Baked Nectarines with Honeyed Cottage Cheese & Almonds: A Sweet, Nutty Delight
Turn a simple dessert into something extraordinary with Baked Nectarines with Honeyed Cottage Cheese & Almonds. This dish combines the natural sweetness of ripe South African nectarines with the creamy richness of honeyed cottage cheese, finished off with a delightful crunch from almonds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or indulging in a cosy night in, this dessert is a showstopper that’s easy to make but packed with flavour. Scroll down or tap ‘Jump to Recipe’ to access the printable recipe with precise measurements.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavours
This recipe takes a few humble ingredients and transforms them into a sweet and satisfying treat that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
- Nectarines: The star of this dish! In the UK from November to May, when European stone fruits are not in season, I love to use South African nectarines. They are known for their exceptional flavour—their juicy, slightly tangy flesh caramelises beautifully when baked, creating a tender, sweet base for the cottage cheese filling.
- Cottage Cheese: With its creamy, slightly tangy profile, cottage cheese pairs perfectly with the sweetness of nectarines. The honey adds just the right amount of sweetness, making it a delightful contrast to the fruit.
- Almonds: Chopped almonds add a crunchy texture that complements the soft nectarines and creamy cottage cheese.
- Honey: Sweeten the cottage cheese mixture with honey for a natural, floral sweetness that brings all the ingredients together.
- Mint: Fresh mint leaves make a vibrant garnish, adding a burst of colour and a refreshing flavour that enhances the dish.
How to Make Baked Nectarines with Honeyed Cottage Cheese & Almonds
Prepare the Nectarines
Cut the nectarines in half and remove the pits.
Carefully scoop out some of the flesh from the centre of each half to create a well.
Make the Cottage Cheese Filling
Finely chop the scooped-out nectarine flesh and combine it with cottage cheese, chopped almonds, and honey in a bowl. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Stuff the Nectarines
Spoon the honeyed cottage cheese mixture back into the hollowed-out nectarines, filling them generously. Distribute the filling evenly in each nectarine half.
Bake to Perfection
Place the stuffed nectarines in the prepared baking dish and bake until tender and golden. For a beautifully caramelised top, broil the nectarines for the last 3 minutes of baking.
Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, top the baked nectarines with fresh mint leaves for a pop of colour and freshness. Drizzle with extra honey for added sweetness, if desired. I love serving them warm with a scoop of ice cream for the perfect balance of flavours and textures.
Customisable and Versatile
This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adjusted to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for customising your baked nectarines:
- Try Different Nuts: If you’re not a fan of almonds, you can swap them out for walnuts, pistachios, or hazelnuts for a different texture and flavour.
- Dairy-Free Option: To make this dish dairy-free, use a plant-based cream cheese or coconut yogurt as a replacement for the cottage cheese.
- Add a Spice Twist: Cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm spice to the filling, especially in the colder months. A pinch of ground ginger can also complement the sweetness of the nectarines.
The Magic of South African Nectarines
What makes South African nectarines so special? South Africa’s sunny climate, sheltered valleys, and more than 100 years of experience in stone fruit farming create the perfect growing conditions for nectarines, peaches, and plums. The result? Some of the world’s most flavourful and juiciest nectarines.
South African nectarines are available from November to May, making them the perfect choice when European varieties are out of season. By choosing South African nectarines, you’re not just enjoying exceptional fruit, but also supporting a farming community that prioritises sustainability and ethical practices. South African farmers are dedicated to producing fruit that is not only delicious but grown with care for the environment.
Baked Nectarines with Honeyed Cottage Cheese & Almonds: Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply indulging in a sweet treat after dinner, Baked Nectarines with Honeyed Cottage Cheese & Almonds is the perfect dessert. The combination of warm, baked nectarines and creamy, honeyed cottage cheese offers a light yet satisfying end to any meal. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests’ company.
This dish is also ideal for making in advance. Simply stuff and bake the nectarines ahead of time, then store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat them in the oven for a few minutes and garnish with fresh mint and honey.
Instagram Tutorial & More
Want to see how this magic happens? Head over to Instagram for our step-by-step video tutorial, where we show you exactly how to prepare these Baked Nectarines with Honeyed Cottage Cheese & Almonds. Craving more inspiration? Don’t miss out on our other delicious fruit-based desserts, like our
- Berry Semolina Tart
- Easy Apple Bakewell Tart
- Raspberry Ruffled Milk Pie
- Frozen Blueberry Ricotta Pops
- Passion Fruit Curd and Strawberry Puffs
Happy baking,
Izabella
Description
These baked nectarines are the perfect way to enjoy the natural sweetness of stone fruit. Filled with creamy cottage cheese, crunchy almonds, and a drizzle of honey, they turn into a beautifully caramelised, flavour-packed dessert.
Easy to make and naturally gluten-free, they’re perfect for any occasion—whether served warm from the oven or chilled as a refreshing treat. Try them as a light dessert, a unique brunch addition, or even a wholesome snack.
Ingredients
5 nectarines, halved and pitted
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 180°C and lightly grease a baking dish with butter.
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Carefully scoop out some flesh from the centre of each nectarine half and place the nectarines in the baking dish.
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Finely chop the scooped-out flesh and mix it in a bowl with cottage cheese, almonds, and honey until well combined.
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Spoon the mixture back into the nectarines and bake for about 30 minutes. For a caramelised top, broil them for the last 3 minutes.
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Once out of the oven, garnish with fresh mint leaves and drizzle with extra honey if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Equipment
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 5 ServingCalories:75.08kcalTotal Fat:2.61gSaturated Fat: 0.75gTrans Fat: 0gCholesterol:6.8mgSodium:126.35mgPotassium:59.07mgTotal Carbohydrate:8.65gDietary Fiber: 0.24gSugars: 8.04gProtein:4.84gVitamin A: 14.8IUVitamin C: 0.04mgCalcium: 38.51mgIron: 0.12mgVitamin D: 0.04IUVitamin E: 0.48IUVitamin K: 0mcgThiamin: 0.01mgRiboflavin: 0.08mgNiacin: 0.11mgVitamin B6: 0.02mgFolate: 5.75mcgVitamin B12: 0.17mcgPhosphorus: 72.53mgMagnesium: 8.19mgZinc: 0.23mg
Note
Best Nectarines & Peaches: In the UK, the best nectarines and peaches from November to March come from South Africa, as European varieties are not available during this time. Their sunny climate and expert farming produce some of the sweetest and juiciest stone fruit.
Sweetness Level: Adjust the honey to taste, depending on how naturally sweet your nectarines are.
Nut Variations: Swap almonds for walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts for a different flavour.
Serving Suggestions: Enjoy warm straight from the oven or chill them for a refreshing dessert. Serve with a scoop of yoghurt, ice cream, or an extra drizzle of honey.
Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently or enjoy cold.
