Delicious Southern Peach Shortcake Recipe: A Summer Delight
Welcome to my kitchen, where the aroma of Southern cuisine brings family and friends together. Today, I am thrilled to share with you my latest dessert creation that will whisk you away to the peach orchards of Georgia—my Southern Peach Shortcake recipe.
Just thinking about fresh peaches topped with whipped heavy cream and nestled between layers of tender shortcake is enough to make my mouth water. This dessert is a tribute to all the classic Southern peach desserts, such as peach cobbler and peach pie, but with a unique twist.
Not only is this recipe easy to make from scratch, but it’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you use fresh or canned peaches or opt for a store-bought or homemade shortcake, this southern-style peach shortcake never disappoints. It’s the perfect soul food dessert that’s sure to become everyone’s all-time favorite.
So grab yourself a glass of sweet tea, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started on making some delicious memories in the kitchen with my Southern Peach Shortcake recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
My darlings, let me tell you why this Southern Peach Shortcake Recipe will be the sweetest treat to bless your taste buds. Imagine a warm, flaky shortcake that melts in your mouth, topped with juicy, caramelized peaches and whipped cream made of heavy cream and sugar. Now close your eyes and picture each slice of peach exploding with cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Can you feel the sun on your skin yet?
This recipe is perfect for those who crave a slice of southern living, without having to travel thousands of miles. It carries the soul of the South in every bite, reminding us of late summer evenings sitting on the porch, shelling pecans and savoring grandma’s recipes.
But why settle for plain peach cobbler when you can elevate it to Southern Peach Shortcake? This dessert offers a balance of crispy textures, combined with bursts of sweetness that will leave you sighing in bliss.
Whether you are hosting a grand family gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, this recipe is guaranteed to light up your senses and spread joy like sunshine. Don’t believe me? Try it yourself and become a believer.
Ingredient List
For the Shortcake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
For the Peach Filling:
- 8 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced thin or canned peaches, drained and sliced into thin wedges
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
For the Pecan Topping:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- Pinch of salt
Now that we have all of our ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let’s start making this heavenly Southern Peach Shortcake. This recipe may seem long, but it is quite easy to make. Trust me; the end result will be worth all the effort.
Step 1: Preparing the Peach Filling
- Start by peeling and slicing 2 cups of fresh peaches thinly into thin wedges.
- Add 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the peaches.
- Mix well and set aside for 15 minutes.
Step 2: Making the Shortcake
- In a large mixing bowl, add 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons baking powder, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and a pinch of salt and ground cinnamon.
- Grate/cut in cold; frozen or room temperature butter (1 stick or 8 tablespoons) into the dry mixture using your fingers or a pastry cutter until it forms coarse crumbs.
- Slowly add chilled heavy cream (1 cup) and 1/4 cup buttermilk to the dry mixture and stir gently till just combined; do not overmix.
- Transfer onto a floured board and knead softly for about 30 seconds.
- Pat dough out gently until it measures approximately an inch thick then cut it into desired shapes such as rounds or triangles.
Step 3: Assembling
- Place the shortcakes on greased parchment paper on a baking sheet, sprinkle with coarse sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (optional) then bake at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
- Using an electric mixer, whip two cups of chilled heavy cream with two tablespoons of granulated sugar and a teaspoon of vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Arrange the shortcakes on plates or in serving bowls and top them with the cooled peach mixture followed by a dollop of whipped cream.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Congratulations, you have successfully made Southern Peach Shortcake! Smile with pride as your taste buds dance to this delicious southern dessert.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making this southern peach shortcake recipe your own, there’s plenty of room for creativity. Whether you’re looking to adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs or just want to switch things up a bit, there are lots of ways you can customize this dessert to your liking.
If you’re following a vegan diet, you can easily swap out some of the ingredients for plant-based alternatives. For example, try using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and flax eggs instead of regular eggs. You can also experiment with different types of non-dairy milk, like almond or soy milk.
For those who don’t have access to fresh peaches, know that canned peaches can also work well in this recipe. Just make sure to drain them thoroughly before using and adjust the amount of sugar accordingly.
In terms of variations, you could try adding some chopped pecans or a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the shortcake batter for some extra flavor. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, why not try making a full-on peach cobbler instead? Simply use a pie crust or biscuit dough as your base and layer the peaches and filling on top.
Regardless of what substitutions or variations you choose to make, this easy southern-style peach shortcake is sure to satisfy your cravings for soul food and old fashioned American desserts alike.
Serving and Pairing
I find that serving this Southern peach shortcake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is the absolute best way to enjoy it. The cool and creamy ice cream complements the hot and sweet filling perfectly.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also serve this delicious dessert with a drizzle of bourbon sauce, which adds a smoky and complex flavor to the sweet and tangy peaches.
This dessert can be paired with a cup of hot tea or coffee, but I prefer to pair it with a glass of sweet iced tea, which is the perfect refreshing drink to complement the sweet flavors of this Southern-style dessert.
With its hearty and rich filling, this peach shortcake is the quintessential soul food that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re having a cozy family dinner or throwing a backyard party with friends, it’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. So go ahead and whip up a batch for your next get-together!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, I know that sometimes we are just too busy to do everything at once. That’s why I’m happy to say that this Southern Peach Shortcake recipe can be made ahead of time without sacrificing taste. You can even store it for later!
If you want to make this dessert in advance, follow the recipe instructions as written and then let the shortcake cool completely before proceeding. Once it has cooled, wrap the shortcake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
If you decide to store your Southern Peach Shortcake in the freezer, it’s best to freeze it unfrosted. Make sure to wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then put it in a freezer-safe container. Your cake will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to eat your delicious peach shortcake, simply bring it out of the fridge or freezer and let it come back to room temperature. Then, reheat your shortcake by placing it in the oven at 350F for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
I do recommend making the whipped cream fresh each time you serve this dessert, but if you chose not to, you can store any leftover whipped cream in a covered container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Remember, nothing beats fresh baked goods! Enjoy every bite of soulful Southern Peach Shortcake!
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing Southern Peach Shortcake is an art that requires precision and patience. For the perfect results, here are some tips to help you make the most delicious Southern Peach Shortcake.
1. Use Fresh Peaches
There’s nothing like the sweet and tangy taste of fresh fruits in any dish, especially in southern-style cuisine. Therefore, it’s crucial to use fresh peaches for this recipe instead of canned peaches if possible. But if you have to go with the canned option, ensure you drain them well before using.
2. Chill Mixing Bowl and Whisk
Before making your whipped cream for the topping, chill your mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for at least an hour. This practice will keep the cream cold enough to whip effectively.
3. Don’t Overmix Your Batter
When combining your batter ingredients in step 4 of “The Recipe How-To” section, take care not to overmix it since overmixing ensures a dense cake result. Mix it until all ingredients are blended completely.
4. Use Cold Butter to Make Your Dough
While making your dough for the shortcakes, ensure that you use cold butter straight out from the refrigerator or freezer if possible. Cold butter when cut into small pieces makes the perfect naturally crumbly texture that is ideal for shortcakes.
5. Avoid Overcooking Peaches
To keep your peaches juicy and plump rather than mushy and flat, try not to overcook them as they simmer in their sugar mixture in step four of “Cobbler Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating” section. Cook them on low heat until they’re soft but still retain some texture.
By following these tips, you’ll be sure to have a perfect result each time you make this soul food recipe; Southern Peach Shortcake.
Bottom Line
this peachy recipe article and I am convinced that the Southern Peach Shortcake is the best dessert to complete your soul food meal. This dessert bears witness to the mouth-watering flavors of fresh peaches accompanied by a sweet and buttery shortcake, which is the perfect balance of flavors for your taste buds.
If you’re looking for a dessert that is easy and quick to make, this Southern Peach Shortcake recipe will undoubtedly satisfy your cravings. The simple ingredients—flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, butter, egg, heavy cream, and buttermilk—mixed with fresh peaches result in an exquisite delicacy that’s perfect for everyone all year long.
This recipe takes cobbler to another level with its light yet sweet texture which goes well with a scoop of ice cream on top or served plain. You won’t be disappointed with each bite of this southern-style peach treat. Imagine having a delicious southern-style peach dessert that reminds you of the good times spent with family at home.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a refreshing dessert that’s easy to make but sure to impress your guests or loved ones at any time of year, try making Southern Peach Shortcake. Not only is it delicious and unique in texture but it also showcases the richness of Southern cuisine which fills not only your belly but also your soul.
Southern Peach Shortcake Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 3/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 lbs peaches
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (or vanilla)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
- Sift flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon into a mixing bowl.
- Stir in brown sugar; cut in butter until mixture is crumbly.
- Stir in chopped pecans. Separately, whisk egg with milk.
- Add milk and egg mixture to dry mixture; stir with a fork until blended.
- Turn two round cake pans upside-down and grease bottoms.
- Spread half the dough on each bottom to within about 1/2-inch of edge.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until golden.
- Peel, slice and sweeten peaches with about 1 1/2 cups sugar or to taste.
- In a small bowl, whip cream with flavoring until stiff.
- Place one shortcake on a plate, top with about half of the peaches and whipped cream.
- Top with second shortcake and remaining peaches and whipped cream.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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