If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a cool evening, the Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe is your new best friend. This simple yet irresistible dish combines juicy, ripe peaches with a buttery, cinnamon-kissed sugar topping that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and natural fruitiness. Whether you want a quick treat or a special finish to your dinner, this recipe is so easy and delightful that you’ll find yourself craving it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering flavor and texture. The peaches bring juicy sweetness and natural softness, while the butter and brown sugar create a luscious caramel glaze. Cinnamon adds warmth, and a touch of nutmeg can deepen the spice profile just a little.
- 4 large ripe peaches: Choose firm yet slightly soft peaches that are bursting with juice for the best flavor and texture.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: This adds richness and helps the sugar caramelize beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar: Provides a lovely deep sweetness and aids in creating a golden crust.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and a cozy aroma to the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional): Adds an extra hint of spice to enhance the overall flavor without overpowering.
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional): Perfect for a creamy contrast when serving.
How to Make Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Greasing the baking dish or lining it with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, ensuring your peaches come out looking as perfect as they taste.
Step 2: Cut and Arrange the Peaches
Cut your peaches in half and carefully remove the pits. Arrange them cut-side up in your prepared baking dish so each peach gets evenly cooked and beautifully caramelized on top.
Step 3: Combine the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg if you’re using it. This mixture will become your luscious topping that seeps into the peaches as they bake, infusing them with flavor and creating a toffee-like glaze.
Step 4: Spoon the Mixture Over the Peaches
Evenly spoon the cinnamon sugar and butter combination over each peach half. Make sure each piece is well coated to maximize that delicious, sticky crust that’s the crown jewel of this recipe.
Step 5: Bake Until Tender and Caramelized
Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the peaches are tender and their tops are caramelized to perfection. You’ll know they’re done when they’re soft but still hold their shape with a golden, bubbly sugar crust.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
Once baked, let the peaches cool just a bit. Warm peaches with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream make the perfect finishing touch that balances hot and cold, sweet and creamy.
How to Serve Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe is how adaptable it is when it comes to garnishes. Try a sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds or a handful of fresh mint leaves to add crunchy and herbal layers of flavor, elevating the dessert from simple to sophisticated instantly.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with light sides that complement its fruity sweetness without overwhelming. Consider serving alongside a mild cheese platter, a simple crisp salad, or even a scoop of lemon sorbet for a zesty counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the baked peaches over oatmeal or pancake stacks for breakfast, or crumble some cinnamon-spiced granola on top for added texture. You can also split a baked peach between two bowls and drizzle with caramel sauce for a decadent, restaurant-style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though it’s hard to believe you will), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The peaches will continue to soak up the syrup, becoming even more flavorful overnight.
Freezing
You can freeze baked peaches by letting them cool completely, then placing them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them gently overnight in the refrigerator to maintain their texture as much as possible.
Reheating
Reheat leftover baked peaches in a warm oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the peaches mushy. Oven reheating preserves their tender texture and the caramelized topping best.
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches for the Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen peaches, but fresh ripe peaches are ideal for the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before baking to avoid sogginess.
Is the nutmeg necessary in this recipe?
Not at all! The nutmeg is optional. It adds a little extra warmth and complexity but the recipe tastes amazing with just cinnamon and brown sugar.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the butter for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use a vegan-friendly ice cream or whipped topping if desired.
How ripe should the peaches be?
Choose peaches that are ripe enough to be juicy and sweet but still firm enough to hold their shape during baking. Soft peaches may turn mushy, so a little firmness is key.
What other spices can I add to the cinnamon sugar topping?
Feel free to experiment with a pinch of ground ginger, cloves, or cardamom to suit your taste. These spices pair wonderfully with peaches and can put a unique spin on the traditional recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe is one of those magical desserts that seems fancy but comes together in no time at all. It’s a celebration of fresh fruit, cozy spices, and simple ingredients that transform into something truly special. I’m confident that once you try it, it’ll become a beloved classic in your kitchen just as it is in mine.
Print
Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cinnamon Sugar Baked Peaches are a simple, warm dessert featuring ripe peaches coated with a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture and baked to tender perfection. Served best with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, they offer a comforting and easy-to-make treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Peaches
- 4 large ripe peaches
Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Serving Options
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a baking dish to prepare for baking the peaches.
- Prepare the peaches: Cut the peaches in half and carefully remove the pits. Arrange the peach halves cut side up in the prepared baking dish to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Make the cinnamon sugar topping: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and optional ground nutmeg. Mix thoroughly to create a sweet, spiced topping to enhance the peaches’ natural flavor.
- Apply topping and bake: Spoon the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over each peach half, making sure each is well coated. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the peaches are tender and the topping is caramelized and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the peaches from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to add a creamy contrast to the warm, spiced fruit.
Notes
- Choose ripe but firm peaches to avoid them becoming too mushy during baking.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.
- The nutmeg is optional but adds a lovely warm depth of flavor; you can omit it if desired.
- This dessert can also be prepared ahead and gently reheated before serving.
- Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking for added crunch.
