A pound cake and peaches sundae is a simple layered dessert made with fresh peaches, basil, lemon juice, pound cake, and vanilla ice cream. It is easy to assemble and perfect for summer.
Pound cake and peaches sundae is one of those desserts that looks impressive but is ridiculously easy to make.
It’s a simple layering of fresh peaches, soft pound cake, and creamy vanilla ice cream and it comes together in minutes. When you add basil it suddenly tastes like something you ordered at a restaurant.
If you need a simple summer dessert that feels a little special without a lot of effort, this is it.
Ingredients for Pound Cake and Peaches Sundae
- Vanilla ice cream
Classic, simple, and exactly what you want here - Fresh peaches diced
These are the star of the show. Use ripe ones for the best flavor. - Fresh basil thinly sliced
This is what takes the dessert from basic to wait a minute what is that flavor - Lemon juice
Brightens everything and keeps the peaches from getting too heavy - Sugar
Just enough to pull the juices out of the peaches - Pound cake sliced into 1/4 inch pieces
Store bought works great, or use my favorite homemade pound cake version
How to Make a Pound Cake and Peaches Sundae
Step 1 Prepare the Peaches
Dice the peaches and add them to a bowl.
Try not to eat half of them while you are cutting. It is a real risk.
Step 2 Add Flavor
Mix in the basil, lemon juice, and sugar.
Let it sit for a few minutes so everything gets juicy and flavorful.
Step 3 Slice the Pound Cake
Cut your pound cake into about 1/4 inch slices.
You want pieces that layer easily and soak up some of that peach goodness.
Step 4 Build the Sundae
Layer pound cake, peach mixture, and vanilla ice cream.
Repeat if you are feeling ambitious or just pile it high and call it a day.
I like to use a lemon and lime squeezer for this step, but you can also use a manual citrus juicer like the one shown here. It catches the seeds and makes it easy to get fresh juice in seconds.
Amazing what thinly sliced basil, fresh lemon juice and a tablespoon of sugar on peaches creates! It’s so simple and so elevated all at the same time!
Tips for the Best Peaches Sundae
Warm the pound cake slightly if you want that hot and cold contrast.
Use ripe peaches. Hard peaches will not give you that juicy texture.
Do not skip the basil. It sounds odd, but it works.
Let the peach mixture sit a few minutes so it creates its own syrup.
Easy Variations to Try
- Swap peaches for strawberries or blueberries
- Add a drizzle of honey or caramel
- Use grilled pound cake for extra flavor
- Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts for texture
Feel free to switch it up to suit your style.
Pound Cake and Peaches Sundae Recipe
Equipment
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 fresh peaches diced
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tsp fresh basil thinly sliced
- 4 slices pound cake 1/4 inch thick
- 1 cup vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix peaches, lemon juice, sugar, and basil.
- Let sit for a few minutes to create a light syrup.
- To assemble, place a slice of pound cake on a plate.
- Top with vanilla ice cream.
- Spoon the peach mixture over the top.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
This is one of those desserts that looks like you tried harder than you did.
Fresh, simple, and just a little unexpected thanks to the basil.
Try not to eat them all before the dessert is ready. It’s not easy!
When you’re ready to serve, slice the pound cake to 1/4″ pieces. I used my pound cake recipe.
More Easy Dessert Recipes
If you enjoyed this pound cake and peaches sundae, here are a few more desserts that are just as simple and worth making.
Try this creamy and indulgent peanut butter ice cream pie when you want a no bake dessert that comes together fast.
This apple pie dessert pizza is a fun twist on a classic and great for sharing.
For something quick and unexpected, this chocolate peppermint 2 ingredient Coke cake is as easy as it sounds.
If you love peaches, don’t miss these roasted white peaches with honeycomb and vanilla ice cream for a slightly more elevated take.
And if you want to make your own base, this vanilla pound cake is perfect for building desserts like this one.
