There’s something magical about the combination of warm, spiced peaches and buttery crumble that makes a classic peach cobbler irresistible. This peach cobbler parfait takes all those beloved flavors and transforms them into an elegant, layered dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The contrast between the sweet, juicy peaches and the crunchy, golden topping creates a symphony of textures in every spoonful.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself after a long day, these parfaits deliver all the comfort of traditional cobbler with a modern, individually-portioned twist. The best part? They come together in just 45 minutes, making them an achievable dessert even on busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This
- Perfect balance of textures – juicy peaches, crunchy topping, and creamy layers in every bite
- Make-ahead friendly – prepare components separately and assemble just before serving
- Impressive presentation with minimal effort – looks fancy but is surprisingly simple
- Versatile serving options – works equally well in wine glasses, mason jars, or dessert cups
- Customizable to dietary needs – easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free variations
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh peaches (peeled and diced)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches are tender and syrupy. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Spread the crumble mixture on the prepared baking sheet in an even layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Let cool completely.
- In a clear serving cup or jar, layer the spiced peaches, vanilla ice cream (or whipped cream), and the cobbler crumble topping. Repeat layers until the cup is full. Sprinkle a dash of cinnamon on top for garnish, if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a time-saving shortcut, use high-quality canned peaches (drained) when fresh aren’t in season
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract to the peach mixture for a subtle flavor enhancement
- Make it gluten-free by substituting almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour
- For a boozy adult version, add 2 tablespoons of bourbon or amaretto to the peach mixture
- The crumble topping can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container
- Try with other stone fruits like nectarines, plums, or a combination for different flavor profiles
Serving Suggestions
These parfaits are delightful on their own, but for an extra-special dessert experience, serve them alongside small glasses of dessert wine like Sauternes or ice wine. The sweet, fruity notes in the wine complement the peaches beautifully.
For a more casual setting, set up a parfait bar with the prepared components and additional toppings like toasted nuts, caramel sauce, or fresh berries, allowing guests to build their own custom creations.
Notes
- Peach mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- For the best texture, assemble parfaits just before serving to keep the crumble crunchy
- If peaches aren’t fully ripe, add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the mixture
- The parfaits are ready when you can see distinct, beautiful layers through the glass
FAQs
Can I make these parfaits ahead of time?
You can prepare all components ahead of time, but it’s best to assemble just before serving to maintain the crispy texture of the crumble.
Do I need to peel the peaches?
Peeling is recommended for the smoothest texture, but if you’re short on time, you can leave the skins on, especially if using very ripe peaches.
Can I use frozen peaches?
Yes! Thaw and drain frozen peaches before cooking. You may need to cook them a few minutes longer to reduce excess liquid.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store assembled parfaits covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crumble will soften over time but will still be delicious.
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