Easy Fresh Peach Sauce

Adapted from https://www.thespruceeats.com/fresh-peach-sauce-for-breakfast-or-dessert-3058952

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup water
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
4 large ripe  peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced into small cubes
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional

STEPS

1) Gather the ingredients.

2) Combine water, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan; bring to a boil over medium heat. Add diced peaches and simmer for 2 minutes.

3) Remove pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon, if using.

4) Let cool slightly before serving.


NOTES

Peeling peaches can be a slow and frustrating process, but if you blanch them first, you will have a much easier time of it. First, carefully place the peaches in boiling water until the skins begin to split, about 10 to 20 seconds. Transfer immediately to an ice water bath to stop the cooking. Using a paring knife, remove the skin; if any of it is being a bit stubborn, return the peach to the boiling water for a few more seconds.

To remove the pits, using the indentation, slice around the peach and cut it in half. While grasping each half, twist the halves in opposite directions until the fruit comes apart. Then use the tip of the paring knife to cut out the pit.

If you prefer the peach sauce a little less sweet—or if your peaches are exceptionally sweet—cut down on the sugar, adding some at first and then tasting to see if you need to add more.

Recipe Variations

If it's not peak peach season, or you would just like to alter this recipe a bit, there are a few ways to change it up. You can use a combination of sliced fresh peaches and pears or replace the sliced peaches with sliced nectarines.

To give the sauce a bit of extra color, add 1 cup of fresh berries along with the vanilla and cinnamon. Feel free to use blueberries, blackberries, strawberries (or a combination).