a homemade peach sauce that would be the perfect topping for my Aunt Dee-Dee’s legendary cheesecake. The goal was to develop a sauce that wasn’t overly complicated or sweet and allowed the natural flavor of the peaches to shine through. After experimenting with various ingredients and methods, I’ve finally arrived at a peach sauce that I’m confident is worthy of sharing.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Simplicity. This recipe requires minimal effort and only a handful of basic ingredients.
- Fresh, deep peach flavor. The peaches take center stage, while the other ingredients enhance their natural sweetness and complexity. Sugar brings out the peach’s natural sweetness, a combination of orange and lemon provides balance and brightness, and a secret ingredient adds a delightful complexity (see next bullet!).
- Unique twist. The addition of peach-infused (or plain) white balsamic vinegar adds a surprising depth of flavor that elevates the overall taste.
- Versatility. The sauce can complement both sweet and savory dishes. In addition to Aunt-Dee Dee’s Cheesecake, you can drizzle it over French toast, pancakes or waffles for a heavenly breakfast, or serve it alongside grilled meats for a mouthwatering twist. I also like to stir it into plain yogurt for a delicious snack!
Delicious Peach Sauce Recipe Ingredients
To create this divine homemade peach sauce, you’ll need just a few ingredients (quantities and other details are provided in the recipe card below):
- Fresh ripe, yellow peaches – the key to a truly exceptional peach sauce lies in using fresh, ripe, in-season peaches. I buy my peaches hard, then let them ripen on the kitchen counter until fragrant and soft to the touch. I find this approach results in sweet peaches that are full of flavor and not bruised.
- Granulated sugar – sugar balances the fruit’s acidity, intensifies its sweetness, and creates a more balanced and flavorful sauce
- Navel orange – orange juice contributes a sweeter, citrusy flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the peaches. Also including zest creates a more layered and complex flavor profile.
- Lemon – lemon juice adds a bright, tart tanginess that balances the peach’s sweetness. Lemon zest provides brightness and depth to the sauce.
- Coarse kosher or sea salt – amps up the flavor even more!
- Cornstarch – a small amount of cornstarch thickens the sauce slightly.
- An optional (but recommended) ingredient is Peach White Balsamic Vinegar. Its acidity enhances all the other flavors in the sauce, along with a bit of sweetness that prevents the sauce from becoming too tangy. You can substitute plain white balsamic vinegar if you can’t find peach-infused.
How to Make Peach Sauce
Making delicious homemade peach sauce is a straightforward process that yields amazing results. Here’s all you have to do:
- Prep the peaches.
Cut an X on the bottom of each peach, then, one at a time, drop them in boiling water for 45-60 seconds. Cool to the touch, then pull off skins. Cut in half, twist halves to pull apart, then slice and chop into small pieces (around 1/4 to 1/2-inch).
- Cook sauce.
In a large saucepan, stir together peaches, sugar, water, orange zest, lemon zest, orange juice, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add salt and cornstarch.
Stir in salt and cornstarch mixed with water; cook just until it thickens, around 3 to 4 minutes. - Add vinegar, cool, and refrigerate.
Remove from the heat and stir in vinegar. Cool to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container, and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
Variations and Substitutions
While the basic peach sauce recipe is delicious as is, there are ways in which you can modify it to suit your tastes and/or dietary restrictions. Here are a few ideas:
- After adding the vinegar, stir in 1/3 cup chopped toasted chopped nuts – almonds, pecans, walnuts, or pistachios
- Stir in a splash of brandy, bourbon, or dark rum in place of the vinegar.
- Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, for a darker color and more complex flavor profile.
- Add ground cinnamon (around 1/2 teaspoon) when cooking the peaches.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract when cooking the peaches.
- Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chopped jalapeno peppers when cooking the peaches (this version works best with cooked meats).
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Peach Sauce
There are seemingly endless ways to use this amazing sauce! Here are a few suggestions:
- Breakfast options – spoon over French toast, our Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes, or waffles. Alternatively, stir into plain or vanilla yogurt and top with berries and granola.
- Dinner options – Serve alongside grilled or roasted pork, chicken or fish.
- Dessert options – Spoon over Aunt Dee Dee’s Cheesecake, our Mini Lemon Cakes, vanilla ice cream, pound cake slices, or shortcake. You could also make a yogurt parfait, layering yogurt, peach sauce, and granola in a wine glass.
Storing Peach Sauce
Once the peach sauce has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will last for 5 days. Can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Frequently Asked Questions about Peach Sauce
While you don’t necessarily need to peel the peaches, I prefer the smoother texture of the sauce without the peel included.
Yes, you can use frozen peaches to make peach sauce. Simply thaw the peaches before using them, and proceed with the recipe as directed. The frozen peaches may result in a slightly thinner sauce, so you may need to add a bit more cornstarch.
Yes, you can use canned peaches to make peach sauce, though the flavor and texture may not be as vibrant as with fresh peaches. Make sure to drain them well before using.
You can, but the resulting sauce will be paler in color and slightly sweeter with a milder flavor.
Absolutely! Peach sauce can be used as a substitute for apricot, mango, strawberry, blueberry, or even cranberry sauce.
Other Divine Recipes Featuring Peaches
- Peach Muffins with Fresh Peaches and Sour Cream
- Individual Peach Upside-Down Spice Cakes
- Peach Blueberry Pie
- Peach Ice Cream
- Butterscotch Pudding Filled Peaches
- No Yeast Cinnamon Rolls with Peach Filling
- Tomato Peach Salad with Lime Dressing
- Grilled Peach Salad Recipe
- Roasted Peaches, Plums and Nectarines with Candied Walnuts
How to Make Peach Sauce (Easy Homemade Recipe!)
Print RecipeWhen it comes to capturing the essence of summer in a jar, nothing quite compares to a Homemade Peach Sauce. And, this recipe is all about maximizing the fresh fruity sweetness of ripe, sun-kissed peaches to create a versatile sauce that can elevate any dish. Sugar brings out the peach’s natural sweetness, a combination of orange and lemon provides balance and brightness, and a secret ingredient adds a delightful complexity. The resulting delicious sauce is the perfect accompaniment to both sweet and savory dishes!
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Prep Time: 10 minutes -
Cooling Time: 120 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: 2 hours 50 minutes
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Yield: 2 1/2 cups -
Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh ripe peaches (around 4 large), peeled, pitted and chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar, or more to taste
- 1/3 cup water
- Zest and juice from 1 large navel orange
- Zest and juice from 1 large lemon
- Pinch or 2 of kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 1/2 teaspoons water (looks like milk)
- 1 teaspoon Peach White Balsamic Vinegar – can substitute plain white balsamic vinegar (or omit)
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, stir together peaches, sugar, water, orange zest, lemon zest, orange juice, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 35 minutes.
- Stir in salt and cornstarch mixture; cook just until it thickens, around 3 to 4 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in vinegar. Cool to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container, and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Serve at room temperature.
Notes
Make ahead: Sauce will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Serving suggestions: Serve spooned over grilled or roasted pork, chicken, fish, Aunt Dee-Dee’s Cheesecake, Lemon Mini Cakes, ice cream, shortcake, pound cake, French toast, waffles, or Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes. Can also be stirred into plain or vanilla yogurt (I prefer Greek).
Category: Sauces
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
The post How to Make Peach Sauce (Easy Homemade Recipe!) appeared first on A Well Seasoned Kitchen.
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