11 Georgia Peach Desserts That Scream Summer

Is there anything more iconic, more utterly summery, than a Georgia peach? We think not! Plump, fragrant, and bursting with a sweetness that only the Southern sun can impart, these golden gems are the undisputed queens of warm-weather treats.

We’ve rounded up 11 Georgia peach desserts that are guaranteed to bring a slice of sunshine – and a whole lot of deliciousness – to your table.

1. Classic Peach Cobbler

Golden peaches bubble beneath a buttery, sugar-crusted biscuit topping in this Southern staple. The magic happens when the fruit releases its sweet juices during baking, creating a thick, jammy layer that mingles with the crisp topping.

Grandmothers throughout Georgia guard their cobbler recipes like treasures, each claiming theirs is the authentic version. Some add cinnamon or nutmeg, while purists let the peach flavor shine without competition.

2. Peach Ice Cream

Churned to creamy perfection, homemade peach ice cream captures summer in frozen form. Fresh Georgia peaches get folded into a vanilla custard base, creating swirls of fruity goodness throughout.

Many Georgia families still bring out the hand-crank ice cream maker for summer gatherings, taking turns at the handle while sharing stories. The reward? Velvety scoops flecked with bits of real peach that taste like sunshine.

3. Peach Fried Pies

Half-moon treasures of flaky pastry cradle sweet peach filling in these portable treats. The hand pies get a quick dip in hot oil, creating a crispy exterior that gives way to warm, cinnamon-spiced peach filling.

Originally created as lunch pail desserts for farmers and workers, these pies needed no plates or utensils. Modern versions might get a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze, but the joy of biting into one remains unchanged.

4. Peach Bread Pudding

Cubes of buttery bread soak up a rich custard studded with juicy peach chunks in this comforting dessert. When baked, the pudding puffs up gloriously, with peaches rising to the surface and caramelizing slightly.

A bourbon-caramel sauce often crowns this creation, adding grown-up sophistication. Originally a thrifty way to use stale bread, this dessert now appears on upscale restaurant menus throughout Georgia, proving that humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary endings.

5. Grilled Peaches With Honey Mascarpone

Halved peaches kissed by grill flames develop caramelized edges and intensified sweetness in this elegant yet simple dessert. The slight smokiness plays beautifully against the fruit’s natural sugar.

A dollop of honey-sweetened mascarpone melts slightly over the warm fruit, creating a creamy sauce. This modern take on peach desserts showcases Georgia’s finest with minimal interference, letting nature’s candy speak for itself.

6. Peach Pound Cake

Buttery, dense cake batter embraces chunks of fresh peaches in this twist on a Southern classic. The fruit creates pockets of moisture and flavor throughout the golden crumb.

A peach glaze often cascades down the sides, adding another layer of fruity goodness. Sunday dinners across Georgia feature this cake as the grand finale, especially when peaches reach their peak sweetness in July and August.

7. Peach Crumble Bars

Buttery shortbread forms the foundation for these handheld treats, topped with a layer of sweetened peaches and crowned with cinnamon-oat streusel. The bars bake until golden, with peach juices bubbling around the edges.

Perfect for picnics and potlucks, these portable squares offer cobbler flavor without the need for bowls or spoons. School bake sales across Georgia feature these bars when peaches are in season, often selling out before the bell rings.

8. Peach Upside-Down Cake

Arranged peach slices caramelize in brown sugar and butter at the bottom of the pan, then become the crown jewel when flipped after baking. The fruit forms a stunning pattern atop the moist vanilla cake.

First made popular in the 1920s with pineapple, Georgia bakers quickly adapted the recipe to showcase their prized local fruit. The dramatic reveal when turning out the cake never fails to impress dinner guests, making this a showstopper dessert with relatively simple preparation.

9. Peach Sweet Tea Sorbet

Two Georgia icons merge in this refreshing frozen treat that blends sweet tea with pureed peaches. The resulting sorbet delivers a double dose of Southern summer in each spoonful.

Unlike richer ice creams, this dairy-free option feels light and bright on the palate. Served in hollowed-out peach halves or alongside butter cookies, this sophisticated dessert has become a staple at garden parties and bridal showers throughout the Peach State.

10. Peach Dumplings

Whole peeled peaches wrapped in pastry create impressive individual desserts that steam from within when cut open. The fruit softens during baking while maintaining its shape, creating a beautiful presentation.

A spiced syrup often gets poured over the dumplings before baking, creating a sauce that mingles with the peach juices. This old-fashioned dessert dates back to colonial times but remains a favorite at Georgia farm-to-table restaurants seeking to highlight local produce in authentic ways.

11. No-Churn Peach Frozen Yogurt

Tangy Greek yogurt blends with honey-sweetened peach puree for a healthier frozen treat that doesn’t require special equipment. The natural acidity in yogurt highlights the floral notes in perfectly ripe peaches.

Quick to make but impressive to serve, this dessert appeals to health-conscious Georgians looking to enjoy summer’s bounty without excessive sugar or fat. Some versions include a touch of cardamom or ginger for an unexpected flavor twist that complements the fruit beautifully.