Peach-Tarragon Shortcake

A delightful summer dessert featuring ripe peaches infused with fresh tarragon, served on a buttery homemade shortcake and topped with whipped cream. This elegant twist on traditional shortcake combines the sweetness of peaches with the subtle anise flavor of tarragon.

8 servings

2 hr 25 min

Published October 4, 2025

Ingredients

•4 whole large ripe peaches
•2 sprigs tarragon
•⅜ cup sugar
•4 tablespoons unsalted butter
•1 sprig tarragon
•1 cup cake flour
•1 tablespoon baking powder
•1 teaspoon kosher salt
•1 cup all-purpose flour
•2 teaspoons sugar
•1½ cups chilled heavy cream
•1 cup whipped cream

Cooking Instructions

1.
Peaches Using the tip of a paring knife, score an X in the bottom of each peach. Cook in a large pot of boiling water just until skins begin to peel back where cut, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a bowl of ice water; let cool. Peel; cut over a medium bowl into 1/4"-thick wedges, collecting juices.
10 min
2.
Add tarragon and sugar to peaches and toss to combine. Let stand, tossing occasionally, until peaches release their juices and sugar is dissolved, about 1 hour.
60 min
3.
Preheat oven to 425°. Heat butter and tarragon in a small saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted; set aside.
5 min
4.
Whisk cake flour, baking powder, salt, 1 cup all-purpose flour, and 2 teaspoons sugar in a large bowl. Drizzle chilled cream over and mix gently until dough holds together.
5 min
5.
Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead into a shaggy ball, being careful not to overwork. Place on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and form into an 8"-diameter disk, about 1/2" thick. Brush with some reserved melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.
10 min
6.
Bake until shortcake edges are golden brown, 12-15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325°. Bake until golden brown all over, 8-10 minutes longer.
25 min
7.
Brush shortcake with remaining melted butter. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool. Cut shortcake into 8 wedges, spoon peaches and their juices over, and top with whipped cream.
30 min

Peach-Tarragon Shortcake

8 servings

2 hr 25 min

Published October 4, 2025

Cooking Instructions

Peaches Using the tip of a paring knife, score an X in the bottom of each peach. Cook in a large pot of boiling water just until skins begin to peel back where cut, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a bowl of ice water; let cool. Peel; cut over a medium bowl into 1/4"-thick wedges, collecting juices.

10 min

Add tarragon and sugar to peaches and toss to combine. Let stand, tossing occasionally, until peaches release their juices and sugar is dissolved, about 1 hour.

60 min

Preheat oven to 425°. Heat butter and tarragon in a small saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted; set aside.

5 min

Whisk cake flour, baking powder, salt, 1 cup all-purpose flour, and 2 teaspoons sugar in a large bowl. Drizzle chilled cream over and mix gently until dough holds together.

5 min

Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead into a shaggy ball, being careful not to overwork. Place on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet and form into an 8"-diameter disk, about 1/2" thick. Brush with some reserved melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.

10 min

Bake until shortcake edges are golden brown, 12-15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 325°. Bake until golden brown all over, 8-10 minutes longer.

25 min

Brush shortcake with remaining melted butter. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool. Cut shortcake into 8 wedges, spoon peaches and their juices over, and top with whipped cream.

30 min