This dessert features a luscious chocolate base baked until it develops a crackly, delicate top layer while staying irresistibly gooey inside. Starting with melted butter and chocolate, the batter is lightened by eggs and sugar whisked to a fluffy texture. Flour, baking powder, and salt are folded in gently before adding extra chocolate chips for bursts of intense flavor. The batter is poured into a springform pan to maintain the tall edges as it rises. Once baked and cooled, a rich hot fudge drizzle adds a glossy finish that enriches every bite. It’s a straightforward yet indulgent chocolate treat perfect for any occasion.
This Peach Iced Tea delivers the kind of pure summer refreshment you want on the hottest days. The homemade peach syrup infuses every sip with fruity sweetness and the hint of lemon ties it all together. I love making it when friends drop by or for a festive backyard BBQ—the bright color and aroma always impress.
I started making this tea during a July heatwave when my garden peaches were overflowing and it became an instant favorite with my neighbors and family.
Ingredients
- Medium peaches: ripe and juicy peaches create a more fragrant syrup look for ones that smell sweet and give slightly to the touch
- Granulated sugar: dissolves with the peaches to make a thick peach syrup taste and adjust as needed for your preferred sweetness use fresh pure cane sugar for clearest flavor
- Cool water: balance and dilutes into a refreshing drink filtered water keeps flavors clean
- Black or green tea bags: the base of the drink black tea is bold and classic while green tea is light and mellow choose good-quality bags for less bitterness
- Lemon juice: brightens and makes the peach flavor pop use freshly squeezed juice if possible
- Ice: chills each glass rapidly and keeps the tea crisp large cubes melt more slowly to avoid watering down
- Mint sprigs: an optional garnish that adds a cooling note pick leaves without blemishes for best appearance
- Peach slices: a pretty garnish and a fruity snack look for perfect slices from the center of the peach
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Peach Syrup:
- In a large mixing bowl combine diced peaches and sugar Stir very well to coat every piece Cover tightly and refrigerate for one to two days Stirr the mixture once or twice This longer rest allows the sugar to fully dissolve and pulls the beautiful juices from the peaches For the best results let it go closer to two days
- Strain the Syrup:
- After the syrup develops pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a new bowl Press the peaches to get every bit of syrup out Save the strained fruit to spoon over yogurt or oatmeal
- Brew the Tea:
- Heat four cups of water to a rolling boil Place the tea bags in a heatproof vessel and pour the hot water directly over them Steep for five minutes for robust flavor Remove the bags and immediately add the remaining cooler water This gives you the perfect strength and clarity Cool to room temperature
- Mix the Tea and Syrup:
- Pour the brewed tea into a large pitcher Stir in the peach syrup and two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice Taste and adjust the ratios as desired Allow the mixture to chill completely in the refrigerator or serve right away over plenty of ice
- Garnish and Serve:
- When ready to serve fill glasses with ice Pour the peach tea over and top each with a peach slice and a sprig of mint It is as pretty as it is delicious