If you’re searching for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe. It’s an irresistible combination of sweet, juicy peaches roasted to perfection with a buttery cinnamon sugar glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Each bite delivers a delicate balance of warmth from cinnamon, rich sweetness from brown sugar, and the fresh juiciness of ripe peaches—making it a perfect treat for any season. Trust me, once you try this Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe, it’ll become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly straightforward yet each plays a vital role in turning ordinary peaches into something truly special. From the butter that adds luxurious richness to the cinnamon and brown sugar that create that signature sweet-spiced coating, every single component brings harmony in taste and texture.
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted: Choose peaches that are fragrant and give slightly when pressed for maximum sweetness and juiciness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds moistness and helps the cinnamon sugar caramelize beautifully over the peaches.
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar: Provides deep sweetness with hints of molasses to balance the tartness of the peaches.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The warm spice that gives this dish its irresistible inviting aroma and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors with its sweet and fragrant notes.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances the natural sweetness and rounds out the overall flavor profile.
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional): Perfect finishing touch for serving, adding creamy contrast to the warm peaches.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). This moderate temperature gives the peaches enough heat to soften perfectly and allows the cinnamon sugar butter to melt and caramelize evenly. Setting the oven first is key to a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Arrange the Peach Halves
Place your halved and pitted peaches in a baking dish, cut side facing up. This orientation allows the cinnamon sugar mixture to pool deliciously in the peach cavities, soaking into the flesh as they bake, locking in moisture and flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything until well blended—the mixture should be smooth and glossy. This blend is the heart of your Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe, creating that irresistible sweet-spiced coating.
Step 4: Spoon the Mixture Over Peaches
Evenly distribute the cinnamon sugar butter over each peach half. Don’t be shy here—make sure each peach gets a generous coating so that every bite is bursting with that golden caramel flavor that this recipe is famous for.
Step 5: Bake Until Tender and Juicy
Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the peaches become tender, their natural juices bubble up, and the cinnamon sugar mixture has transformed into a slightly caramelized glaze. This is where magic happens.
Step 6: Let Peaches Cool Slightly
Once baked, carefully remove the dish from the oven and allow the peaches to cool for a few minutes. This short rest helps the juices settle and makes them perfect for serving without being too hot.
Step 7: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Serve these luscious baked peaches while warm, ideally topped with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. This extra indulgence creates a delightful contrast that takes your Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe from delicious to unforgettable.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little garnish elevates the rustic beauty of your baked peaches. Fresh mint leaves offer a pop of green and a refreshing aroma, while a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts like pecans or almonds adds texture and a nutty counterpoint to the sweet softness.
Side Dishes
This Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe pairs wonderfully with light, simple side dishes. Try it alongside a crisp green salad for a sweet finish or even a warm slice of pound cake or angel food cake to turn it into an extra special dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve each peach half in individual ramekins with drizzles of the caramelized sauce from the baking pan. Another delightful idea is to layer sliced baked peaches over Greek yogurt for a sophisticated brunch or snack with a cinnamon twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover baked peaches in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The peaches may continue to soften slightly but will maintain their delicious flavor and can be enjoyed cold or gently warmed.
Freezing
While fresh peaches are best, you can freeze baked peaches by placing the cooled fruit in a freezer-safe container. They keep well for up to two months and thaw quickly in the fridge overnight, though the texture may soften further upon freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your baked peaches gently in a microwave or oven until just heated through. Avoid overheating to keep them juicy and tender. Adding fresh ice cream at serving time brings warmth and creaminess back to life beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches for this Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess water before baking to avoid sogginess.
Is it necessary to use unsalted butter?
Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level precisely. Salted butter can be used in a pinch, but reduce the additional pinch of salt in the recipe accordingly.
Can I make this dessert vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil and serve with dairy-free ice cream or whipped topping to keep it vegan-friendly.
How ripe should the peaches be for best results?
Look for peaches that are fragrant and yield gently when pressed. Under-ripe peaches will be too firm and lack sweetness, while overripe peaches may become mushy when baked.
Can I prepare the peaches ahead of time?
You can assemble the peaches with the cinnamon sugar mixture a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for optimal freshness and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe is one of those simple pleasures that never fail to make me smile. The beautiful combination of natural sweetness, warm spices, and buttery richness creates a dessert that feels exciting yet effortless. Whether you’re entertaining guests or craving a cozy night in, give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy peaches!
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Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches recipe features ripe peaches halved and baked with a deliciously sweet cinnamon sugar butter mixture. The peaches become tender and juicy with a caramelized topping, making a simple yet indulgent dessert perfect for any season. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra creamy touch.
Ingredients
Peaches
- 4 ripe peaches, halved and pitted
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Serving (optional)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the peaches.
- Arrange peaches in baking dish: Place the halved and pitted peaches cut-side up in a baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Prepare cinnamon sugar mixture: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Coat peaches: Spoon the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over each peach half, making sure each one is generously covered with the buttery topping.
- Bake the peaches: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the peaches turn tender and juicy.
- Cool slightly: Remove the peaches from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the topping to thicken slightly.
- Serve warm: Serve the baked peaches warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm peaches to ensure they hold their shape during baking.
- Light brown sugar adds a deeper caramel flavor compared to granulated sugar.
- The optional vanilla ice cream or whipped cream provides a nice temperature contrast and creaminess.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated before serving.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a non-dairy topping.
