Refreshing dessert with peaches and cherries

Cool Peach and Cherry Dessert

On hot summer days, nothing compares to a fresh dessert bursting with natural flavors and delicate textures. This cool peach and cherry dessert recipe is perfect for indulging and refreshing yourself on sweltering days. It's an easy-to-make dessert that combines the sweetness of peaches with the tartness of cherries, while the yogurt adds a creamy and refreshing note. Let's discover together how to prepare this delight!

Total preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 1-2 hours
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:
- 5-6 ripe peaches (preferably not overly soft)
- A handful of cherries (about 200 g)
- 3 tablespoons of sugar (you can adjust to taste)
- 300 ml Greek yogurt (for a creamy texture)
- 150 g Savoiardi ladyfingers

Before we begin, here are some useful tips about the ingredients:

1. Peaches: Choose ripe but firm peaches. They will provide a sweet taste and ideal texture. If you want to add a note of complexity, you can use peaches of different colors – yellow for sweetness and white for tartness.
2. Cherries: Make sure they are fresh and well-ripened. If fresh cherries are not available, you can use canned or frozen cherries, but avoid those in syrup, as they will add too much sweetness and a soggy texture.
3. Greek yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt without added flavors or sugar. It’s rich in protein and has a creamy consistency that will blend perfectly with the peaches.
4. Savoiardi ladyfingers: These are ideal for layering the dessert, but you can also experiment with plain cookies or even homemade biscuits.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the peaches: Wash the peaches well and remove the pits. Cut them into pieces and place them in a blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth paste. If you want a more intense flavor, you can keep a few peach pieces for decoration.

2. Cooking the mixture: Transfer the peach puree to a saucepan and add the 3 tablespoons of sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Once it boils, let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to cool.

3. Mixing with yogurt: Once the peach mixture has cooled, add the 300 ml of Greek yogurt. Mix well until completely combined. Taste and adjust the sweetness if necessary.

4. Preparing the cherries: Wash the cherries, remove the pits, and cut them in half. If using frozen cherries, ensure they are fully thawed and drained of excess water.

5. Assembling the dessert: In glasses or bowls, start layering. Place a layer of crushed Savoiardi ladyfingers, followed by a layer of the peach and yogurt cream, then a layer of cherries. Repeat the process until the container is full, making sure to finish with a layer of cream.

6. Chilling: Cover the glasses with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1-2 hours. This chilling time is essential for the flavors to meld and the dessert to firm up.

7. Serving: Once the dessert is chilled, it's ready to serve. You can decorate with thin slices of peach or a few whole cherries for an attractive presentation.

Serving suggestions: This dessert pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A refreshing drink, such as mint tea or a cool cocktail, can complement the meal beautifully.

Nutritional benefits: This dessert is not only delicious but also healthy! Peaches are rich in vitamins A and C, while cherries are an excellent source of antioxidants. Greek yogurt provides a good amount of protein and probiotics, beneficial for digestive health.

Approximate calories: Each serving contains about 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of sugar used and the portion size.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other fruits? Absolutely! You can experiment with mango, strawberries, or even combinations of berries.
2. Can I make the dessert sweeter or less sweet? Of course! Adjust the sugar amount according to your preferences.
3. Is this dessert suitable for vegans? You can replace Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and, instead of Savoiardi ladyfingers, you can use vegan cookies.

This cool peach and cherry dessert recipe is not only simple but also versatile, allowing you to experiment and play with the ingredients. I encourage you to put your personal touch on it, add a secret ingredient, or decorate it as you like. You'll find that every meal becomes a special occasion with this fresh delight! Enjoy!