How to Peel Peaches

Here’s how to peel peaches: without a knife or peeler! This easy method makes the skin come off in sheets, perfect when you’re baking or freezing.

Making a recipe that calls for peeled peaches? Here’s the easy way to do it! Here’s the thing about peaches: if you try to peel them with a vegetable peeler, you end up with a mess. This fruit is so juicy and the skin so tough, it’s hard to make it work. So here’s a trick that works like a charm. I grew up eating my mom’s world’s best peach pie, and this is how she peeled the peaches every time. This method works whether you’re making pie, cobbler, or peach puree, or even for freezing your peaches. Ready to get started?

Here’s the trick: how to peel peaches!

The trick to how to peel peaches? Boiling water! Yes, a quick dunk in boiling hot water makes the peach skin release from the peach. It also barely cooks the peach, which makes it just the right texture for using in desserts and purees. Here’s what you need to know:

• Boil the peaches for 45 seconds each. You can add them to a pan of boiling water in batches of 2 or 3.
• Remove them to a bowl of ice water. After the 45 seconds, use a slotted spoon to place them in ice water. This cools them so you can easily handle them.
• Remove the peel with your fingers. Use a knife to get it started by making a shallow slice just into the skin. Then use your fingers to pull off the skin in sheets. Voila!

Why do you need to peel peaches?

Good question! The peach skin is pretty thick and in some cases, fuzzy. For some recipes, this is ok and you can leave the skin on. Sliced peaches with the skin on work in a salad like this Easy Burrata & Peaches, or for Grilled Peaches or Roasted Peaches. You should also peel peaches if you’re planning to freeze peaches to preserve them for later.

But if you’re making a baked good like a pie or cobbler, or a peach puree or jam, peeled peaches are the way to go! They’re much easier to eat that way. Speaking of…

Recipes to use peeled peaches

So, what are the best recipes that use peeled peaches? We’re so glad you asked! We’ve got lots of favorites. Here are some top peach recipes and peach desserts to make:

• World’s Best Peach Pie Our prize winning family recipe features fresh peaches with a thick creamy custard and a salty crust.
• Peach Galette Try this easy, free-form peach tart.
• Peach Crisp or Peach Crumble are classic, pairing sweet fruit with a golden crumble topping
• Peach Sorbet or Peach Ice Cream are creamy, frosty and perfect for summer
• Bellini Cocktail This sparkling Italian cocktail pairs peach puree and Prosecco for bubbly fresh flavor.
• Peach Salsa Recipe Serve with tortilla chips, fish, black beans, tacos, and more!
• Best Peach Cobbler Ready for the best peach cobbler — ever? Here cinnamon-y sweet peaches are topped with flaky ricotta biscuits: and we dare you to eat just one bite.

01

Peach Crumble

02

Peach Galette

03

Perfect Peach Crisp

04

How to Freeze Peaches

Print

More How To’s:

We love resourcing your kitchen with all the tips and tricks you need to know! Here are a few more “How To’s” you might be interested in! Here’s how to…

• Dry Basil Looking to preserve the summer’s best herb? Here’s how (or make pesto).
• Make Dill Pickles Follow this easy, no fail tutorial to fill jars with the best tangy flavor and satisfying crunch.
• Cook Chickpeas It’s so easy to cook garbanzo beans from dried: they’re cheaper and taste much better than canned.
• Toast Nuts Toasting nuts brings out their nutty flavor and makes them crunchier: you can taste the difference!
• Cook Vegetables Here are all the best methods for making them taste irresistible.