Brandied Peaches Flambe
Brandied Peaches Flambé offers a luscious combination of sweet peaches, rich brown sugar, and warming brandy, finished with a dramatic flame—perfect for an elegant, memorable dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put small servings of ice cream in individual serving dishes and place in freezer.
- Drain peach halves; warm syrup in a saucepan and flavor to taste with a small amount of brandy.
- Warm remaining brandy in a separate saucepan.
- Arrange the peach halves in a broiler-proof dish, cut side up.
- Place a dab of butter and 1 tablespoon of brown sugar in the center of each peach.
- Broil 3 inches from heat until sugar melts and peaches are heated through.
- Place a peach half on each dish of ice cream and top with heated syrup.
- Pour heated brandy over peaches and ignite to flambé.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh peaches when in season. If you don't have brandy, rum or whiskey can be excellent substitutes. To enhance the dish, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the brown sugar. Make sure to keep a close eye on the broiler to avoid burning the sugar. Pairing this dish with a scoop of French vanilla ice cream adds a delightful creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the brandied peaches immediately after flambéing for the best presentation. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of crispy biscotti or a light salad to balance the sweetness. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of raspberry sauce. It also complements a glass of dessert wine or a light sparkling beverage.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover peaches can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of syrup to keep them moist. Avoid using the microwave as it can make the peaches mushy. The ice cream should be kept separate and can be refrozen if needed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Brandied Peaches Flambe contains roughly 353 calories, with 0g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned ones?
Yes, fresh peaches can be used for a more vibrant flavor. Just make sure to blanch and peel them first, then cut them in half and pit them. Adjust the cooking time as fresh peaches will take less time to heat through than canned ones.
What can I use instead of brandy for flambéing?
If you prefer not to use brandy, alternatives like dark rum or bourbon can provide a similar depth of flavor. Just ensure that the alcohol content is high enough for flambéing. Always exercise caution when igniting alcohol.
Is it safe to flambé at home?
Flambéing can be safe if done carefully. Always use a long lighter to ignite the alcohol from a safe distance. Ensure there are no flammable materials nearby, and do not attempt to flambé in a closed space. If you’re uncertain, you can skip the flambéing step and simply pour warm brandy over the peaches.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).