Colorado is known for many things. Our microbrew industry. Our skiing. 300 days of sunshine a year. Being the thinnest state in the U.S. But something we locals covet, and those in the food industry do too, is our peaches.
On the western slope of the Rocky Mountains in the area of Palisades is our peach growing mecca. The fertile valley is home to most of Colorado’s orchards and wine grape growing. I know Georgia is proud of their peaches and I visited Thorsby Alabama once which sports a peach shaped water tower and a festival but I’m here to say ‘they got nothin’’ on Colorado peaches.
We have just begun to get the first of the season’s peaches from the Western Slope in Boulder. I enjoy a farm CSA share weekly which includes a fruit share from the Western Slope. We’ve been nibbling through gallons of cherries and apricots but as fantastic as those are they pale a bit when peaches arrive on the scene.
I have a cache of vintage seasonal recipes featuring a star fruit or vegetable and it’s always exciting when the opportunity aligns for some kitchen experimentation. The recipe I picked for my first peaches really speaks to the breakfast food ruts I find myself in as well as my culinary ADHD when entertaining as soon as my guests arrive.
I know breakfast is the most important meal of the day but I’m not a cereal or carb lover and often don’t have time to make an elaborate protein-based meal. When I saw this oven baked pancake topped with sautéed peaches I heard the angels singing on high (probably because they have observed what a hot mess I become if making brunch and trying to chit chat at the same time).
This is a very simple and completely delicious dish. Four ingredients are combined to make a pancake that bakes to a light texture and golden brown finish in the oven. It has a billowy quality unlike a standard pancake. When the pancake is removed it is topped with separately sautéed peaches or nectarines making it beautiful to behold, delicious to consume and easy beyond belief.
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Recipe
Golden Oven-Baked Pancake Topped with Sauteed Peaches
Ingredients
- 1 cup half and half
- ½ cup all purpose flour (regular or gluten free)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 8 eggs
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cups peaches , peeled, pitted and thickly cut into wedges
- 3 tablespoon light brown sugar , packed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (grind it fresh is possible; it’s a completely different flavor)
- 5 cups peaches , peeled, pitted and thickly cut into wedges
- Confectioner’s sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Grease a 13” by 9” by 2” baking dish (or similarly wide and shallow 3 quart capacity baking dish) with unsalted butter.
- In a large bowl whisk together the half-and-half, flour and granulated sugar until fully blended.
- Add eggs to the mixture above, one at a time, whisking to fully blend before adding the next egg.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking pan and bake for 15 minutes until puffed and golden brown.
- While pancake is baking, in a large frying pan melt the butter. Add the brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon and nutmeg stirring until brown sugar has melted. Add peaches and gently stir to coat and cook stirring frequently until peaches are hot and glazed.
- After removing pancake from the oven, dust with powdered sugar (if desired) and top with the sautéed peaches. Garnish with a light sprinkling of freshly grated nutmeg. Serve immediately.
Jacque Hastert says
Love the combination of mango and pineapple!
I Heart Naptime says
WOW, this looks incredible!! Pancakes and peaches are 2 of my favorite things ๐
Alison says
What an easy breakfast.
Monica says
Thank you for this recipe. It turned out so well with gluten free flour that I am required to use.
Toni Dash says
I’m so glad! I feel we gluten-free eaters can feel shortchanged with recipes for special occasions; I’m delighted this worked for you! Merry Christmas Monica!
susan says
adding sparkling water to summer soups? never heard of that, but I am all over it. Sounds like a great event, filled with wonderful food, great tips, and friends! Lucky you.
lindsay | rosemarried says
Thank the good lord for peach season! It's my favorite time of the year. This recipe is lovely (and so simple!). I love it. And I love that you used two variations of peaches. It's lovely.
Jenny (vintagesugarcube) says
Oh wow! I have never seen an ovenbaked pancake recipe or pic before. It looks perrrrfect. I never make pancakes, as they're are something I can't seem to get right. But… this- I will make! And the peaches look divine. Kudos to YOU Toni.
Elisabeth says
I just noticed that you are on #1 spot for Top 9, Toni… Congratulations! Loved reading your post, and gazing through your lovely photos with the yummy baked pancake, topped with the amazing peaches! Love the rustic look on the tray, and the server, as well!
No wonder your state is the skinniest…just look at all the gorgeous mountains you have in Colorado! Winter skiing, and summer hiking…all these things that we don't have here, in S. Florida, other than the ocean and the beautiful beaches!
Peggy G. says
What a great idea for brunch! Can't wait to impress my husband with this =)
Lizzy says
Mmmmm….what a delicious idea for my favorite summer fruit! This would make a magnificent breakfast!!! Congrats on your Top 9, Toni!