This Peach Melba Brown Betty is a twist on the classic Apple Brown Betty, featuring sweet, juicy peaches and tart raspberries layered with buttery, golden breadcrumbs. Baked until crisp and bubbling, it’s the perfect comforting dessert. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or custard for a delicious treat!
Ingredients Needed:
- 30–45g (1–1½ oz) butter
- 175g (6 oz) stale breadcrumbs (white, wholemeal, or granary bread)
- 3 peaches, peeled, stoned, and sliced
- 250g (8 oz) raspberries
- 125g (4 oz) caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- Deep 1.5–2 litre (2½–3½ pint) ovenproof dish
How To Make Peach Melba Brown Betty
- Prepare the Breadcrumbs: Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and stir for about 5 minutes, until golden and crisp. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Fruit: In a bowl, toss the sliced peaches and raspberries with the caster sugar.
- Layer the Dessert: Press one-quarter of the breadcrumbs into the bottom of the ovenproof dish. Add half of the peach and raspberry mixture, followed by another quarter of the breadcrumbs. Repeat with the remaining fruit and finish with a final layer of breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the top lightly with caster sugar.
- Bake the Dessert: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan, Gas 6) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, until the top is crisp and golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool slightly before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm with vanilla ice cream, custard, or whipped cream!
Recipe Tips
- Stale bread works best! Use 2-day-old white, brown, wholemeal, or granary bread for great texture and flavour.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle a little demerara sugar on top before baking.
- Want a richer taste? Swap the butter for melted brown butter to enhance the nuttiness of the breadcrumbs.
- No fresh peaches? You can use canned peaches (drained) or frozen peaches (thawed and patted dry).
How Store It For Later
Storing in the Fridge: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dessert is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Do I Need To Peel The Peaches?
Peeling is optional! If you prefer a softer texture, peel them. If you like a bit of extra texture and color, leave the skins on.
Can I Make This Dessert Ahead Of Time?
Yes! You can prepare it up to 6 hours ahead and bake it just before serving.
If making earlier, store it in the fridge and reheat it in the oven at 180°C (160°C fan, Gas 4) for 10 minutes before serving.
Try More Recipes:
- Mary Berry Glazed French Peach Tart
- Baked Peaches with Marsala and Almonds
- Mary Berry Jam Tarts
- Mary Berry Pears In White Wine
Mary Berry Peach Melba Recipe
Description
Peach Melba Brown Betty – A warm, golden-baked dessert with layers of juicy peaches, tart raspberries, and crispy buttery breadcrumbs. Sweet, fruity, and perfectly crunchy, this easy twist on a classic is best served with vanilla ice cream or custard for a comforting treat!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the Breadcrumbs: Melt the butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and stir for about 5 minutes, until golden and crisp. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare the Fruit: In a bowl, toss the sliced peaches and raspberries with the caster sugar.
- Layer the Dessert: Press one-quarter of the breadcrumbs into the bottom of the ovenproof dish. Add half of the peach and raspberry mixture, followed by another quarter of the breadcrumbs. Repeat with the remaining fruit and finish with a final layer of breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the top lightly with caster sugar.
- Bake the Dessert: Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (180°C fan, Gas 6) for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes, until the top is crisp and golden.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let it cool slightly before serving. It’s best enjoyed warm with vanilla ice cream, custard, or whipped cream!