Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Trust With Google·Leave a Review

Talk about a fragrant, melt-in-your-mouth warm dessert that is too die for and you must be talking about this caramelized peaches with lavender flower recipe.

This is a new dessert that I tried a couple of years ago - and I do like in - so much so, I have made it multiple times when my peach trees are producing.

I always use fresh peaches.

In This Article

Making Caramelized Lavender Peaches From the Harvest

When my peach trees are producing, I like having recipes that use the fruit while it is at its best. This caramelized peach dessert is one I've made more than once, and I prefer to begin with fresh peaches. They soften beautifully when cooked, and the lavender adds a gentle floral note that makes the finished dessert different from an ordinary bowl of peaches.

The key is choosing ripe, sound fruit that still holds its shape well enough to cook. Peaches that are extremely soft may break down into sauce, while under-ripe fruit may need more time to become tender. Wash them, remove the pits, and prepare the pieces in the size called for in the recipe card below. If you grew several varieties, their sweetness and moisture can vary, so taste as you go rather than assuming every harvest cooks exactly the same way.

Cooking With Lavender Flowers

Lavender can be lovely in desserts, but a little goes a long way. Use culinary lavender that is suitable for eating and hasn't been treated with products meant only for ornamental flowers. Too much lavender can overwhelm the peaches and give the dessert a soapy flavor. I prefer to let the fruit remain the star and use the flowers to provide a subtle background note.

If you grow lavender, drying a small amount of culinary flowers can give you a useful supply for winter baking. Keep dried flowers labeled and away from humidity, and store them separately from craft or fragrance lavender. This dessert is also an example of why I enjoy finding uses for edible flowers beyond decorating a plate.

Serving and Making the Most of the Dessert

Serve the peaches warm on their own or with a spoonful of plain yogurt or ice cream if you enjoy the contrast. You can also spoon a small amount over pound cake or another simple homemade dessert. Because the fruit is already sweet and aromatic, elaborate toppings aren't necessary. If you want a slightly different dessert, consider pairing the peaches with a few chopped pecans for crunch.

For a larger peach harvest, make only what you expect to enjoy freshly and preserve the remainder by a method suited to the fruit. Frozen peach slices can be useful for baked desserts and sauces later, while dehydrating and freeze drying produce very different textures. The recipe here is intended for the caramelized dessert, not as a shelf-stable preservation process.

Common Questions About Caramelized Lavender Peaches

Can I use dried culinary lavender?

Yes, provided the flowers are intended for food use. Dried lavender can taste more concentrated, so begin with a modest amount and follow the recipe's proportions.

Can I substitute frozen peaches?

They may work for a softer sauce-like dessert, but thawed peaches often release more moisture and don't necessarily hold their shape like fresh fruit. I prefer fresh peaches when they're available from my trees.

What other recipes use fresh peaches?

Try grilled peaches topped with yogurt and pecans for another simple way to enjoy the harvest. The recipe below gives you the specific ingredients and directions for the caramelized lavender version.

Here is my recipe.