Pin
These easy cinnamon sugar baked peaches turn ordinary fruit into an amazing treat with barely any work. The sweet spices and brown sugar melt down into a mouthwatering mix that'll make your whole house smell fantastic while they cook up.
I whipped these baked peaches up one night when I noticed a bunch of ripe peaches were about to go bad. What started as just using up extra fruit quickly became my favorite lazy dessert whenever friends drop by unexpectedly.
What You'll Need
- Fresh ripe peaches: Go for ones that give a little when squeezed but aren't too soft for the best results after cooking
- Butter: Makes a tasty liquid that mixes with the fruit juice
- Brown sugar: Turns all golden and gooey, adding a deep sweetness that works great with peaches
- Cinnamon: Gives that cozy spice kick that peaches love
- Nutmeg: Adds some extra flavor layers with its warm taste
- Cloves: Brings a tiny punch of spicy warmth that works with everything else
- Salt: Just a dash cuts the sweetness and makes all flavors pop
- Vanilla ice cream: You can't skip this cool, creamy topping on the warm fruit
How To Make Them
- Get the peaches ready:
- Slice each peach down the middle following that natural line around the fruit. Twist the halves in opposite ways to pull them apart. Scoop out the pit with a small spoon without messing up the fruit. Set them cut-side up on your baking tray.
- Add the butter:
- Put a small chunk of butter (about half a tablespoon) in the middle of each peach half where you took out the pit. As it bakes, the butter will melt and mix with the peach juice to make a yummy sauce.
- Make your sweet spice mix:
- Take a small bowl and stir together the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt with a fork to break up any clumps. Make sure everything's mixed evenly throughout the sugar.
- Top and bake them:
- Sprinkle plenty of your spiced sugar mix over each peach half, making sure to get some in the middle where the butter sits. Stick the baking sheet in your hot oven and cook for 8 to 12 minutes. They're done when you can easily poke them with a fork and the sugar has melted into a golden sauce.
The real wonder of this dish is how simple it is. I've found that even peaches that aren't quite ripe get super tender and sweet when baked. My kids usually don't go for fruit desserts, but they actually ask for these baked peaches all the time, which makes me feel pretty good.
Picking Good Peaches
Getting the right peaches really matters for this dish. Look for ones that smell sweet and give just a bit when you press them gently. If your peaches are too hard, they'll need more time in the oven and might need some lemon juice to keep from browning. Super soft peaches will turn to mush, so try to find that sweet spot of ripeness.
Mix It Up
This simple recipe can change up in lots of ways. Try adding some bourbon to the butter and sugar for a grown-up treat. Throw some chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking if you want some crunch. For something different, swap the brown sugar for maple syrup and add a tiny bit of cardamom. This method works great with other fruits too, like nectarines, plums, or apricots – just cook smaller fruits for less time.
Fancy It Up
These baked peaches taste great just with vanilla ice cream, but you can dress them up for company. Pour some honey over top and add toasted almonds. Try a spoonful of mascarpone cheese instead of ice cream for an Italian feel. Want something lighter? Top with Greek yogurt and a bit of granola. They even work for breakfast with a dollop of ricotta and some maple syrup drizzled on top.
This treat looks fancy but feels like comfort food, making it perfect every time peach season comes around.
Recipe Q&A
- → How can I tell if my peaches are ready for baking?
Look for peaches that give slightly when you press gently but aren’t overly soft or squishy. They should smell sweet and aromatic, especially near the stem. Firmer peaches are ideal as they hold up better during baking.
- → Is it possible to use other fruits instead of peaches?
Yes, you can. This method works just as well with stone fruits like nectarines, plums, or apricots. If the fruit is smaller, just bake it for a few minutes less, checking for softness after 6-8 minutes.
- → Should I peel the peaches before they go in the oven?
Not necessary! The skin helps keep the peach's shape intact while baking and adds color and nutrition. If you don’t like the skin, you can easily remove it after baking — it’ll slide off effortlessly.
- → What are some good alternatives to vanilla ice cream?
If ice cream isn’t your thing, whipped cream, mascarpone, plain Greek yogurt, or crème fraîche are all amazing options. For a dairy-free choice, coconut whipped cream or non-dairy ice cream will work well.
- → How do I store leftover baked peaches?
Place the cooled peaches in a sealed container and refrigerate for up to three days. To reheat, warm them in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Or eat them cold, chopped up in yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast!
- → Can I prepare the peaches ahead of time?
You can assemble the peaches and topping up to four hours before baking. Hold off baking them until close to serving. They’re best enjoyed fresh from the oven when warm, especially with ice cream.