Get ready to be whisked away on a journey with a golden brown Peach Shortcake infused with the rich, nutty flavor of browned butter, topped with caramelized peach wedges dripping with honey and a hint of Cognac. As if that's not tempting enough, salivate over a generous dollop of whipped cream, creating a textures, sweetness, warmth, and decadence in every bite.
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Prep Time 20 minutesmins
Cook Time 30 minutesmins
Total Time 50 minutesmins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American, Seasonal
Servings 10people
Calories 548kcal
Equipment
1 glass baking dish 9-13 inch
1 large bowl
1 electric mixer
2 medium bowl
1 Baking Sheet
Ingredients
Shortcake
½lbunsalted butterbrowned, plus more to butter the dish
6large eggsroom temperature
2tbspmilkroom temperature
1 ⅓cupgranulated sugarplus ¼ cup
2cupall-purpose flour
2tspbaking powder
¼tsp salt
zest of 1 lemon or orangefor brightness (optional)
Brown the Butter: Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, allowing it to foam and turn a deep golden brown. Stir often to prevent burning. Once it has a nutty aroma, remove from heat and let cool slightly. This adds a rich, nutty flavor to the shortcake.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Generously butter a 9 x 13-inch glass baking dish.
Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the eggs and milk until frothy. Add 1⅓ cups of granulated sugar and lemon or orange zest (if using) and beat at high speed until the mixture becomes thick and pale, about 7 minutes.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift the flour together with baking powder and salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the beaten egg mixture.
Incorporate the Browned Butter: Fold in the browned butter until fully combined. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Bake the Cake: Bake the cake in the center of the oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the cake is golden brown. Once baked, transfer to a rack and allow to cool.
Roast the Peaches: While the cake is baking, place the peach wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Roast at 375°F for 15 minutes, until caramelized and soft. Add the Cognac or dark rum to the peaches during the last 5 minutes of roasting to infuse extra depth.
Make the Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and optional orange blossom water until firm peaks form. Chill until ready to serve.
Assemble the Shortcake: Once the cake has cooled, cut it into squares. Top each piece with a few roasted peaches and a generous dollop of whipped cream. Drizzle any leftover peach syrup from roasting over the top for extra flavor.
Notes
Brown Butter for Flavor: Browning the butter adds depth and a toasty, caramel-like flavor that elevates the shortcake.
Roasting the Peaches: Roasting caramelizes the natural sugars in the peaches and intensifies their flavor, adding richness to the dish. The addition of honey or maple syrup also gives a slight floral sweetness.
Orange Blossom Whipped Cream: Adding orange blossom water to the whipped cream provides an elegant floral note that pairs well with the peaches.
Cognac or Dark Rum: The alcohol adds complexity, but if you want to keep the dish non-alcoholic, you can substitute with orange juice or omit it entirely.
Serving Tip: This shortcake is also fantastic with a drizzle of salted caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence.