Fresh Peach Torte

Delicious Fresh Peach Torte Recipe with Creamy Lemon Crème Fraîche

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: overnight | Servings: 8

Introduction

Fresh Peach Torte is a delightful dessert that combines a light and airy meringue base with fresh peaches and vanilla whipped cream. This recipe is perfect for showcasing the sweet and juicy flavors of ripe peaches in a beautiful and elegant dessert.

History

The Fresh Peach Torte is a classic dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. The combination of meringue, fresh peaches, and whipped cream creates a delicious and visually stunning dessert that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

6 egg whites
0.25 tsp salt
0.5 tsp cream of tartar
1.5 cups + 0.25 cup + 1 tbsp sugar
1.5 tsp + 0.25 teaspoon vanilla
2 lb (907 g) of fresh peaches
2 tbsp of fresh lemon juice
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
2 tbsp water
0.75 cup heavy cream

How to prepare

In a mixer, combine egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar.
Beat until the eggs have doubled in volume.
Add 1.5 cups of sugar very slowly, ensuring that the sugar is dissolved.
Beat in 1.5 tsp of vanilla.
Spoon this mixture into a buttered 8” springform pan. Create a depression in the center, approximately 5” wide and 1” deep.
Place the pan in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C). Close the door and turn off the heat.
Allow the meringue to stay in the oven for 12 hours or preferably overnight. Do not open the oven door.
The next morning, remove the meringue from the oven and run a spatula around the edges. Release the spring and gently remove the sides. Loosen the meringue from the bottom and place it on a serving plate.
Peel and slice the peaches, then sprinkle them with fresh lemon juice. Add 0.25 cup of sugar and gently toss.
Soften unflavored gelatin in water.
Place the gelatin mixture in a pan of hot water and stir until completely dissolved.
Stir the gelatin mixture into the peaches and chill in the refrigerator until the mixture has thickened.
Whip the heavy cream until very thick, gradually adding 1 tbsp of sugar while whipping.
Stir in 0.25 tsp of vanilla into the whipped cream.
Pile the peach mixture onto the meringue and top it with the vanilla whipped cream.
Garnish with additional fresh peach slices and serve.

Variations

Try using different fruits such as berries or mangoes in place of the peaches for a different flavor profile.
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the peach mixture for a warm and spicy twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to beat the egg whites until they have doubled in volume to ensure a light and fluffy meringue.

- Allow the meringue to cool in the oven overnight to ensure a crisp and dry texture.

- Chill the peach mixture until it has thickened before topping the meringue to prevent it from becoming too runny.

- Garnish the torte with additional fresh peach slices for a beautiful presentation.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Fresh Peach Torte as a light and refreshing dessert after a summer meal. Pair it with a glass of sparkling wine or a cup of hot tea for a delightful treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form for a light and airy meringue.

- Chill the peach mixture until it has thickened to prevent it from becoming too runny when topping the meringue.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use canned peaches in place of fresh peaches if they are not in season.

- Substitute whipped coconut cream for the heavy cream for a dairy-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

The meringue base can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The peach mixture can also be prepared ahead of time and chilled in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Fresh Peach Torte with mint leaves or edible flowers for a beautiful and elegant presentation. Serve it on a decorative platter or cake stand for a stunning dessert centerpiece.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Fresh Peach Torte with a glass of Moscato or Riesling for a perfect combination of sweet and fruity flavors. Alternatively, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Fresh Peach Torte in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The meringue may soften slightly over time, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 230 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 38g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 7g per serving

Saturated Fat: 4g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 10% of the daily recommended intake per serving

Alergens

Contains: Eggs, Dairy

Summary

This Fresh Peach Torte is a light and delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of vitamin C. However, it does contain eggs and dairy, so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Fresh Peach Torte. It was a warm summer day, much like today, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her quaint little cottage by the sea. Martha was known for her delicious baked goods, and I always looked forward to our visits because she would always have a new recipe to share with me.

As we sat at her kitchen table sipping on tea, Martha suddenly got up and disappeared into her pantry. She emerged a few moments later with a basket full of ripe peaches. "I have something special to show you," she said with a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Martha then proceeded to peel and slice the peaches, arranging them in a beautiful pattern on a buttery crust. She sprinkled them with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon, and then popped the torte into the oven. As the sweet aroma of baking peaches filled the kitchen, Martha regaled me with the story of how she had learned to make this delectable dessert.

"It was many years ago," Martha began, her eyes filled with nostalgia. "I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of baking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, and I would often spend hours watching her work her magic with flour, sugar, and butter."

"One day, my grandmother decided to teach me how to make her famous Fresh Peach Torte. She had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had passed it down through the generations. It was a simple yet elegant dessert, perfect for showcasing the natural sweetness of ripe peaches."

Martha went on to tell me how she had carefully followed her grandmother's instructions, learning the importance of patience and attention to detail in the kitchen. She described how the torte had emerged from the oven perfectly golden brown, the peaches glistening with a sugary glaze.

"After that day, I made the Fresh Peach Torte countless times, each time feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment as I served it to my family and friends," Martha said wistfully. "It quickly became a staple in my repertoire, a reminder of the love and heritage that I had inherited from my grandmother."

As Martha pulled the torte out of the oven and set it on the table to cool, I could hardly wait to take my first bite. The peaches were tender and juicy, their natural sweetness enhanced by the cinnamon and sugar. The buttery crust melted in my mouth, a perfect complement to the fruit filling.

"Isn't it divine?" Martha asked with a knowing smile. "There's something truly special about the combination of fresh peaches and a flaky crust. It's a taste of summer in every bite."

I couldn't agree more. As I savored the last crumbs of my slice of Fresh Peach Torte, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the chance to learn this recipe from Martha. It was a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to evoke memories of loved ones long gone.

And so, whenever I make Fresh Peach Torte now, I think of Martha and her grandmother, and I feel a sense of kinship with them, a shared love of baking and tradition. It's a recipe that has been passed down through the ages, a timeless treasure that I will continue to cherish and share with those I hold dear.