Vanilla Ice Cream with Basil-Peach Topping Recipe

This Basil-Peach Topping recipe is a fresh and unique topping, which is made with fresh peaches and sweet basil. It’s the perfect summer dessert, ready in about 20 minutes.

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Vanilla Ice Cream with Basil-Peach Topping Ingredients

2 whole peaches, pitted and chopped
2 cups sugar
2 cups water
18 whole basil leaves, washed
Vanilla or strawberry ice cream, for serving

How To Make Basil-Peach Topping

Prep the peaches: Place the chopped peaches in a heat-proof bowl and set it aside.
Make the simple syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Continue to boil for 3 to 5 minutes until the syrup has thickened slightly.
Infuse the syrup with basil: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool for a couple of minutes. Pour the warm syrup into a blender and add the fresh basil leaves. Pulse briefly for larger pieces of basil, or blend for a few seconds for a smoother, greener syrup.
Combine and serve: Pour the warm basil syrup over the chopped peaches in the bowl. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 5 minutes for the flavors to meld, then spoon it generously over scoops of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.

Vanilla Ice Cream with Basil-Peach Topping Recipe

Recipe Tips

How do you get the best basil flavor? For the freshest, most vibrant flavor, add the basil to the syrup when it’s warm, not boiling hot. This will infuse the syrup without “cooking” the herb, which can make it taste bitter.
Can I use other fruits instead of peaches? Absolutely. This basil syrup would be equally delicious poured over chopped nectarines, apricots, plums, or a mix of fresh berries like strawberries and blueberries.
How thick should the syrup be? You’re looking for a consistency that will coat the back of a spoon but is still easily pourable. Boiling it for 3-5 minutes is usually perfect. Be careful not to over-boil, or it will start to turn into candy.
Can I make this topping ahead of time? Yes, this is a great make-ahead recipe. You can store the finished peach and basil syrup mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

What To Serve With Basil-Peach Topping

While this topping is designed for ice cream, its uses don’t stop there. It’s also fantastic spooned over:

A slice of pound cake or angel food cake
A bowl of plain Greek yogurt or cottage cheese
Waffles or pancakes for a special brunch
A simple cheesecake

How To Store Basil-Peach Topping

Refrigerate: Store the cooled topping in an airtight container or a sealed jar in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to one week. The flavors will continue to meld as it sits.

Basil-Peach Topping Nutrition Facts

Serving: about 1/4 cup of topping
Calories: 210 kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 0.5g
Fat: 0g
Sugar: 55g

Nutrition information is estimated for the topping only and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Do I have to use fresh peaches for this recipe?

Fresh, ripe peaches will give you the best flavor and texture. However, you could substitute with thawed, frozen sliced peaches in a pinch. Canned peaches are not recommended as they are often too soft and packed in a heavy syrup that would make the topping overly sweet.

My basil syrup looks a bit brown/green. Is that okay?

Yes, that’s completely normal. Blending fresh basil leaves into a warm syrup can result in a color that isn’t bright green, but the delicious, sweet, and herbaceous flavor is what truly matters.

Can I use a different herb instead of basil?

Certainly. Fresh mint would be a classic and fantastic alternative, creating a topping reminiscent of a peach mojito. A few sprigs of fresh thyme would also offer a more savory, herbal note.

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