Keto Baked Peaches: A Delightful and Healthy Dessert

There’s something undeniably comforting about warm, juicy baked peaches, making them a nostalgic treat that's perfect for summer. This keto-friendly version offers a sweet and spiced balance of indulgence and wholesomeness, ideal as a simple after-dinner dessert or a crowd-pleasing recipe for gatherings.

Why Peaches Can Fit Into a Keto Lifestyle (in Moderation)

While peaches aren't typically considered keto-friendly due to their relatively high carbohydrate content, they can be enjoyed in moderation. One medium peach contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber. However, by using fewer peaches per serving and incorporating sugar-free sweeteners, a keto-compatible peach dessert is achievable. For instance, a no-sugar-added peach cobbler might use only two peaches for the entire recipe, adding just 2.4 net carbs per serving from the peaches themselves.

Keto Peach Cobbler: Reimagining a Classic

Paula Deen's famous peach cobbler is a beloved comfort food known for its warm, gooey, and peachy-sweet flavor. However, it’s traditionally loaded with sugar and carbs. Transforming this classic into a keto-friendly version involves a few clever substitutions:

• Less Peaches: Reducing the number of peaches helps to lower the overall carbohydrate content. Instead of the four peaches called for in Paula Deen’s recipe, using just two provides the desired peachy flavor without excessive carbs.
• No Sugar: Replacing the sugar with a sugar-free sweetener keeps the carb count low. Sugar-free sweeteners are zero carbs and zero calories. The amount of sweetener can also be reduced compared to the original recipe.
• Replaced the flour: Replacing the self-rising flour lowers the carbs.
• Replaced the milk: Paula uses a cup of milk in her peach cobbler recipe. This adds 11 carbs/sugar to her recipe, so it needs to be replaced.

Recipe: Keto Baked Peaches with Almond Crumble and Mascarpone

This recipe combines juicy, sun-ripened peaches with a buttery low-carb almond crumble and a creamy mascarpone topping. It’s an elegant yet simple dessert that's sure to impress.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
• Pecan Crumble Topping:
  • Almond flour
  • Flaxseed meal
  • Nuts (pecans, almonds, or your choice)
  • Sweetener (erythritol, monk fruit, or your preferred keto-friendly option)
  • Cinnamon
  • Salt
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla extract
• Sweetened Mascarpone:
  • Mascarpone cheese
  • Sweetener
  • Vanilla bean paste or extract
• Balsamic Reduction:
  • Golden balsamic vinegar
  • Sweetener

Instructions:

1. Prepare the peaches: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish with olive oil. Slice the peaches in half and remove the pits. Place them cut side up in the dish and drizzle with olive oil.
2. Make the Pecan Crumble Topping: In a small bowl, mix almond flour, flaxseed meal, nuts, sweetener, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter and vanilla until crumbly. Set aside.
3. Prepare the sweetened mascarpone: Mix mascarpone, sweetener, and vanilla bean paste in a small bowl.
4. Make the balsamic reduction: Combine golden balsamic vinegar and sweetener in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer 7-10 minutes until it coats a spoon, stirring occasionally.
5. Assemble and bake: Spoon the spiced mixture into the pit divots. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the peaches.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the inside of the peach can be easily pierced with a fork.
7. Serve: Drizzle with balsamic reduction and top with a dollop of sweetened mascarpone.

Variations and Tips

• Fresh or Frozen Peaches: Fresh peaches are ideal, but unsweetened frozen peaches can be used when fresh ones are unavailable. Weigh out the frozen peaches (231g) and slice them into ¼-inch slices before using.
• Dairy-Free/Vegan Option: Substitute coconut oil for butter to make this recipe dairy-free or vegan.
• Add a Crunch: Top with granola or almond slices for added texture.
• Enhance the Peach Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon of peach flavoring to enhance the peach flavor, especially if using less ripe peaches.
• Peeling the Peaches: Peeling peaches gives the cobbler the perfectly orange peaches. If you don't peel the peaches, it can turn the cobbler a reddish tint, but doesn't affect the flavor.

Recipe: Keto Baked Peaches Bread Pudding

This recipe transforms keto bread into a comforting and flavorful baked peach bread pudding.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 slices keto bread, 1 net carb per slice
• ¾ cup unsweetened boxed coconut milk
• 4 large raw eggs
• ½ cup brown Swerve erythritol based sweetener, divided
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups (231g) fresh peach slices
• 1 Atkins Vanilla Macadamia Nut Soft Baked Energy Bar

Instructions:

1. Prepare the bread: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Melt butter and brush a 10-inch cast iron skillet with 1 teaspoon. Place roughly chopped bread in the skillet. Slightly stale bread works best, or dry fresh bread on a cooling rack for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the custard: In a medium bowl, whisk together boxed coconut milk, eggs, ¼ cup brown sweetener, 2 teaspoons melted butter, vanilla, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and salt until very well mixed. Pour over the bread, fold to coat each bread chunk and soak for 15 minutes, stirring once about mid-way through to ensure even absorption of the egg mix.
3. Prepare the peaches: While the bread is soaking, in a medium bowl combine remaining 1 tablespoon melted butter, ¼ cup brown sweetener, and ¼ teaspoon cinnamon. Slice peaches into ¼-inch thick slices.
4. Assemble and bake: Arrange peach slices over the soaked bread. Sprinkle the melted butter and brown sweetener combination evenly over the peaches, then top with crumbled Atkins Vanilla Macadamia Nut Soft Baked Bar.
5. Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until topping is browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Serving and Storing

• Serving Suggestions: Serve warm, either on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or coconut yogurt.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
• Best Served Warm: Roasted peaches are best served warm because there is some butter in the sauce which will solidify as it cools.

Key Considerations for Keto Baking with Peaches

• Sweeteners: Opt for keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia to maintain low carb counts.
• Flour Alternatives: Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of traditional wheat flour to keep the recipes gluten-free and low-carb.
• Fat Sources: Incorporate healthy fats like butter, coconut oil, or olive oil to enhance flavor and texture while adhering to keto guidelines.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

tags: #keto #baked #peaches