Here's a beautiful Italian-inspired nectarine dessert recipe! Macerating nectarines and berries in lemon and mint, then tossing them with Prosecco sparkling wine makes the best use of fresh summer fruit.
The first desserts that come to mind when sun-warmed nectarines are in season are often nectarine crisps or crumbles or nectarine cobblers. This nectarine recipe with Prosecco and berries is something a little different to try. I know you'll be glad you did!
It's fresh, it's sweet, and it's sparkling! Raspberries, blueberries and juicy nectarines macerate in Peach Schnapps, lemon and mint and then they're set to swim in bubbly Prosecco sparkling wine!
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❤️ Why you'll love this nectarine dessert
- Warm summer days call for light fruity desserts! When you need a dessert to take to a potluck, what could be better than one that takes only minutes to make? No oven needed!
- Fruit desserts like this one with nectarines or tropical fruit salad are always popular in the hot summer months. So light and refreshing!
- If you love in-season peaches and nectarines, try these recipes for Gluten-free Nectarine Ricotta Cake and Grilled Peaches with Honey-Lemon Drizzle.
🛒 Ingredients and substitutions
You'll find a complete list of ingredients with amounts in the recipe card below. But before we get to the full recipe, here are a few notes about the ingredients.
- nectarines: look for firm, ripe nectarines with unblemished skin
- raspberries: Look for the freshest! Fresh raspberries are those that still hold their shape.
- blueberries: avoid any with signs of spoilage or mold.
- liqueur: I like to use Peach Schnapps. You can substitute any orange liqueur, like Triple Sec or Gran Marnier or Cointreau.
- lemon zest: adds bright citrusy notes.
- sugar: helps to gently macerate the fruit and berries to release their natural juices
- mint: adds another layer of fresh flavour to complement the berries.
- Prosecco: the perfect choice for this dessert. It has a little natural sweetness and adds sparkling effervescence to the fruit.
🔪 Instructions
Here's a quick list of what you'll do to make this nectarine dessert recipe perfectly.
- Wash and slice the nectarines, removing the pit.
- Sort the berries, making sure they're all perfect.
- Very gently toss the nectarines and berries with sugar, lemon zest, liqueur and torn mint leaves. Allow the mixture to stand for 10 - 15 minutes.
- Transfer to dessert glasses and pour a little Prosecco over the fruit in each glass.
🔁 Possible Variations
You can substitute fresh firm peaches for the nectarines and choose your favourite berries. Blackberries and strawberries will be delicious!
👍🏼 Helpful Tips
If you want to slice the nectarines a few hours in advance, toss them in a tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown.
❓Reader's Questions
Prosecco is a light, fruity Italian sparkling wine. It's usually less expensive than Champagne. While Italians usually drink it straight, it's also popular in mixed drinks like Bellinis and Mimosas. Its slightly sweet flavour makes it ideal for this nectarine dessert recipe.
Prosecco is much lower in calories than other drinks. A traditional glass has about 80 calories and 1 to 1.5 g of sugar.
No. Nectarines are a smooth-skinned variety of peach. The skin is tender and there is no need to remove it.
It may seem strange to add sugar to fruit that is already naturally sweet. However, tossing a little sugar with the nectarines and berries helps to macerate the fruit so it gradually releases its juice. The juice then mixes with the liqueur and the Prosecco to make a heavenly sip!
Adding the other elements: Peach Schnapps, lemon zest, mint and sugar makes this a perfectly balanced dessert with incredible flavours.
🍽 How to serve nectarines with berries in Prosecco
Serve in a large bowl and let your friends help themselves, or serve it in small dessert glasses or small fruit bowls. It looks pretty when spooned into wine glasses.
The first time I made this dessert of nectarines and berries in Prosecco, I served it along with affogato coffees while we all dreamed of returning to Italy soon!
⏰ Make a nectarine white wine Sangria
To store: Refrigerate leftover fruit. It will be just as delicious the following day when the fruit has soaked up all the wine!
Leftover dessert? Make it into Nectarine Sangria! I realized as I was making this, that it's the base for an amazing sparkling white wine Sangria! Simply spoon some of the macerated fruit into a glass, add ice and extra Prosecco, give it a quick stir and enjoy!
🗒 More gluten-free dessert recipes
When you make this recipe, please leave a comment and a rating below. I love hearing from you! Thanks in advance. Subscribe to my newsletter and receive new recipes delivered straight to your inbox.
📖 Recipe
Nectarine Dessert with Prosecco and Berries
Ingredients
- 1 lb nectarines, about 2 large or 3 medium
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 1 tablespoon Peach Schnapps, or orange liqueur like Triple Sec or Gran Marnier
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon mint leaves, chopped or torn
- 1 cup Prosecco, chilled
Instructions
- Wash the nectarines. Slice ¼ inch thick slices, then cut each slice in half to make bite-sized pieces. Discard the pit.
- Sort the berries, making sure they're all perfect.
- Very gently toss the nectarines and berries with sugar, lemon zest, liqueur and torn mint leaves.
- All the mixture to stand for 10 - 15 minutes.
- Transfer to dessert glasses and pour a little Prosecco over the fruit in each glass.
Mary
Loved this with peaches, too!
Elaine
Thanks Mary, Great idea!