Peaches & Cream Spread is a delightful and versatile spread that brings together the sweetness of fresh peaches and the creamy texture of cream cheese and butter. Perfect for bagels, toast, crackers, or as a dip for fresh fruit, this spread is sure to become a favorite in your household. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup peeled and finely diced peaches
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup butter, room temperature
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Peaches:
- Start by peeling the peaches. To easily peel peaches, blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice water bath. The skins should slip off easily.
- Finely dice the peeled peaches. You’ll need about one cup of finely diced peaches. If the peaches are very juicy, you can drain some of the excess juice on a paper towel.
- Combine the Cream Cheese and Butter:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and room-temperature butter.
- Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the cream cheese and butter together until they are well combined and smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
- Add the Sugar and Salt:
- Add the powdered sugar and salt to the cream cheese and butter mixture.
- Continue to beat the mixture until the sugar and salt are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate the Peaches:
- Gently fold in the finely diced peaches using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep some of the texture of the peaches.
- Ensure that the peaches are evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese and butter mixture.
- Chill the Spread:
- Transfer the Peaches & Cream Spread to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together and the spread to firm up slightly.
- Serve:
- Once chilled, the Peaches & Cream Spread is ready to be served.
- Spread it on bagels, toast, muffins, or use it as a dip for fresh fruit or crackers.
Tips for Perfect Peaches & Cream Spread:
- Choose Ripe Peaches: For the best flavor, use ripe, sweet peaches. If fresh peaches are out of season, you can use canned or frozen peaches, but make sure to drain them well before dicing.
- Softened Ingredients: Ensure both the cream cheese and butter are softened to room temperature before mixing. This will help you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the spread before chilling and adjust the sweetness if needed. Add a little more powdered sugar if you prefer a sweeter spread.
- Texture Variations: For a chunkier texture, you can mash half of the peaches and fold in the rest as finely diced pieces. For a smoother spread, you can blend all the peaches until smooth before folding them into the mixture.
Variations:
- Peach and Honey Spread: Replace the powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of honey for a different kind of sweetness and an extra hint of flavor.
- Peach and Cinnamon Spread: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the mixture for a warm, spiced version of the spread.
- Peach and Nut Spread: Fold in 1/4 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use frozen peaches? A: Yes, you can use frozen peaches. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before dicing and adding them to the mixture.
Q: How long does this spread last in the refrigerator? A: The Peaches & Cream Spread can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Q: Can I make this spread ahead of time? A: Yes, this spread can be made a day or two in advance. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious.
Q: Can I freeze this spread? A: It’s not recommended to freeze this spread as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 120
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 100mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 7g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 1g
Peaches & Cream Spread is a versatile and delightful addition to any breakfast or snack time. Its creamy texture and sweet, fruity flavor make it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re spreading it on a bagel, adding it to a fruit platter, or enjoying it with crackers, this spread is sure to be a hit. Enjoy making and sharing this easy and delicious recipe with your family and friends!
